According to Mental Health America, about 22.5 million US adults have major depression. Aging can come with challenges that impact your psychological and emotional health. Unfortunately, neglecting your emotional health may harm your cognitive and physical well-being.

Before that happens, consider adding these emotional wellness activities to your routine. With these tips, you can protect your emotional health to start aging with purpose. Read on to enhance your senior wellness in Roanoke, VA, today!

Aging With Purpose

Improving your emotional wellness and resilience can help you adapt to change or challenging situations. It’s a state of mind that’s:

Relaxed
Open
Reflective
Calm
Wise
Creative
Present

Improving your emotional wellness may benefit your physical and cognitive health.You’ll have an easier time functioning throughout the day, allowing you to maintain your independence.

To maintain this state of mind, take a holistic approach to improving your health. Here are a few changes you can make to your routine to start aging with purpose.

Exercise

According to the CDC, many older adults don’t meet the recommended amount of physical activity. Nearly 30% of adults aged 50 and older are physically inactive. The CDC recommends that seniors get 150 minutes of moderate- or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity weekly.

Exercising regularly may help:

Reduce blood pressure
Ease feelings of anxiety and stress
Reduce the risk of developing dementia
Improve sleep quality
Reduce the risk of depression
Lower the risk of stroke, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease
Improve bone health
Lower the risk of eight cancers
Reduce the risk of weight gain
Enable you to live independently longer
Improve balance and coordination

Consider working out alongside your friends in Roanoke. You can discover engaging activities through your senior living community’s fitness program. These may include:

Tai chi
Yoga
Pilates
Dancing
Balance and stretching exercises
Using resistance bands
Weight lifting
Cycling or biking
Walking or hiking

Exercising regularly can boost your mood and help you manage stress.This could improve your emotional and overall well-being.

Healthy Eating

Certain foods can influence your brain chemistry, helping regulate your mood and improve mental clarity. Try eating more whole foods. Healthy foods that can help lift your mood include:

Dark chocolate
Fatty fish
Fermented foods
Oats
Bananas
Beans and lentils
Coffee
Nuts and seeds
Berries

Processed foods are rich in sodium, added sugars, and unhealthy fats. They may increase symptoms of depression and anxiety.

You can find healthy, balanced meals through your senior living community’s dining program.

Sleep

Sleep gives the mind and body time to heal. Try to get seven hours of sleep each night. To improve your sleep hygiene:

Reduce or mask noise
Update your mattress, pillows, and sheets
Minimize lights
Avoid consuming meals three hours before bed
Avoid alcohol in the evenings
Keep the temperature between 65°F to 68° F
Avoid coffee after lunch

Try to create a relaxing bedtime routine by journaling or meditating.

Develop a Routine

After making these changes with healthy aging in mind, establish a routine. Sticking to a routine can give your life structure. This may help:

Improve your sleep patterns
Reduce stress and anxiety
Increase activity
Foster a sense of safety and security

Emotional Health Support

As you review these tips for emotional health support, try to meet different emotional needs, such as:

Social interaction
Safety
Belonging
Privacy
Meaning and purpose
Empathy and validation
Meaningful relationships
Independence and autonomy

Everyone has different priorities and values. Consider your own as you make changes to improve your emotional well-being.

Here are a few ways you can support your own emotional health.

Speak Up

Don’t be afraid to express your needs.For example, perhaps you’re concerned about safety and security. Consider moving into a senior living community in Roanoke.

Otherwise, make changes to your environment, such as adding:

Emergency call buttons
New locks
Security systems
Handbars

Perhaps you’re struggling with your mental and emotional health. Common signs of depression include:

Sleeping more than usual
Withdrawing from friends and family
Low mood
Lack of interest in hobbies
Low self-esteem

If these symptoms sound familiar, speak up. Ask a friend, family member, or caregiver for support. Seeking treatment can benefit your overall health and quality of life.

Meditate

Meditating can help you relax and navigate disruptive thoughts. This practice could relieve anxiety and stress to improve your emotional well-being.

Try to remain mindful. Focus on the present instead of living life on autopilot.

To improve your mindfulness, try focusing on your breath. Imagine the air traveling in through your nose, into your lungs, and out through your mouth. When disruptive thoughts enter your mind, try to push them aside.

Developing a mindfulness practice may help you:

Get better sleep
Improve emotional regulation
Improve attention and focus
Ease stress and anxiety
Lower blood pressure
Enhance relationships

Improve Your Outlook

People who are emotionally healthy can bounce back from difficult situations. They know how to navigate negative emotions.

Try developing a positive mindset by:

Not dwelling on mistakes
Learning from the past
Forgiving others
Giving yourself credit for successes

Senior Lifestyle Enrichment

Assisted living wellness programs can benefit your emotional, mental, and physical health. Here are a few ways moving into a senior living community can offer senior lifestyle enrichment.

Explore Hobbies

You can find fun hobbies to explore through your senior living community’s events and activities calendar. Hobbies can give your life a sense of accomplishment, which can boost your mood and self-esteem.Examples include:

Dancing
Cooking and baking
Knitting and crocheting
Writing
Painting and drawing
Hiking
Swimming
Birdwatching
Arts and crafts

Join a Support Group

Joining a support group can give you a sense of community and belonging. You can discuss difficult emotions or situations with people who understand. Rely on them for emotional support.