A senior’s mental and emotional state is just as important as their physical health. For a person to live a long, healthy, and happy life, it is vital to focus on the entire person and not only their diagnosis.
For this reason, you must consider an elder’s emotions, mental state, and lifestyle when caring for their every need. For example, a bad diet, poor sleeping behaviors, or extreme stress might be a primary cause of their reoccurring headaches.
Read this informative guide to embracing holistic care for the elderly.
Animal Therapy
Many research studies have found a strong link between loneliness and physical and mental health conditions, such as:
- Heart disease
- Depression
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Cognitive decline
- Anxiety
- A weakened immune system
As animal therapy can decrease feelings of loneliness and isolation, it is an effective form of holistic care. For instance, an elder might feel comforted when stroking a pet, and their mood could improve when petting animals at a local farm.
Routine Outings
Day trips will provide seniors with a sense of fun and freedom. Also, it will make them feel more connected to their community and may lift their overall mood. For this reason, it is worthwhile organizing regular days out with an elderly relative during your free time, as it may boost their spirits.
You’ll find that the top-quality signature dementia care homes provides its residents with outings to local garden centers or theaters and provides a cozy cinema, stunning landscaped gardens, and a bowling green. It will allow seniors to enjoy a change of scenery and maintain some independence, which will support their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
Regular outings can add more purpose to a senior’s life while helping them maintain social connections. It could be the key to a healthier, happier lifestyle, and it may decrease their likelihood of depression and potentially extend their life.
Bright Light Exposure
Bright exposure during the day is beneficial for everyone, especially seniors suffering from sleeping difficulties or depression. Elders should try to spend more time outdoors to lift their mood, sleep well at night, and enjoy a healthy dose of fresh air.
Seniors can increase their light exposure by sitting in the privacy of their backyard, strolling around a beautiful garden, or exploring a local park. If an elder cannot go outdoors, they could benefit from regularly using an artificial light source, such as blue-enriched lighting.
Music Therapy
Studies have found that music therapy can help those struggling with memory loss, living with dementia, or experiencing mental health issues. Music has the power to trigger memories, increase social interaction, support relaxation, and ease intense emotions, such as anger, sadness, or frustration.
Therefore, music therapy can be an effective way to help seniors recall memories, manage their emotions, increase their self-esteem, and promote overall physical and mental health. It may be beneficial for seniors to join a local music class, listen to their favorite songs or genre, or attend performances by musicians or bands. Each person may prefer a different form of music therapy.
