Importance of the Mental Health of Seniors

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Discovery Village at Naples

Posted on

May 07, 2021

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Florida - Southwest

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Mental health concerns across the senior and elderly populations are widely undiagnosed, but with upwards of 7 million seniors reportedly suffering in silence and solitude, its time to identify and take steps to reverse what appears to be a global mental health epidemic among the senior population.
While diagnoses like dementia and Alzheimer's are consistently at the forefront of the conversation, depressive disorders actually represent the #1 mental health issue among seniors. But depression and its many iterations consistently go unrecognized and untreated among seniors, a clear sign that more vigilance is needed to identify and sufficiently treat symptoms of depression before they escalate and potentially lead to more serious outcomes, such as major depressive episodes, self-destructive behaviors, and even suicide.
Various lifestyle factors among seniors can act as powerful catalysts for depression, from declining physical abilities to the loss of friends and loved ones. However, the emphasis on seniors maintaining independence actually works against them in this case, making it less likely affected seniors will ask for or seek out the help they need in any sort of timely manner.
Clearly, seniors and society as a whole can do better. So as we work to further the discussion about seniors and mental health, understanding these early warning signs and the many available tools and outlets for effectively dealing with mental health concerns is a crucial first step towards ensuring longer and more fulfilling lives for seniors.
Early Warning Signs
There's a strong and very direct correlation between declining mental health and worsening physical health. So beyond just changes in mood, feeling sad or lonely, or deriving less joy from certain activities, paying less attention to personal grooming and appearance, changing eating or sleep patterns, or withdrawing from family or social activities should all raise concerns and not go unaddressed if noticed.
Important warning signs to look for in order to identify mental health concerns in seniors include:

Persistent sadness
Trouble falling asleep or sleeping too much
Decreased socialization
Loss of interest in usual activities
Excessive worrying
Irritability
Feeling worthless, helpless, or hopeless
Changes in appetite
Crying spells
Trouble focusing, remembering, or making decisions
Declining personal care and appearance

7 Ways Seniors Can Improve Mental Health
Although seniors might be uniquely vulnerable, they are not helpless when it comes to combatting mental health concerns. So whether its going on the offensive and taking preventive measures, or just being aggressive about soliciting help and support, using all available tools and resources is key to feeling better faster and continually cultivating an environment in which seniors are empowered and vigilant when it comes to ensuring their own mental health.

Challenge the Mind: Spend time reading and/or writing, studying a foreign language or other subject, playing an instrument, or doing puzzles

Get Physical: Take regular walks, make exercise an important part of life, and enjoy physical activities where possible

Stay Connected with Friends: Stave off the ill effects of loneliness and isolation by remaining in regular contact with friends and loved ones. Technology like FaceTime and Skype make video calling simple and seamless, but theres always e-mail, sending letters or postcards, and old-fashioned phone calls, too

Take Part in Events and Activities: At senior living communities nationwide, activities programs are specially designed to offer a variety of recreation and social options, which leave seniors feeling more active, involved, and purposeful about their day-to-day lives

Volunteering: Doing good for others is a great way to do good for ourselves, too. Giving time to worthy organizations from the local community helps support causes, but also makes the individual feel valued, appreciated, and more accomplished in the process

Caring for a Pet: Animals offer unconditional love and companionship, and where appropriate, can keep seniors active and more engaged while leading their care. Alternatively, volunteering at a local animal shelter can have a similar effect without the full-time responsibility

Get Help: Its long past time to defeat the lingering stigmas about mental health and be proactive about asking for help. Medical professionals in both the office and residential setting are trained to recognize warning signs, but can also help expedite proper care for affected seniors.

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Discovery Village At Naples

Independent Living 8375 Sierra Meadows Boulevard, Naples, Florida, 34113

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Assisted Living 8417 Sierra Meadows Blvd., Naples, Florida, 34113

We are the areas most advanced senior-living community. Discovery Village At Naples is nestled not far from the natural beauty of the Everglades and the Gulf of Mexico. Unlike most assisted living communities in the region, Discovery Village At Naples uniquely blends the best senior-living features, amenities and wellness programs all into one state-of-the-art community. As a result, we have won gold in the 2016 National Association of Home Builders' "Best 55+ Assisted Living / Special Needs Community" category. Here in our award-winning community, you or your loved one will be well taken care of by a team of professionals offering you the ultimate in comfort, happiness and healthy living. Come discover an active, healthy way of life where you can choose from three lifestyle options to suit your needs: Supervised Independent Living, Assisted Living or Memory Care. At the heart of our brand new community is The Grande Clubhouse, a place where you will enjoy gourmet dining three times a day, socializing with new friends, participating in an array of events and activities, or maybe just taking in a movie in our plush theater. Then there's the wellness center; complete with indoor heated therapy pool, fitness center, available on-site therapies, and on-site Medical Director, plus many other features chock full of opportunities to get well and stay well. Discovery Village is managed and operated by Discovery Senior Living, a recognized leader for more than 25 years in the development, building, operation and management of affordable, award-winning senior-living communities. Our vision from the very beginning was to create beautiful communities where residents would find interesting and active friends engaged in a happy and healthy lifestyle. This vision has come to life through the dedication and loyalty of our team members. These professionals are committed to ensuring resident's experiences, satisfaction and enjoyment are unsurpassed each and every day. We are honored to serve our residents and are committed to maintaining the highest levels of personal care.

Discovery Village At Naples

Memory Care 8417 Sierra Meadows Blvd., Naples, Florida, 34113

We are the areas most advanced senior-living community. Discovery Village At Naples is nestled not far from the natural beauty of the Everglades and the Gulf of Mexico. Unlike most assisted living communities in the region, Discovery Village At Naples uniquely blends the best senior-living features, amenities and wellness programs all into one state-of-the-art community. As a result, we have won gold in the 2016 National Association of Home Builders' "Best 55+ Assisted Living / Special Needs Community" category. Here in our award-winning community, you or your loved one will be well taken care of by a team of professionals offering you the ultimate in comfort, happiness and healthy living. Come discover an active, healthy way of life where you can choose from three lifestyle options to suit your needs: Supervised Independent Living, Assisted Living or Memory Care. At the heart of our brand new community is The Grande Clubhouse, a place where you will enjoy gourmet dining three times a day, socializing with new friends, participating in an array of events and activities, or maybe just taking in a movie in our plush theater. Then theres the wellness center; complete with indoor heated therapy pool, fitness center, available on-site therapies, and on-site Medical Director, plus many other features chock full of opportunities to get well and stay well. Discovery Village is managed and operated by Discovery Senior Living, a recognized leader for more than 25 years in the development, building, operation and management of affordable, award-winning senior-living communities. Our vision from the very beginning was to create beautiful communities where residents would find interesting and active friends engaged in a happy and healthy lifestyle. This vision has come to life through the dedication and loyalty of our team members. These professionals are committed to ensuring resident's experiences, satisfaction and enjoyment are unsurpassed each and every day. We are honored to serve our residents and are committed to maintaining the highest levels of personal care.