Since the time pandemic has hit many people have come forward and started talking about mental health. It seems more important now than ever. Various organizations and hospitals came ahead with toll-free numbers to talk about any issues faced by people. People realized the importance of talking to family members, staying connected with friends, and reviving old relations. We did pay attention to most of the aspects of human’s need to stay connected and feel mentally strong. While we all paid attention to the mental health of kids (as they are couped in the house), women (workload increased for every woman), men (they had to sit at home and work endlessly) but there is one segment about whom still not much has been talked about. And that is Senior citizen’s mental health.

With this post of mine, I want to create awareness around certain parameters affecting the senior citizen’s mental health, why they need support, and what all can be done to help them cope with these tough times.

Parameters affecting the senior citizen’s mental health

Getting older and embracing retirement involves a huge lifestyle change for most people. While with age we ensure the elderlies take care of their health we also should focus on the mental health issues they are or may face.

• Retirement- For someone who has worked for years together it’s difficult to think about sitting idle at home after retirement. And with time and age, they form a daily routine from getting up at certain times and performing certain activities at regular intervals. When this habit of years gets affected, it can cause trouble to few people. Sense of self-worth and financial security are also reasons for increased mental stress leading to a sad and depressive state of mind.
• Being widowed or divorced- The need for a partner in old age is most valued as the person is free to live life. But early death of a spouse or being divorced can cause a lot of depression and affects mental health.
• Staying alone- With families becoming nuclear by the day-old parents are usually left alone in the house when children move out with their own families and careers ahead. This loneliness and not having anyone to talk to can lead to distress.
• Health issues– Ailments related to age cause not just physical troubles but mental too. Not being able to perform simple activities of life or being dependent on medicine and others leads to a lack of self-confidence and self-doubts.
• Prolonged use of medicines– Most elderly people consume some of the other medicine and this medicine also causes depression as a side effect. And the overall mental health suffers too.

Why do Senior citizens need support?

• They are your parents-They raised you and made sacrifices for you and the family all these years to make sure you grew up to be the person that you are. You need to provide them with the best care because they deserve it. They cared for you and now they’re the ones who need you.
• They sacrificed for you- From birth, till the day you move out of the house to make a living and even later. Parents sacrifice and do a lot to help you achieve your dreams and life.
• They are god’s blessing on you- In our country parents are next to God. God cannot be everywhere so created parents to be the guiding angel of a child.
• They love you- Parents teach their kids to walk not just for the very first time but always stand in all your firsts. They love you and sacrifice a lot for your happiness.
• They are your value system- Old age brings in rich experiences and value systems. Elders in the family have lived in times when values and traditions were prevalent. So, they have a rich heritage of values system to pass on to the new generations.
• They are your best teachers- Through years spent facing struggles and difficulties in life, they gain rich experience and life’s lessons to share with you and the future generations. So, they are the best teachers you have been blessed with.
• They are nearing the end Sooner or later with age life becomes uncertain and it takes a toll on the mental health of the elderly. It’s imperative that you make their last few days happy and peaceful. Give as much love and care as possible.
• It’s the right thing- Last but not least, trust me parents are huge blessings on earth and it’s the only right thing to do to take care of them. One day even you will age and you will be in the same position. So do the right thing of taking their care.

Wellness is of utmost importance read ways you can improve your health. 

Ways Senior citizen’s mental health can be improved

• Adopt a healthy lifestyle- Physical fitness and health have a huge impact on overall mental health. It’s important to adopt a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and yoga. Along with this one needs to have a balanced nutritious diet to give a sense of well-being.
• Stay positive- Time, situation and age cannot be reversed but it’s important to remember the previous challenging situations we have overcome in our lives. So, bring out your inner strength and make your life positive.
• Join senior citizen club- Staying with like-minded people can really help. Sharing joys and sorrows with people your age helps you relieve some stress. Laughter clubs, yoga clubs, and other senior citizen club helps bond and make new friendships.
• Have a daily routine- Routine plays a key role in driving our positive mental health. Do all basic day-to-day activities at a set time to avoid hassles and feelings of unrest. From waking up, doing exercise, eating, sleeping, and repeat. Everything needs to be done at regular fixed timings.
• Reconnect- Older adults often become socially isolated, as they lose their friends or reduce participation in social activities, due to health or mobility issues. Social media is a great way to connect with other like-minded individuals irrespective of age, and joining an online class can introduce you to new people. In fact, social media helps to reconnect with old friends and families too.
• Family support- Children and grandchildren can really help in rejuvenating the lifestyle of the elderly in the house. Spending quality time with them and listening to them can be a great help to help them stay happy.
• Pick a new hobby- Staying active after retirement is very important so one can pick up a new hobby that they like or want to pursue.
• Volunteer in your society or nearby- At old age, people need a sense of purpose so it’s good to join few hours of work that won’t stress you out. It could be volunteering in a nearby NGO or in your own society. It helps in keeping the elderly engaged and in contact with the outside world. Remember that it’s just to keep them busy and not get them to make money or stress themselves out. The work has to be easygoing and one that gives happiness.
• Get them a pet- Pets are a great companion and help in developing bonds and lower stress and overall give a sense of happiness to your mind. So, if it is a possibility then do consider gifting a pet to the elderly in your house. (A pet that isn’t too demanding on the entire family)

Ways to improve children’s mental health

Senior citizen’s mental health and stability are of utmost importance to lead a healthy and sane life. Loss of mental health leads to other physical ailments and conditions. By taking essential efforts to do mind healthy activities daily we add on to the life of the elderly in the family. Whether it’s completing a crossword puzzle each morning, going for a few walks a day, or even journaling, there are simple and quick activities to complete that will help tremendously in the long run.

If you have senior citizens in your house then do remember they need extra love, affection, and care in this stage of life. Respect their emotions and feelings. Give their life new meaning by supporting them in staying happy and valued.

This post is a part of #Causeachatter by BlogChatter.

If you are a brand and would like to see your products reviewed, please send an email at lifethrumyeyes11@gmail.com or you can also connect with me by clicking on any of these on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.