Emotional Wellness Activities for Seniors in Southern Pines, NC

According to the National Council on Aging, depression affects about 21 million US adults a year.

As we get older, risk factors like chronic illnesses and social isolation can put our emotional and mental health at risk. While older adults have a higher risk of developing depression, stigma keeps many from seeking treatment. 

Instead of waiting for your emotional health to deteriorate, consider adding emotional wellness activities to your routine. Read on to discover emotional support for older adults in Southern Pines, NC.

Aging and Connection

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in three American adults feels lonely. Another 25% don't have social or emotional support. 

Social isolation and loneliness can affect your emotional, mental, and physical health. It may increase your risk of:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• A weakened immune system
• Cognitive decline
• Alzheimer's disease/dementia
• Type 2 diabetes

Engaging in activities with other seniors can boost your mood. These friendships can give you a sense of belonging and purpose. In fact, people who engage in activities with others tend to live longer.

Instead of ignoring the importance of aging and connection, reach out. Try building and maintaining friendships in Southern Pines by:

• Volunteering
• Joining exercise classes
• Engaging in hobbies
• Extending social invitations
• Continuing your education

Surrounding yourself with friends can benefit your overall health and quality of life.Here are a few social wellness ideas that can help you engage with other seniors.

Exercise

According to a CDC report, 85% of US adults aged 65 and older aren't getting enough exercise. Seniors need two instances of weight or resistance training and 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly.

Exercising can improve your mood and emotional resilience. Other potential benefits of regular exercise include:

• Improved balance and coordination
• Stress relief
• Reduced anxiety and depression symptoms
• Lower blood pressure
• Improved bone health
• Lower risk of eight cancers
• Live independently longer
• Reduced risk of weight gain
• Lower risk of type 2 diabetes
• Lower risk of stroke and heart disease
• Improved sleep quality
• Lower risk of developing dementia

You can participate in exercise classes through your senior living community's fitness program. Challenge your friends and hold each other accountable to participate regularly. 

Common classes include:

• Walking and hiking groups
• Pilates
• Yoga
• Tai chi
• Weight lifting
• Using resistance bands
• Dancing
• Cycling
• Balance and stretching exercises

Play Games

Playing games with other seniors is a great way to maintain social connections. These activities stimulate the brain's prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. They may improve cognitive function, which may reduce your risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Consider the following:

• Crossword puzzles
• Card games
• Trivia games
• Sudoku

These games can stimulate logical reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.They may help improve your mental sharpness and cognitive abilities.

Learn New Skills

Expand your skill set by exploring new hobbies. You can find groups through your senior living community's events and activities calendar, such as:

• Gardening
• Crocheting or knitting
• Crafting
• Painting or drawing
• Cooking or baking
• Dancing

Don't be afraid to ask for help! Turn to other seniors to learn something new. Developing new skills can stimulate neural pathways, improving cognitive function. 

Share Meals

Ask other seniors in your Southern Pines community to join you for a meal. You can cook together, exchange recipes, and socialize over a delicious dish.

If you're not much of a chef, explore your senior living community's dining program. You can sit down for a delicious, nutritious meal alongside other seniors without having to cook.

Prioritize eating whole foods. These foods are high in vitamins and minerals, which can benefit your mental, emotional, and physical wellness. 

Emotional Support for Older Adults

As we age, we're at a higher risk of developing depression. Risk factors include:

• Reduced mobility
• Elder abuse
• Caregiver stress
• Chronic pain
• Decreased functional ability
• Financial issues (due to retirement)
• Lack of physical activity
• Bereavement
• Loneliness and social isolation

Due to the stigma surrounding emotional and mental health, many seniors don't realize when they're struggling with depression. As a result, many don't receive the help they need. Common symptoms include:

• Fatigue/low energy
• Persistent sadness
• Oversleeping or insomnia
• Changes in appetite
• Trouble concentrating
• Slow movement or speech
• Loss of interest in activities
• A sense of hopelessness
• Feeling worthless or guilty
• Apathy
• Digestive problems
• Physical pains

If these symptoms sound familiar, speak up.Beginning treatment can improve your quality of life before your symptoms worsen. Otherwise, try these social wellness ideas to improve your emotional health. 

Join a Support Group

There are support groups for grief, addiction, and chronic illnesses. Joining one of these groups can provide you with comfort and support. You can seek guidance from people who understand what you're going through.  

Meditate

Meditation can ease stress and anxiety. Focus on your five senses while rooting yourself in the present. This practice can help build your emotional resilience.

For more senior mindfulness tips, try:

• Mindful breathing
• Body scans
• Engaging your senses
• Mindful listening
• Gratitude practices
• Journaling

Read and Journal

Reading can stimulate the brain while helping you relax. Try reading before bed if you have trouble sleeping. You can turn this into an opportunity to socialize by joining a reading group. 

Journaling can help you explore your thoughts, concerns, and emotions. Try writing for 15 minutes or filling a page a day. This practice can improve your emotional health by giving you the chance for self-reflection. 

Memory Care Engagement

Memory care engagement activities can encourage socializing and mental stimulation.They can stimulate creativity while helping you connect with the world. Try the following:

• Pet therapy
• Nature walks
• Cooking and baking
• Puzzles and brain games
• Arts and crafts
• Music therapy
• Chair yoga
• Gardening

If you have Alzheimer's or dementia, consider moving into a senior living community that offers memory care services. 

Engage in Emotional Wellness Activities

These emotional wellness activities can benefit your overall wellness. Try applying these tips to enhance your current routine. Remember, moving into a senior living community may help.

Look no further than TerraBella Southern Pines. Our exclusive lifestyle programs, senior-centric support, and experienced team members will ensure you receive the care you need.

Enjoy exclusive programs, including Sensations Dining for chef-prepared meals and Celebrations social calendar for engaging activities. Contact us now to schedule a tour.