Mental health is fundamental; there’s no doubt that taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body. Vineyard Senior Living residents are encouraged to set and achieve wellness goals to increase their overall quality of life. But how do they do it? Here’s a quick look into how we foster hope, happiness, and mental wellness:
Why Hope Is Important
Everyone is vulnerable to feelings of hopelessness and depression. We often feel this way when we lose our sense of purpose or go through challenging life experiences. It’s not uncommon for seniors to experience these emotions, whether you’re adapting to post-retirement life or struggling with the transition into a senior living community. But hope is the four-letter word that combats these negative feelings.
Hope gives us guidance and purpose in life, and communities that foster hope and optimism for the future tend to have residents with better mental and physical health. Here are a few ways we’ve found that senior living communities can promote positive mental health and wellness:
Setting Goals
Goal setting has been linked to more positive mental health outcomes in people of all ages. In terms of senior wellness, goal setting can change a resident’s mindset entirely. When you have specific goals and achievements to look forward to, you feel an increased sense of purpose.
Goals should follow the SMART model: specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based. These criteria will help you set goals to improve your quality of life. Goal setting promotes a direction for the future, an essential element of our overall satisfaction.
Physical Health and Wellness
Practicing healthy habits can significantly improve your mental health. Regular exercise and a healthy diet work wonders for combating feelings of depression, anxiety, and hopelessness. When you feel physically fit, you are more likely to feel happy and optimistic in life. This is true for all age groups, but older adults specifically can benefit from physical wellness.
Exercise releases brain chemicals called endorphins, creating feelings of happiness and well-being. But it doesn’t take much! You don’t have to become a bodybuilder to capture that feeling. When older adults experience hopelessness and depression, even the smallest movement can be a valuable tool to break the cycle.
Meaningful Hobbies
Our residents enjoy a wealth of recreational activities and hobbies. Studies have shown that retirees who participate in meaningful pursuits feel happier and more inspired than those who don’t. Vineyard residents are encouraged to engage in their favorite hobbies daily in our community, from knitting to gardening to outdoor sports.
Connections with Loved Ones
Keeping in close contact with friends, family, and other loved ones is essential in older age. Surprisingly, social isolation is a significant risk factor for poor mental health. Frequent phone calls, visits inside and outside the community, and video chats are great ways to stay in touch with those you love—and keep a hopeful mentality.
But we know that not everyone has close relationships they can rely on. That’s why we also encourage new friendships among residents. Our full schedule of fun activities allows you to meet new people and spend time with the friends you have made here. You are never alone in this community.
Suicide Awareness Month
This September, we also understand the importance of recognizing Suicide Awareness Month. We want to highlight the importance of positive mental health in older adults as we near this vital time of year. Feelings of hopelessness and depression are risk factors for suicide in those of retirement age. At Vineyard, our job is to give residents all the tools they need to cope with difficult experiences. Suicide is a preventable tragedy that we can all work hard to eliminate in communities of older adults.
Senior Wellness at Vineyard Senior Living
Vineyard Senior Living is a community of empowered, productive older adults. Your wellbeing matters, and you deserve to have a system around you that sustains your physical and mental needs. We offer a range of living options, from assisted living to memory and respite care. Find your future home today to enjoy a high-quality life after retirement and beyond.