In the process of aging, your loved ones may be susceptible to certain mental conditions. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is common for your loved ones to feel isolated, potentially aggravating the possibility of mental conditions. Some typical mental conditions include Alzheimer’s disease, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, cognitive impairment, and so on. Fortunately, we offer tips on how to improve your loved one’s mental health here at Discovery Village At Boynton Beach.
Engage in Physical Activities
There are a variety of physical activities available to improve your loved one’s mental health. Some of them include yoga classes, dance classes, or even a daily walking routine. An active lifestyle can slow down the incidence of mental health and cognition and improve your loved one’s mental health. Physical activities do not need to be arduous or aggressive too. Simple exercises like strength training and stretching are able to reduce the risk of mental cognition issues. Physical activities can also help reduce anxiety and stress. This is because physical activities release endorphins to produce a positive experience and emotion for your loved ones.
Engage in Brain Games
The mind works like a muscle too. By stimulating it productively, the mind is able to stay active and improve your loved one’s mental health. Research has shown that brain games are able to hone cognitive functions, such as planning functions, processing speed, decision making, reaction time, and even improve short-term memory. Brain games that promote problem-solving can improve their mental health. Some brain games include puzzles, Sudoku, and so on.
Build Healthy Friendships
Isolation is mentally unhealthy for your loved ones and can hinder your loved one’s mental health. It is crucial for your loved ones to continue to build healthy friendships as they grow older. This is because isolation often leads to loneliness. This can be a breeding ground for depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and other cognitive and mental issues. In the current COVID-19 climate with regulations restricting face-to-face interactions, your loved ones can reconnect with family and friends through online tools like Zoom, FaceTime, Skype, and so on. Social media is a good way for them to build connections too. If digital interaction tools are difficult, a traditional letter or phone call can do the trick!
Try Volunteering
One way to improve their loved one’s mental health is to provide volunteering opportunities for your loved ones. Volunteering gives your loved ones a sense of fulfillment and purpose. As they help the people around them, they find themselves a part of something bigger than themselves. Whether it’s volunteering in a soup kitchen, hospital, or even with young children, your loved ones are able to contribute to building a healthy community. Volunteering is also a healthy way to build connections with other like-minded people and improve their mental health.
Getting a Pet
Research has shown that getting a pet is a great way to improve your loved one’s mental health as the connection between your loved ones and a pet can reduce stress and grow happiness. It mitigates potential loneliness problems too.
At Discovery Village At Boynton Beach, we have a variety of activities to improve your loved one’s mental health. Contact us to find out more!
