Healthy Aging

Working with older adults has given me the opportunity to observe many aspects of mental health and aging. Some seniors experience and express optimism, happiness, and a zest for living while others reflect chronic pessimism, inflexibility, and depression. Research points to a combination of biological, social, and psychological factors that contribute to each person’s makeup and approach to life.

Let me offer some of my observations on aging and mental health.

Mentally healthy older adults continue to experience a sense of adventure as the years go by. Most of us might not feel comfortable skydiving at age 70 or 80 but learning a new hobby, joining a travel club with other seniors, learning to use the computer, and participating in other lower risk activities can provide a sense of adventure and creativity.

Older adults who are mentally healthy experience a sense of being needed, contributing to something, and having a purpose in life. These individuals talk about “needing and having a reason to get up each morning,” whether it be a job, volunteer activities, or beginning a new career. For others, something as simple as acquiring a pet can help meet this need.

Focusing outside of oneself rather than being enslaved by emotional neediness and dependency on others is essential to good mental health. Spiritual connectedness with a supreme being helps with the inevitable losses that occur with age. Being part of a caring, sharing faith community can offer and provide support, friendship, and involvement for those that belong.

Recognizing and accepting limits and boundaries that come with age is another key element in mental health and aging. For example, if your night vision declines with age avoid driving after dark. Switching from jogging to walking might be healthier for your aching bones and joints.

Using compensatory aids for age- related changes are also helpful in maintaining a sense of self- sufficiency and contact with the world around you. Hearing aids, lens implants for cataracts and large print books are all examples.

Mental and physical health goes hand and hand so that healthy seniors should
exercise, exercise, and exercise some more. Staying physically active within one’s medical limitations is extremely important. Joining an exercise group or exercising with other people often helps sustain the routine that is necessary for staying active.

Stay part of the healthy aging movement, don’t get left behind.