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Experts say it’s important to focus on mental health when it comes to overall health, especially for older adults.
“As people age, they may experience stressors such as serious illness, loss of close friends or family members, making ends meet on a fixed income, or dealing with the anxiety of one’s own death. Older adults may experience stressors such as a serious illness, the loss of a close friend or family member, making ends meet on a fixed income, or dealing with the anxiety of one’s own death. However, when combined, these losses and stressors can lead to a myriad of behavioral health problems, including depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia. Yes,” said board member Dr. Lindsay Evans-Mitchell. – Board Certified Adult Psychiatrist and Behavioral Health Medical Director for Cigna Healthcare’s Medicare Advantage business.
Dementia, including memory loss and language impairment, is also a problem that often becomes more pronounced with age, and in its early stages can often mimic some symptoms of depression.
Fortunately, Evans-Mitchell says, making healthy choices can improve your quality of life, including your overall mental health, and potentially reduce your risk of both depression and dementia. It states that there is.
Practice proper nutrition: There is evidence that plant-based diets are associated with improved health outcomes, including mental health. This is another reason to add more green leafy vegetables to your diet.
exercise: Regular exercise can have a positive impact on cognitive performance. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan that gives you access to fitness programs at no additional cost, go for it.
Hydration: Drink lots of water. Dehydration can negatively impact cognitive performance. Even mild dehydration can drain your energy and cause fatigue.
Enjoy the sun: Sunlight provides the necessary vitamin D. Exposure to sunlight increases serotonin, which can prevent depression caused by seasonal affective disorder. Additionally, exposure to vitamin D may reduce dementia risk by up to 40%, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Of course, be sure to take proper precautions, such as wearing a hat, sunscreen, and eye protection from UV rays.
Get enough rest: According to the National Institutes of Health, older adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night. According to the organization, people who sleep less than six hours a night are at a higher risk of developing dementia. In addition, lack of sleep can be a sign of depression, so you should consult your doctor.
keep away from harmful substances: Dealing with behavioral health problems in unhealthy ways, such as abusing prescription drugs, illegal drugs, or alcohol, only makes the situation worse. According to the National Institutes of Health, research shows that heavy alcohol consumption can increase the risk of both dementia and depression.
Find your hobby: Hobbies like gardening, cooking, and solving puzzles can help improve your memory and physical and mental health.
Be social: Isolation can lead to depression, and depression has been made worse for many people during the COVID-19 pandemic. Communicate directly with friends and family through video chat or phone calls.
Find help if you need it. Maintain regular medical appointments and don’t be afraid to ask your network for additional help if you need it. This may take the form of a financial advisor, a clergy member, or a mental health professional. Medicare typically covers the cost of behavioral health services such as depression and addiction treatment and talk therapy. Virtual services are often available to people living in rural areas. Also, if you are in crisis, including suicidal thoughts, call 988 immediately.
“For some older adults, asking for help can be difficult,” Evans-Mitchell says. “But getting help is a sign of strength, not weakness. There is no benefit to suffering in silence when help to improve your life is within your reach.”
