The number of seniors in the US is increasing every year, and 80% of these elderly citizens have at least one chronic illness, while 50% have two or more. Pairing that with the natural aging process with things like weaker bones and hearing loss that requires them to use aids (https://www.earpros.com/hearing-aids/hearing-aid-technology/bluetooth-hearing-devices), it is a lot for them to take on. These conditions increase their dependency as they are unable to perform their daily activities. As a consequence of this, the number of elders in retirement homes is rising every day.
However, living in a retirement home has a more positive impact on the mental health of the elderly than you might imagine. 20% of elders of age 55 or older experience some kind of mental health concern as per the State of Mental Health and Aging in America.
Most of these mental health issues arise from being lonely, lack of a sense of purpose, and inadequate opportunities for human interaction. But when they start living in retirement communities, very similar to benchmark senior living at forge hill, they get to build better connections and have activities to look up to every day. This helps them stay socially active and fulfilled.
Here are a few more ways senior care centers can improve the mental health of the elderly:
Cultivate A Feeling of Belonging
Elders need to have the feeling of belonging somewhere, and retirement communities give them that. As an adult, you get used to being needed, helping and interacting with others, and engaging yourself in activities. After getting retired, when you don’t have anything to do, you start feeling lonely and depressed.
However, at a retirement community, you feel like you’re helping around and that you’re needed. You are also able to make connections with people. There are also a number of assisted living communities that involve generational harmony in assisted living, where individuals of different age groups interact with one another. This helps you take an interest in your life, getting rid of sadness and depression as it leads to a fulfilling retirement experience.
Inspire A Renewed Sense of Purpose
Having a sense of purpose gives your life a direction. It motivates people to get up and get going. You embrace the day to fulfill that purpose. Becoming a retired senior takes that sense of purpose away from you. So you can get lost or feel isolated and lonely.
Retirement communities from reputable firms like Starhaven Villas can give elders the space and support they need to regain a sense of purpose. They usually offer plenty of amenities to get them involved in activities and hobbies, pushing them to acquire new skills, and join clubs and educational events. Additionally, by socialising with others, they can beat loneliness. This support gives the seniors everything they need to revive their mental and emotional health.
Establish A Sense of Safety
Many seniors who have difficulty carrying out their routine activities feel anxious and unsafe all the time with worry. As a result, they lead themselves to believe that they can be a threat to themselves by living alone.
Moving into retirement homes gives them a sense of safety as they have someone to rely on to do things they can’t do themselves. They get a comfortable environment where they feel protected. When they aren’t burdened with the worry of their safety, it keeps them at peace, taking away their mental stress and improving their outlook on life.
Conclusion
Senior living communities advocate the mental health of retirees. They provide the support that the elderly need to put their struggle with mental and emotional health at rest. Moreover, they have professionals around who can recognize their symptoms and intervene wherever necessary.
By 2030, the number of retired adults having mental disorders is said to double. So if you or your loved one is a retired senior struggling with mental health, you should prioritize their mental and emotional health and consider moving them to a senior care center where they can live a fulfilling life.
