5 Ways to Prioritize Your Mental Health as You Age

Aging is part of life but while many focus on their physical health, few understand the importance of mental health. Sure, physical health is important. You want to be able to keep up after your grandkids. Or even just be able to get around! And while physical health is vital, have you considered your mental health?

Your mental health can also deteriorate as you age, though it’s less talked about. Mental health issues affect millions of lives and are common among older adults. For example, many people start to feel more anxious as they get older and begin to isolate themselves in those thoughts, which can cause more problems with mental health.

According to the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC), people over the age of 55 years often experience one of these ailments:

• Cognitive impairment

These mental health conditions can manifest with both emotional and physical symptoms, such as fatigue or changes in sleep.

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Bipolar Disorder

These mental health issues contribute to other physical and mental illnesses, growing more prominent as you get older. Conditions like depression can negatively impact brain cells and nerve cells, reducing the brain’s ability to adapt and perform daily tasks.

Therefore, it is crucial that you centralize your focus on your mental and physical health as you age.

There are many things that you can do and incorporate within your daily habits and lifestyle that will aid in lowering your risk of such mental conditions, help boost your confidence and make you feel better. Here are some of the most helpful and easy ways to prioritize your mental health as you get older.

PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR DIET, EXERCISE, AND PHYSICAL HEALTH

Did you know that there are certain foods better for your mental health? The importance of a well-balanced and healthy diet is vital. It should be emphasized as you continue to grow older. For example, foods like fish, almonds, blueberries, and even the occasional glass of red wine help slow down your memory loss and cognitive decline. These foods also support brain function as you age, contributing to cognitive health and mental wellness.

Studies in integrative and functional medicine show that you can correctly identify the root cause of your chronic pain or illness with functional medicine doctors. One of the more common factors is what you eat. Integrative medicine utilizes more treatment of the problem when it arises rather than prevention. Therefore, a healthy, well-balanced diet is essential for preventing health problems in the future.

You have probably heard multiple times that keeping healthy includes exercise. Exercise is excellent for both your physical and your mental health. Regular physical activity improves sleep and helps manage stress, both of which are important for maintaining mental health. Physical exercise doesn’t have to be so challenging, either. Simply taking frequent walks every day or doing some cardiovascular activities such as riding a bike or aerobics can go a long way to helping you stay healthy.

A healthy diet and regular exercise are key strategies for maintaining mental health throughout the aging process.

SET A GOAL TO GET OUTSIDE

Spending time outdoors can help reduce your stress and anxiety. Spending time in nature also supports emotional wellness, which is an important part of holistic mental health for seniors. The act of changing your environment and bringing in natural light help boost your mood. Outdoor activities can also help to lessen any anxiety or depressive thoughts.

For example, if you enjoy sports like baseball, basketball, or soccer, look for senior-age groups with those activities that you can join. Have you heard of pickleball? It is an absolute craze and particularly popular among the 50+ crowd!

If you enjoy gardening, set the goal to spend a half-hour or more outside planting some flowers or performing some landscaping. You can also spend time doing other outdoor activities you enjoy to further support your mental health.

SOCIALIZE WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY FOR SOCIAL CONNECTION

We live in a world where technology has us sitting in front of a television or screen day and night. Unfortunately, the drain of watching a screen can create more problems with our mental health, so take the opportunity to plan something that gets you away and outside. Building social connection is essential for mental health, as meaningful relationships and engagement with others can significantly improve your overall well-being. Join a dance, painting, or cooking class if you have other hobbies, and give yourself a mental health boost.

Engaging in new activities allows you to make new friends. Socializing with your family and friends helps keep your mind more alert and active. Staying socially connected is also important for your social well being, helping you maintain positive relationships and a sense of belonging. In addition, interactive events help reduce your risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease since social isolation is a contributor. Think about taking a new creative writing class, volunteering somewhere to help others, or setting a weekly lunch date with a friend (or two!).

Participating in group activities and maintaining relationships supports your mental and emotional wellness as you age.

FIND GRATITUDE

It can be so easy to get down or depressed as you get older and start noticing your health declining. Instead, prioritize looking on the bright side and be more active in locating all the positive things going on each day. Maintaining a positive outlook can significantly improve your mental health and overall well-being. Maybe you enjoy a nice cup of tea in the evenings, or a piece of chocolate, or want to try meditation. All of those little things deserve gratitude.

Sometimes, it helps to take a few minutes every morning to write down the things that you should be thankful for and find gratitude in the riches you have. Maybe you will see family soon for a cherished celebration or see some beautiful things in nature on your latest walk.

Whatever it is, make sure you take the time to enjoy the good and maybe write it down to refer to whenever you start to feel stressed or overwhelmed. It can help remind you that you have a lot of wonderful things in your life. Remember to stay positive and focus on gratitude to support your mental well-being.

PRACTICE SELF-CARE

One last helpful way to prioritize your mental health as you age is to make sure to take time for yourself. Stand up to negative thoughts that you may have that bring you down, and combat them by recognizing when it happens and doing something different. Persistent low energy, thoughts of self harm, or substance abuse are important signs that you should seek help.

When you start to beat yourself up, interrupt those thoughts, and tell yourself something kind and uplifting.

Time is short, and it is precious. If you are stressed out because you have too much going on, cut back on things that are making you feel burned out. Knowing and recognizing what is triggering those thoughts will aid your mental health, and you need to acknowledge that so that you can remove those thoughts.

If you experience any of these symptoms or need support, consider reaching out to a healthcare professional for personalized guidance and assistance.

THE IMPORTANCE OF MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS

As we age, prioritizing mental health awareness becomes more important than ever. Many older adults face unique mental health challenges, from cognitive decline and emotional health issues to an increased risk of mental illness. Recognizing these challenges and taking steps to support mental health can make a world of difference in your overall well-being and quality of life.

Maintaining good mental health is just as vital as caring for your physical health. By staying informed about common mental health conditions and being proactive about mental health care, you can reduce your risk of chronic health conditions like heart disease and high blood pressure. Simple habits—such as regular physical activity, healthy sleep, and mental stimulation—are powerful tools for supporting cognitive health and reducing the risk of depressive symptoms.

A balanced diet and good nutrition also play a crucial role in maintaining mental wellness. Just as important is staying socially connected. Participating in community events or joining a local organization can help prevent social isolation, which is a significant risk factor for mental health issues among older adults. These connections not only boost your mood but also help you stay engaged and active in daily life.

Every May, Mental Health Awareness Month shines a spotlight on the importance of mental health, encouraging individuals to seek help and reducing the stigma around mental health conditions. Healthcare providers, health and human services, and local organizations offer valuable resources and support for those facing mental health challenges. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional if you or a loved one needs support—taking that first step can lead to improved well-being and greater life satisfaction.

Loved ones also play a vital role in supporting mental health. Encouragement, emotional support, and promoting healthy habits—like a healthy diet, regular exercise, and quality sleep—can make a significant difference. Managing stress, practicing self-care, and staying physically active are all essential for maintaining a healthy mind and body.

For more information and resources, organizations like the National Institute of Mental Health and other national institutes provide guidance on mental health conditions and ways to maintain good mental health. By staying aware, informed, and engaged, you can take control of your mental well-being, reduce the risk of mental health issues, and enjoy a more satisfying, fulfilling life.

Remember, prioritizing mental health awareness isn’t just about preventing illness—it’s about enhancing your overall well-being and embracing healthy aging with confidence and joy.

MENTAL HEALTH ASSISTANCE

Life is challenging, and there is no denying that things become more difficult as we age. There is a significant tendency to remove yourself from situations and feel isolated and depressed. However, you are not meant to go through these things by yourself.

Reach out for support and get help to take care of your mental health. Maybe you just need to speak to someone about what is troubling you, or it could go deeper than that. You may need therapy or medication to help combat hormonal imbalances. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Ensure that you prioritize your mental health.

To sum it up, mental health and physical health are equally important. And the great news is, they both go hand in hand. Many things that are good for one, are beneficial for the other! It is my hope that you take these 5 tips to heart and mind and be well.

What do you to do prioritize your mental health? Let’s chat in the comments at the bottom of this page. 

About the author: Nicole has been obsessed with beauty and fashion since she was a young girl, always flipping through Vogue and stealing her mother’s cosmetics bag to experiment. She’s a former wedding makeup artist who loves spending her free time trying new products and staying up to date on the latest beauty and style trends. While Nicole’s days are now spent contributing to fashion, beauty, and lifestyle sites from home while raising her kids, she can still always be found putting looks together, even if it’s just for a trip to the grocery store! 

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