What is emotional health?
Emotional health plays a vital role in determining the quality of life, health and success of each of us. A study by Villemure and Bushnell published in The Journal of the International Association for the Study of Pain found that positive attitudes and emotions helped hospitalized patients recover and leave the hospital more quickly than pessimists.
People with good emotional health are aware of their thoughts, feelings, sensations, and behaviors. They learn positive, healthy ways to cope with stress and deal with the everyday problems of life. They are comfortable with themselves, gain self-confidence, and have good relationships.
Ways to Boost Emotional Health for Seniors
Social Connection
Regular social interaction can help older adults overcome loneliness and feel happier. Encourage older adults to visit family regularly, attend community events, or connect via video calls to improve their emotional health.
Increase physical activity
Doing yoga or walking can help seniors improve their mood and overall health. Joining a walking group or yoga class can also help seniors increase social interaction and have better emotional health.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness, a practice that involves focusing attention on the present moment, is good for older adults. Mindful breathing and meditation are some techniques that can help improve emotional health in older adults. Focus only on thoughts in the present moment. Worrying about the past or future is not helpful.
Healthy diet
Healthy eating is key to good health, so encourage your older loved one to choose a balanced diet rich in nutrients. This can have a positive impact on mood and cognitive function.
Cognitive stimulation
Older adults can play mentally stimulating activities such as sudoku and puzzles. These activities can help maintain cognitive function and mental alertness.
