6 Mental Health Tips To Support A Senior In Your Life
Mental health has been a major conversation over the past few years, but factors like declining physical health, loss of friends and family, and loneliness regularly affect the senior population. If you’re noticing signs of sadness or depression with a senior in your life, there are things you can do to help! We talked to occupational therapists on ways to emotionally support the people you love as they age.
Tip #1: Be a good listener
In conversations, it’s easy to find ourselves listening to respond. When you’re having conversations with a loved one, don’t be so quick to jump in with recommendations. They may just want someone to talk to. Ask them to share a story that you’ve always wanted to learn more about. For many seniors, simply talking about memories has been shown to greatly improve mood.
Tip #2: Encourage them to socialize
Social connection is essential to our mental health, but it often gets more difficult to find social opportunities as we age. For that senior in your life, it might be helpful to find ways to broaden their social circles. This could be bringing them to church, finding a local senior center, or helping them join a workout class. Meeting new friends and stepping out of a usual routine can give new social connections and activities to look forward to. For seniors that are less mobile, virtual experiences or online groups can provide alternatives.
Tip #3: Get them involved in a hobby
We all have activities in our life that bring us joy. Help them find an activity that makes them happy, and encourage them to do it regularly. If they like art, give them painting supplies to create their own artwork. If they like to read, help them join a local library or find a subscription service that will send them new books each month. If they like a sport, find a rec team they can participate in. Some seniors have activities that may not be possible for them to participate in as they age, so they may need an extra push or introduction to a new activity they haven’t considered before. As they fill their lives with things that they’re passionate about, they will have a source of joy for each day.
Tip #4: Find ways to ground them and put things into perspective
Cognitive distortions are exaggerated or irrational thought patterns. They are particularly prevalent in people with depression or anxiety and cause them to perceive reality inaccurately. Some examples are statements like “No one cares about me” or “I’m too old to learn anything new.” When you recognize a loved one saying statements that are exaggerated or irrational, find ways to ground them. Help them separate facts from opinions and put things into perspective. Learn more about cognitive distortions here.
Tip #5: Help them to find meaningful work
Many retirees feel a loss of purpose because they may have previously found meaning through the work they were doing. Help your loved ones to find activities that make them feel a part of a larger purpose. Volunteering for an organization can be a great way to meet people while helping others. If they used to be a teacher, they could try substituting or reading for kids. A former nurse may enjoy volunteering for the American Red Cross or an animal shelter. Purpose is something that everyone needs in their life, and helping seniors to find meaning can be a great way to bring them joy.
Tip #6: Encourage them to seek help
For seniors showing signs of depression, help is available. Many older adults may come from generations or cultures where therapy wasn’t openly discussed or accepted. If this is the case, encourage the senior in your life to seek help and help them to find a provider. Getting therapy or medical treatment can greatly improve quality of life and help them to manage their symptoms. Find out more about mental health resources for seniors here.