Even though as many as 20% of older adults experience anxiety or another type of mental health concern, it is largely stigmatized and avoided. Because of this stigmatization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that “depressive disorders are an under-recognized condition and often are untreated or under-treated among older adults.”
When we’re younger, making friends seems so easy. We connect with our classmates, our neighbors, our teammates, and eventually, our coworkers. As we get older, though, it becomes more challenging to build and maintain friendships.
With everyone finally coming out of quarantine and social distancing measures, people are more ready than ever to get out, socialize, and spend time with friends and loved ones, both old and new. But, unfortunately, many people have begun to feel the effects of being isolated for so long and may feel mentally, emotionally, and physically drained.
When people think of wellness, they often think of simply the absence of illness or disease. True wellness, however, is much more complex and comprehensive than that. According to The Global Wellness Institute, wellness is defined as “the active pursuit of activities, choices, and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health.”
Many older adults live in the same house where they raised their family. While this can be a cherished and sentimental home, many people begin to realize that it’s no longer the most convenient living situation if the kids have all moved out. There might be three or four bedrooms that lay unused, excess space that needs to be heated and cooled, and endless clutter filling the rooms. As cherished as this house is, it’s most likely much larger than you need and potentially causing unwanted stress and effort.
It’s not uncommon to feel apprehensive about aging. Stereotypes, misconceptions, and fear of the unknown can lead us to believe that aging is simply not something to look forward to.
When you’ve had a bad day, you’ve probably had someone tell you to “look on the bright side” or “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade!” While these talks can sometimes be unhelpful at the moment, the people giving them may have the right outlook: positivity.
The holiday season is a time full of joy, celebration, and togetherness. And while we may focus our time on shopping and gifts, it’s also a time of helping others, giving back, and making a difference.
Typically, giving back during the holiday season involves volunteering at soup kitchens, going caroling, or visiting a hospital, but the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way we gather in person. With coronavirus and its variants still a concern for many, we encourage you to get creative when finding ways to give back.
Socialization is essential at every life stage. For young children, socialization is a crucial part of their development. It allows them to grasp the concept of communicating with others, understanding feelings, and learning appropriate interactions. For young adults, socialization can introduce them to people and perspectives different from what they’re used to, and often provide them with long-lasting friendships. For older adults, socialization can help prevent isolation, improve health, and create a feeling of community and belonging.
When we think about our health, the first thing that comes to mind is typically our physical health. How are we feeling today? Any unusual aches or pains? Are we eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep? We often care so much about our physical health that we sometimes forget to focus on our mental health—which is just as important.
