Since the time pandemic has hit many people have come forward and started talking about mental health. It seems more important now than ever. Various organizations and hospitals came ahead with toll-free numbers to talk about any issues faced by people. People realized the importance of talking to family members, staying connected with friends, and reviving old relations. We did pay attention to most of the aspects of human’s need to stay connected and feel mentally strong. While we all paid attention to the mental health of kids (as they are couped in the house), women (workload increased for every woman), men (they had to sit at home and work endlessly) but there is one segment about whom still not much has been talked about. And that is Senior citizen’s mental health.
With this post of mine, I want to create awareness around certain parameters affecting the senior citizen’s mental health, why they need support, and what all can be done to help them cope with these tough times.
Parameters affecting the senior citizen’s mental health
Getting older and embracing retirement involves a huge lifestyle change for most people. While with age we ensure the elderlies take care of their health we also should focus on the mental health issues they are or may face.
- Retirement- For someone who has worked for years together it’s difficult to think about sitting idle at home after retirement. And with time and age, they form a daily routine from getting up at certain times and performing certain activities at regular intervals. When this habit of years gets affected, it can cause trouble to few people. Sense of self-worth and financial security are also reasons for increased mental stress leading to a sad and depressive state of mind.
- Being widowed or divorced- The need for a partner in old age is most valued as the person is free to live life. But early death of a spouse or being divorced can cause a lot of depression and affects mental health.
- Staying alone- With families becoming nuclear by the day-old parents are usually left alone in the house when children move out with their own families and careers ahead. This loneliness and not having anyone to talk to can lead to distress.
- Health issues– Ailments related to age cause not just physical troubles but mental too. Not being able to perform simple activities of life or being dependent on medicine and others leads to a lack of self-confidence and self-doubts.
- Prolonged use of medicines– Most elderly people consume some of the other medicine and this medicine also causes depression as a side effect. And the overall mental health suffers too.
Why do Senior citizens need support?
- They are your parents-They raised you and made sacrifices for you and the family all these years to make sure you grew up to be the person that you are. You need to provide them with the best care because they deserve it. They cared for you and now they’re the ones who need you.
- They sacrificed for you- From birth, till the day you move out of the house to make a living and even later. Parents sacrifice and do a lot to help you achieve your dreams and life.
- They are god’s blessing on you- In our country parents are next to God. God cannot be everywhere so created parents to be the guiding angel of a child.
- They love you- Parents teach their kids to walk not just for the very first time but always stand in all your firsts. They love you and sacrifice a lot for your happiness.
- They are your value system- Old age brings in rich experiences and value systems. Elders in the family have lived in times when values and traditions were prevalent. So, they have a rich heritage of values system to pass on to the new generations.
- They are your best teachers- Through years spent facing struggles and difficulties in life, they gain rich experience and life’s lessons to share with you and the future generations. So, they are the best teachers you have been blessed with.
- They are nearing the end Sooner or later with age life becomes uncertain and it takes a toll on the mental health of the elderly. It’s imperative that you make their last few days happy and peaceful. Give as much love and care as possible.
- It’s the right thing- Last but not least, trust me parents are huge blessings on earth and it’s the only right thing to do to take care of them. One day even you will age and you will be in the same position. So do the right thing of taking their care.
Wellness is of utmost importance read ways you can improve your health.
Ways Senior citizen’s mental health can be improved
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle- Physical fitness and health have a huge impact on overall mental health. It’s important to adopt a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and yoga. Along with this one needs to have a balanced nutritious diet to give a sense of well-being.
- Stay positive- Time, situation and age cannot be reversed but it’s important to remember the previous challenging situations we have overcome in our lives. So, bring out your inner strength and make your life positive.
- Join senior citizen club- Staying with like-minded people can really help. Sharing joys and sorrows with people your age helps you relieve some stress. Laughter clubs, yoga clubs, and other senior citizen club helps bond and make new friendships.
- Have a daily routine- Routine plays a key role in driving our positive mental health. Do all basic day-to-day activities at a set time to avoid hassles and feelings of unrest. From waking up, doing exercise, eating, sleeping, and repeat. Everything needs to be done at regular fixed timings.
- Reconnect- Older adults often become socially isolated, as they lose their friends or reduce participation in social activities, due to health or mobility issues. Social media is a great way to connect with other like-minded individuals irrespective of age, and joining an online class can introduce you to new people. In fact, social media helps to reconnect with old friends and families too.
- Family support- Children and grandchildren can really help in rejuvenating the lifestyle of the elderly in the house. Spending quality time with them and listening to them can be a great help to help them stay happy.
- Pick a new hobby- Staying active after retirement is very important so one can pick up a new hobby that they like or want to pursue.
- Volunteer in your society or nearby- At old age, people need a sense of purpose so it’s good to join few hours of work that won’t stress you out. It could be volunteering in a nearby NGO or in your own society. It helps in keeping the elderly engaged and in contact with the outside world. Remember that it’s just to keep them busy and not get them to make money or stress themselves out. The work has to be easygoing and one that gives happiness.
- Get them a pet- Pets are a great companion and help in developing bonds and lower stress and overall give a sense of happiness to your mind. So, if it is a possibility then do consider gifting a pet to the elderly in your house. (A pet that isn’t too demanding on the entire family)
Ways to improve children’s mental health
Senior citizen’s mental health and stability are of utmost importance to lead a healthy and sane life. Loss of mental health leads to other physical ailments and conditions. By taking essential efforts to do mind healthy activities daily we add on to the life of the elderly in the family. Whether it’s completing a crossword puzzle each morning, going for a few walks a day, or even journaling, there are simple and quick activities to complete that will help tremendously in the long run.
If you have senior citizens in your house then do remember they need extra love, affection, and care in this stage of life. Respect their emotions and feelings. Give their life new meaning by supporting them in staying happy and valued.
This post is a part of #Causeachatter by BlogChatter.
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Senior citizen’s mental health is sometimes overlooked. But as we talk our our, kids mental health, same way senior’s mental health also need due attention. They may not openly talk about it but if we see any signs where they need proper attention then it should not be taken for granted.
This is a very important and beautiful blog. No one understands the value of mental health specially in senior citizens. They don’t need much, just few minutes of talk on regular basis can sort Everything out, can make their life easy.
This is very true. It is so difficult to keep they happy as some of them want to just get out and travel and now is not the right time to do so… Managing retired in laws at home is quite tedious but trying out best…
Yes, you are absolutely right. Senior citizens need extra care and their health needs extra attention. We should openly talk and think about it.
This is the biggest concern right now as pandemic is taking toll on their mental and physical health. You rightly said they need more care and love add that’s what they look for. Just being with them and make them feel wanted helps them in going up with this emotional needs.
Yes, I agree with you. After my father passes away. we are more cautions and worried about mom. We do not want to mom go in depression. so we never let her alone, keep her busy in get together, hobbies and made her learn to run youtube too.
True, you have written this post very well. Actually the situation which is today is affecting everyone, but everyone is so busy in their life that we do not pay proper attention to elders, and in what mental trouble the elders are, maybe we are not even able to understand. While they need extra affection.
Agree completely Rakhi. this pandemic has affected our lives badly and it is more hard for senior citizen. aging has its own challenges and many old age people feel depressed due to lack of support from their kids. I loved the way you have shared great tips to provide good support to elders. If younger generation follow any of these, it will benefit senior citizens a lot.
Well-written, Rakhi. Old age comes with a lot of challenges and one needs to handle senior citizens with utmost care and respect. Their wisdom and experience can never be ignored.
You have discussed a very important topic that needs to be focused on. The mental health of Senior citizens is indeed a matter of concern. In earlier times, the joint family system used to be a great support system, but with nuclear families, loneliness and other issues challenge senior citizens. Sandy N Vyjay
This is a very nice post, senior citizen needs extra care from us. They don’t need full attention, just by talking for few minutes they feel good. We should spend some time in our daily lives with them
Senior Citizen’s mental health is a very important topic that is not much in the limelight. The current pandemic situation has highlighted this issue. Loneliness is the major culprit here that contributes majorly to the mental issues of Senior Citizens.
The pandemic certainly is taking a toll on the mental health of senior citizens. I like the pointers u have mentioned to support them.
I’ve known senior citizens in my extended family who after loosing their spouses became alone and sadness gripped them. While some keep themselves busy with senior citizen’s clubs and friends, trips and activities. Their mental health is definitely to be taken care of.
You always come up with unique content. We always talk about mental.health but never really think abouyt the senior citizens in this context
Mental health is an important topic to address for all age groups, but more so for our senior citizens since they are more prone to loneliness towards the fag end of their lives. It is our duty to ensure they don’t feel alone or depressed at all. We should continue to check with them time-to-time if they need anything. Providing emotional support goes a long way in building stronger relationships I feel.
As the person tends to get old the brain cells start getting old too. so mental health and physical implications because of it also need attention so best is caring for our seniors like aged parents.
Mental Health is something that was overlooked in recent years. So happy to see it being given its due. Yes, the mental health of seniors should not be neglected. Very insightful post, Rakhi.
Thank you for bringing up such a poignant topic. When my grandma was unwell I realized there is hardly any geriatric mental health support in India. High time we spoke about it.
You know the fact of life is that everyone will grow old someday. It is inevitable yet we turn a blind eye to reality and treat our senior citizens indifferently at times. Mental health issues become more prominent at old age and we should teach people to be sensitive towards these issues.
All very valid points. And just like the pandemic has had a toll on everyone’s mental health, so it has on senior citizens. In fact, considering that senior citizens were at higher risk of death due to covid, the fear factor would have been even higher. Plus those suffering with ill health would have not likely received their regular care as well.
Very well written post. senior citizens deserve a lot of love and respect as retirement, Loneliness or illness Can impact the mind adversely.
Such a beautiful post. The elders around us have done so much at each stage. It is so important to take care of them when they need us. It is especially crucial to take care of their mental health when they get old.
Very informative post with detailed description and points. I loved the way you elaborated the situation and mention the solution too. Nice post.
This is very true, I got to agree with the pointers shared by you. Senior citizen;s needs special love and care, often they are left alone when kids start moving out.
I have seen this with my father after his retirement. We had to take professional medical help for his mental health. We need to be more aware of their mental health and proactive with the needed help 🙂
Keeping oneself busy with the activities is a sure way to overcome the mental block . Senior people tend to overlook the need to pursue a hobby, if that is rekindled then many of things can fall in place. Your post suggestions are surely going to help many people.
Yes senior citizens truly are a blessing on us and kids should ensure that their parents are taken care of well.. If they have a secure and happy environment around them the chances of mental health issues are less.
There are so many cases I know personally where senior citizens have been ignored and their mental conditions. Thanks for sharing this one of the most important fact in front of us!
Senior citizens are the most valuable assets to us and our kids too. We need to provide the right kind of mental support to them, when they require. Loneliness is the most common factor, that affects their mental health. I always suggest my father, who is retired and a widower, to join cultural associations and it has worked very well, to keep him occupied.
As the society progress the senior citizens are moving towards loneliness. Absolutely Senior citizen’s mental health affect by above mentioned reasons. These tips help a lot in overcoming it
life alone especially when old, it is so difficult and add to current times, it affects their mental as well as physical health a lot and I agree with your pointers here to help them lead a happy life. Pet is a saviour for my parents too. he keeps them busy all day long.
You have covered a very vital and important topic, Rakhi which we usually neglect sighting as age issues. I am glad the way you have written and also highlighted the facts with right solutions.
[…] Do you think Senior citizens mental health is important too? […]
I agree with your points. I am dealing with 2 sets of seniors (in laws and parents) 24*7 for the past 19 months. Sometimes it becomes really a challenge to make their demands come true and hold patience.
We will all go grey one day.The best way to keep great mental health is continue learning and finding community.These are great tips.