Navigating Emotional Changes in Later Life
Emotional changes are one of the hardest things for us to deal with in life, but that problem only becomes stronger as we age. According to the National Council on Aging, about 80% of all senior adults face some sort of chronic condition.
These range from cognitive impairments to issues like depression. Many of these issues are made worse by severe emotional changes brought on by aging.
If you're curious about the mental health of seniors and the emotional well-being of seniors, we're here to help. Read on to learn more psychological changes elderly adults experience, as well as some senior emotional health tips to help you tackle these challenges.
What Causes Emotional Change?
First, what's causing emotional change in adults of all ages? Emotional change is the result of a large change in one's life or personal health.
When we're younger -- or for many ages -- this is often triggered by a move out of a town. Leaving everything we know behind can cause some severe mental challenges.
In middle age, this can be caused by things like career changes, unemployment, and more. Another leading factor is divorce, particularly now as studies from the American Psychological Association hint toward more people over the age of 50 getting divorced.
Other factors include, but are not limited to:
- Bereavement
- Moving to retirement age
- Having an "empty nest"
- Adjusting to senior living communities
The changes that each senior faces are unique to their own lives. Some people may experience emotional change without a dominant event. Still, others may experience a dominant event without feeling emotional change.
Common Mental Health Challenges
With emotional change handled, what are some of the challenges leaving us concerned about mental health in seniors? As we touched on, some issues are more and more common as we age. Here are some of the factors to keep in mind.
Handling Retirement
As we age, many of us look forward to retirement. The thought of escaping our constant work life, of hanging up our ties and being able to relax for a "permanent vacation," is a driving force of optimism for some.
But for others, work is an important part of life, especially if they do something they're passionate about. Some able-bodied seniors are even forced to retire depending on what they do for a profession.
According to HelpGuide, many people "grieve the loss of [their] old life." Some experience feelings of depression, isolation, and aimlessness. That comes as a result of having a strict schedule for years only to no longer have it.
A great fix for this is to find something else to fill the time and take over the schedule. Hobbies, gardening, or personal projects are all good choices for this.
Battling Loneliness
Another factor that many of us battle is the issue of loneliness. Loneliness is an issue for anyone of any age, but it can become more profound as we age.
One common cause for loneliness is a lack of attachment or engagement with one's family. That can often be the case if you've recently moved into a senior living community. The change in scenery, as well as the difficulty of adjusting, can make you feel isolated and lost.
Social media is often used to make up for this loneliness, but social media isn't without its risks. Some issues like misinformation, inappropriate content, or scammers are always present in social media spaces.
Grief and Bereavement
Finally, one of the most common issues for people in their golden years is grief and bereavement. From the natural progression of things, we slowly begin to lose friends and loved ones to old age as we grow older.
Many issues arise from this particular source of grief. Feelings of mortality are often an issue, while the World Health Organization cites that about 14% of adults over 60 live with a mental disorder.
Tackling Emotional Changes
With so many issues around, how can we handle tackling emotional changes? Thankfully, we don't have a shortage of ways we can take charge of the emotional well-being seniors and adults need. Here are some of the best ways to improve mental health in seniors.
Stay Active and Healthy
One of the most important methods is to stay active and healthy in your day-to-day life. Many seniors battle feelings of malaise and fatigue due to having no way to exercise or stay active.
Many communities have wellness programs that can help seniors exercise. There are also great social classes that focus on working out, learning new health management skills, and more.
Focus on Socialization
Loneliness is an epidemic, but the fix is easy enough: socialization! Social media is a good source of socialization, as one might suspect, but it's no substitute for person-to-person contact.
The aforementioned wellness clubs and social classes are great options. There are also many social events, such as:
- Social and community gardens
- Volunteer work and engagement
- Learning classes and language learning engagement
Whatever your preferred form of socialization is, there's something for everyone. Book clubs are a particular favorite, as they keep the mind sharp as well as allowing socialization.
Find Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteering opportunities are a great way to improve the mental health of seniors and help them cope with their emotions. There are many opportunities that can fit any need.
Do you miss your kids or grandkids? Volunteering to help at a local elementary school can help you recapture those golden memories. Volunteer work at a library or a voting center can help you give back to your community as well.
Understanding the Challenge of Emotional Changes
The emotional changes we face as we age are difficult, but with proper management, coping with aging emotions is more than manageable. Focus on the emotional well-being seniors and adults need with socialization, proper rest, and staying engaged with your community.
At LakeHouse Fond du Lac, we offer a compassionate and beautiful living community. Our individual care plans and amenities ensure that you're well cared for and can enjoy every moment of your retirement. Contact us to see how we can improve your days in Fond du Lac, WI.