Many times, the most challenging part of aging is feeling a loss of control over our own lives. As we age, most everyone experiences a decline in their physical abilities, including strength and endurance, which may get in the way of being able to do some of the things we love to do — activities we may have taken for granted in the past.
In addition, medical struggles may become more frequent and we may lose our ability to drive because of diminished eyesight and slower reaction times. And these circumstances may eventually lead to us moving to a place where we can get the extra support and care we need.
It can all feel very overwhelming if we let it. Giving in to a foreboding fear of change can become a self-fulfilling prophecy, causing our older loved ones to sink into depression and loneliness, giving up on their opportunities to find or maintain health and happiness.
Depression on the Rise in Seniors
Clinical depression affects more than 6 million Americans over the age of 65, yet fewer than 10 percent of those afflicted seek help. Depression can be mentally debilitating, causing people to lose motivation and excitement for life. It not only triggers people to live in a state of mental anguish, but it also causes physical symptoms including chronic fatigue, uncomfortable and sometimes debilitating aches and pains, insomnia or oversleeping, and a lack of appetite putting seniors at risk of becoming malnourished. Depression can increase the likelihood of cardiac ailments or stroke, and studies found depression can exacerbate pre-existing medical problems.
Keeping a positive mindset can go a long way toward helping seniors feel empowered to live their best life, participate in fun activities and hobbies, and take control of their health to increase the likelihood of a long, active, and fulfilling life. The power of positivity isn’t just wishful thinking, it’s a way to visualize a plan and create the life they want to live.
Benefits of Positive Thinking for Seniors
- More empowered: A sense of having a handle on our lives can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, promoting better mental well-being in seniors.
- More physically fit: Positive thinking seniors are much more likely to make healthier lifestyle choices. They exercise more regularly and make better dietary choices.
- More resilient: Positive thinking gives seniors the tools they need to bounce back from setbacks in their life and to feel confident, although things around them may be changing, that they’re in control and can manage it.
- Better cognitive function: Staying engaged, having interests they look forward to and simply maintaining their zest for life helps seniors to keep their cognitive abilities in tip top shape and improve their memory function.
- Better social skills: Depression can be a spiraling illness. Closing your door to the outside world can make it tough to find the confidence to get back out there and make friends. But seniors who are focused on being positive and outgoing can prevent feelings of general unhappiness, loneliness, and isolation by participating in activities in their community.
These factors all add up to a healthier, longer life. So, how do we help our seniors experience the power of positivity? It can be as simple as adopting a few healthy habits.
Ways to Foster a Positive Mindset and Experience the Power of Positivity
Improving the company they keep
Encourage and help your senior loved ones to surround themselves with uplifting people, including friends, family, exercise or activity organizations, or support groups. These social connections can be inspiring and motivational.
Engaging in physical activities
Creating an exercise schedule has physical health benefits that can help seniors live longer and more active lives. Physical activities also reduce stress levels and put us in a better mood. Activities including yoga, stretching, dancing, or walking are examples of exercise appropriate for seniors.
Exploring their hobbies and interests
Seniors often have more time to indulge in the things they always wanted to do like learning how to play an instrument, tending a garden, quilting, painting, or playing golf. Having something we’re enthusiastic about gives us a sense of joy and something to look forward to as well as an escape from the things that bring us down.
Being “nicer” to themselves
Help seniors identify the pitfall of negative thought patterns then substitute them with positive affirmations. Verbalizing self-belief and resilience through encouraging words can make a significant difference in our perception of control we have over our lives. As Henry Ford once said, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.”
Maintaining mindfulness practices
Mindfulness techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises can reduce anxiety, make us more relaxed and increase our overall mindfulness.
Counting our blessings
While we may remember to thank others for the positive things they bring to our lives, we often forget to remind ourselves of all the accomplishments and benefits of life we should feel grateful for. Encourage your senior loved ones to take a little bit of time every day to reflect on things they appreciate about their lives. A fantastic way to accomplish this is creating a gratitude journal in which they can record the wonderful things they have in life. To get started, fill it with prompts that ask your senior loved one to name three things they saw, heard, ate, or experienced that they’re grateful for.
Shifting to a positive mindset later in life can be a tough concept for a person to grasp. But, if you can help them create this new habit, your senior loved one can feel more independent, happier, and less isolated. Not to mention, the physical benefits they could experience like a lowered risk for cardio and cognitive ailments, reduced pain, and better mobility could make a significant difference in their day-to-day life. The power of positivity — it’s too good to pass up!
Find more senior Health & Wellness tips on Bethesda’s blog.
