The Importance Of Brain Health In Aging: 7 Tips To Maintain Cognitive Function

Do you experience feelings of hopelessness? Have you lost pleasure in activities you once enjoyed? Do you cry more frequently? Have you gained or lost weight? If you have experienced a combination of these symptoms, which have persisted for two weeks or more you may be suffering from depression.One in five Americans live with a mental health conditionor 43.7 million people. 6.9% of adults16 million peoplehave experienced a major depressive episode in the last year. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death, the 3rd leading cause of death for those aged 1024, and the 2nd leading cause of death for those aged 15-24 (statistics from the National Alliance of Mental Illness).For the elderly, depression affects 6.5 million of the 35 million adults over the age of 65. The senior population accounts for 20% of all suicides, the highest success rate belongs to senior men. Depression is the leading factor to seniors attempting suicide. Those statistics are staggering and chances are either you or someone you know suffers from depression or another mental health condition.October 10th is Mental Health Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness for mental illness, providing educational resources, as well as reducing the stigma attached to mental illness. Take some time to recognize the warning signs of depression as well as the signs of suicide.Warning Signs of Depression:Persistent sadnessLoss of interestFatigueInsomnia or excessive sleepingFeelings of hopelessness or worthlessnessDecrease in energyDifficulty concentratingIncrease or decrease in appetiteThoughts of death, dying or suicideSlowed thinking, speaking or body movementsIf your or your loved one exhibits these warning signs of depression, seek medical and professional help. Depression is not a normal sign of aging and there are treatment options available.In addition to the warning signs of depression, it is important to pay attention for the following behaviors (suicide warning signs from SAVE- Suicide Awareness Voices of Education).Warning Signs of Suicide:Talk about suicide, e.g. I have nothing left to live for. I wont be a burden on my family much longer. I should just kill myself. Statements of hopelessness, helplessness or worthlessness.Preoccupation with death.Suddenly happier, calmer.Loss of interest in things one cares about.Unusual visiting or calling people one cares about saying goodbyes.Making arrangements; setting ones affairs in order.Giving things away.Stockpiling pills or obtaining a weapon.Refusal to follow doctor-prescribed medications and/or special diet.If you suspect your loved one is considering suicide the most important thing you can do is to talk with them. Here are a few steps you can take if you are concerned for your loved one.1. Ask Questions. Talking about suicide may seem counter-intuitive. Many people are afraid to ask a loved one whether or not they are thinking about suicide. However, talking with your loved one is the most important thing you can do to assess their thoughts and where they stand. Here are four important questions to help evaluate your loved ones suicide risk:Do you ever think about suicide?If you were to hurt yourself, how would you do it? (The plan/method).Have you thought about when you would do it? (The timeline).Do you have access to what you would use? (Access to method).2. Provide Reassurance. If your loved one is actively considering suicide they need to feel heard and understood. Dont shame them for their thoughts and feelings. Instead, reassure them that there is help and treatment options available.4. Remove Suicide Method. Remove any apparent methods for committing suicide, such as weapons or stockpiled pills.3. Seek Treatment. Help your loved one seek medical and mental health treatment. Immediately, assist your loved one in setting up appointments for a medical evaluation and help your loved one get to the appointment.There is hope, depression can be treated and suicide can be prevented. Know the warning signs and seek treatment options.

In observance of National Mental Health Awareness Month this May, the spotlight is now turning toward a previously overlooked demographic: seniors. While mental health has gained significant attention in recent years, researchers are uncovering the unique challenges faced by older adults. As we strive to pave the way for healthy seniors, its crucial to value the importance of a positive mental health mindset and habits.The psychology of aging is changing. As they start to retire, baby boomers are changing the way we think about senior citizens and mental health awareness. According to a study from the Institute on Medicine, approximately 1 in 5 older adults in the United States has a mental illness, substance abuse disorder or both.Researchers who have studied mental wellness over a lifespan noticed that older adults with chronic conditions, such as heart disease, are more likely to experience depression as well. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that for seniors, doctors may dismiss concerns of depression or loneliness, and seniors are left misdiagnosed or undertreated. In fact, due to the longtime cultural stigma around mental health issues, seniors may be more reluctant to seek help, or they may dismiss their own concerns because they do not believe that they need assistance to feel better. Reasons Why Seniors Struggle with Mental HealthThere are various reasons that seniors often struggle with mental health concerns, and while there are no set causes, research has shown that these factors are related to the risk of mental illness but do not necessarily cause it:    Medical conditions, such as stroke or cancer    Genes people who have a family history of depression may be at higher risk    Stress, including caregiver stress    Sleep problems    Social isolation and loneliness    Lack of exercise or physical activity    Functional limitations that make engaging in activities of daily living difficult    Addiction and/or alcoholism Life transitions related to the environment and changes in circumstances can also trigger periods of mental health disturbance. Transitioning from a lengthy career, experiencing family relocation or adjusting to life in a senior living community can evoke feelings of anxiety and depression in otherwise healthy seniors. During these times of transition, team members at Anthology Senior Living communities are equipped with the resources to aid residents. Dont be afraid to seek out mental health programs for older adults and encourage mental health improvement activities, such as exercising and meditation. Moving for SeniorsSome life events, such as a big move, can trigger more emotional changes in seniors. When moving into a senior living community, treat the transition with care. There are several emotional stages of moving, and some seniors could become depressed after moving to a new home. If emotions about moving arise, it can cause psychological challenges in older adults. To ensure quality of life for seniors who are moving, pay attention to any emotions or feelings your loved one might have, and help them process each consideration to help mitigate the emotional challenges that may come up.Talk to your loved one about the benefits of living in a retirement community, and if necessary, encourage conversations and utilize community and Anthology Senior Living support to gather resources about mental health services for seniors. Social Connections Are Essential for Healthy SeniorsAnother benefit of living in an Anthology Senior Living community is the opportunity to meet new people and create new social connections, which can ease the stress from moving. Communities like Anthology of Blue Ash help welcome new residents by introducing them to fellow neighbors and inviting them to dine with their new friends. Social connections are essential for not only surviving but also thriving. However, as individuals age, they frequently discover themselves spending increasing amounts of time in solitude. Research indicates that loneliness and social isolation are correlated with elevated levels of depression.

You already know that taking care of your health allows you to prolong your life and enhance your quality of life. But have you given serious thought to how your health directly impacts your future? Your legacy? The ones you love the most? What were talking about here is estate planning, and its every bit as important as your physical health. I know, I know, it could sound weird to equate health with estate planning but hear me out. By the end of the article, the connection will be clear.  The Link Between Your Health and Estate PlanningEstate planning often brings to mind wills, trusts, and other legal paperwork, and in fact, thats maybe what you initially thought when you read the title of this article. However, I want to challenge that assumption with this: the documents are merely the byproduct of estate planning. You may be thinking, how are documents the byproduct of estate planning? Heres what I mean.Estate planning is all about ensuring your wishes are honored if you become incapacitated so you can live and die with dignity. Its also about ensuring that the people you love most will know you loved them, that theyre cared for when youre gone in a way you cared for them while you lived, and that youve removed all the pain, potential conflict and expense they will have to endure if you have no plan in place. Estate planning supports your loved ones to grieve in peace rather than face a long, expensive court process or confusion regarding how to find your assets or understand what to do when you are gone. Estate planning is also about leaving a legacy. Contrary to what you may be thinking - that legacy is not only related to money and reserved for the wealthy and philanthropic - legacy is about the mark you make on those you hold most dear. Its about defining your humanity and what you stood for. Putting your affairs in order now so your loved ones dont have to deal with a mess later is a legacy, too. Making it clear that you loved your family is a legacy. What about health? How does your health connect with estate planning?Your health plays a significant role in shaping your preparations for the future in general, and how you structure your estate plan in particular. I want to first say that while health can refer to mental health, emotional health and spiritual health, and all are important, well focus on physical health here. So lets take a look at the direct link between your physical health and estate planning. Youll come to see that by prioritizing your physical health, you can not only enjoy life with more ease, but also avoid complications in your estate planning. Longevity and Retirement Savings. Your physical health has a direct impact on your lifespan, which in turn affects how long your retirement savings need to last. If you maintain good physical health, youre likely to live longer (yay!) and will need a more extensive plan regarding your assets, for your longer life.Healthcare Decisions. Consider the potential need for long-term care. Alzheimer's or dementia could require long-term care solutions that you may or may not choose. In your estate plan, its crucial to not only make sure youre financially covered for these possibilities, but to also ensure youve made it clear how you want to be cared for, if you cannot make decisions for yourself. There comes a point in time at which its too late for you to make your wishes known and given that you are reading this now is the time to document what you would choose, if you could not choose.This is why you need a healthcare power of attorney, or a living will in your plan. These are documents that designate the person (or people) you choose to make medical decisions on your behalf if youre unable to do so. Your designated healthcare agent (or agents) will not only ensure that your healthcare preferences are respected but will also align your medical treatment with your personal wishes. Without these documents in place, a judge (i.e., a complete stranger) could appoint someone to act on your behalf. Maybe even someone you dont trust or wouldnt want making decisions for you. Or, in a worst-case scenario, a judge could even appoint a professional conservator who could drain your estate financially.Disability and Its Impact. Poor health can sometimes lead to disability, affecting your ability to manage your own affairs. Including a disability clause in your estate plan ensures that your assets are managed according to your wishes, even if youre not able to oversee them personally. A revocable living trust can be particularly useful here, as it allows your chosen person or entity to manage your affairs without the need for court intervention. Again, without a plan in place, a judge will make decisions for you, and those decisions may not be what you want.Having gone through the potential consequences of not prioritizing your physical health and its direct link to your estate planning, lets turn to practical steps you can take now to make sure you and your family dont have to experience any negative consequences. Practical Steps to Integrate Health and Estate PlanningUnless youre already incapacitated and cant make decisions for yourself, know that its not too late to take action. Its not too early, either. Death and incapacity dont discriminate based on age. When you face that fact, and then plan accordingly, you can live life with more ease, more joy, and less stress. Truly.So, if you havent planned for the future, here are some practical steps you can take now:Schedule Regular Check-Ups. It may seem obvious, but regular medical examinations are vital. They not only help in detecting illnesses early but also provide a clear picture of your health, which, as weve discussed above, is crucial for accurate estate planning. If you discover a new health condition, you can plan accordingly when youve caught it in time. If not, it could be too late to get your plan in place.Update Your Estate Plan Regularly: As your health changes, so should your estate plan. Make it a habit to review and update your plan on a regular basis or whenever there is a significant change in your health. As an Estate Planning Attorney, I can not only help you get your initial plan in place, but with a unique process I use called Life & Legacy Planning, I will always include a free review of your plan at least every three years. This ensures your plan works because it will be updated as your health, life and assets change over time. Without updates, your plan will fail, sending your family to court and increasing the probability of conflict. Discuss Your Plans Openly: Talk with your family about your healthcare wishes and how they relate to your estate plan. Taking this courageous, and maybe uncomfortable, step, makes a big difference when it comes to decreasing the likelihood of conflict in your family. Make sure to discuss your preferences for end-of-life care, which can create conflict in your family if you havent clarified your wishes. Consult A Professional Who Has Your Best Interests in Mind: I approach estate planning from a place of heart, always keeping your best interests, and by extension, your loved ones best interests, in mind. I not only help you to get your plan in place, but also help you keep your family out of court and conflict, so your legacy is one of love and care. I can also help you navigate difficult discussions with your family about your wishes, so you can feel confident knowing youve done all you can to preserve the family bonds. How We Support You and Your Loved OnesAs an Estate Planning Law Firm, we recognize the integral connection between your physical health and your estate planning needs. Our commitment goes beyond mere legal documentation; we aim to ensure your life's work and values are preserved with dignity and clarity. By understanding the specific challenges and opportunities that arise from your health, we tailor estate plans that not only protect your assets but also your well-being and your family's future. Contact Entrusted Legacy Law at 412-347-1731 or click here to schedule a complimentary 15-Minute call.