As your loved one gets on in age, it will become increasingly necessary to make sure that their needs in terms of mental health and well-being are well taken care of. When a person ages, they may experience increased isolation and therefore feel that they have no one to turn to or to regularly interact with.
Scientific studies have demonstrated that a person would require at least some contact with other individuals, along with other forms of mental stimulation, in order for their mental well-being to be maintained.
This is especially true for senior adults, and we at Discovery Village At The West End understand this very well. Therefore, we would like to tell you all about how you may better understand the psychological needs of seniors, and how these needs may be met.
Close Relationships with Other Individuals
Senior adults, like everyone else, have an important need that needs to be met, and this need is to remain in close contact with friends, family members, and other senior adults who share similar beliefs and outlooks on life. Keeping in close contact with individuals such as these is very beneficial to their mental health because these relationships can keep issues of depression and loneliness at a minimum, and also give emotional and mental stability a much-needed boost.
A senior adult may organize family events and activities that enable them to easily participate in family moments or make use of social media platforms to remain in contact with loved ones remotely and join online groups geared towards senior adults. There truly is a wide variety of methods that senior adults can use to maintain and strengthen their relationships, and thus enjoy and reap the benefits of meaningful, intimate connections with others.
Stimulation of Mental Faculties
A senior adult who is in retirement may likely have the need to stay mentally engaged and stimulated in order to lower the chances of falling victim to the kind of cognitive and mental decline that comes with age and that could negatively influence actions and behavior. It is very important that a senior adult’s susceptibility to psychological issues such as depression and others is kept at a minimum.
While interpersonal contact is very important in taking care of a senior adult’s mental health, cognitive stimulation is essential as well. A senior may be encouraged to remain mentally active by engaging in activities such as learning new skills, playing mentally stimulating games, or gaining more knowledge through reading.
A Sense of Meaning and Purpose
In the later stages of life, maintaining and holding close to one’s heart a sense of meaning and purpose is highly important. This may take the form of exploring new territory and pursuing new interests and hobbies, and may also take the form of doing meaningful things for other individuals that can better their lives. This can help to give a senior adult a sense of enthusiasm and excitement that will help them to face each new day with strength and positivity.
