Data from the IVDRS, shared by the Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, revealed that about 271 Illinois residents aged 65 and older committed suicide in 2021. Suicidal ideation in older adults results from issues like chronic depression and anxiety disorders.
Adopting effective mental health habits early is essential for senior emotional wellness. Addington Place of Shiloh in Shiloh, IL, helps seniors distinguish healthy vs unhealthy coping skills.
By understanding the difference, seniors are empowered to lead a more balanced and fulfilling life. Learn the difference between healthy vs unhealthy coping skills and how Shiloh seniors can build better emotional habits.
Coping skills help older adults effectively manage stress, anxiety, sadness, and other life pressures. They promote senior resilience by boosting self-esteem and emotional strength.
Healthy coping strategies also encourage a sense of purpose. This helps bring joy to the everyday lives of older adults.
Many seniors struggle with feelings of isolation and loneliness. These result from:
Loneliness and stress stimulate the body's stress systems. Cortisol levels increase, triggering physical and emotional strain. They also worsen cognitive conditions like dementia and Alzheimer's.
Social connections offer seniors the necessary emotional support. Depressed or worried seniors can share fears and feelings with trusted friends or peers. This provides reassurance and validation.
Socialization also helps older adults develop a sense of usefulness and self-worth. Conversations, games, and classes keep the mind active, slowing down cognitive impairment.
Mindfulness promotes healthy aging and stress management by calming both the mind and body. It helps seniors manage racing thoughts and physical tension.
Mindfulness also helps alleviate symptoms of chronic depression. Its other benefits include:
Tai Chi and gentle yoga are effective mindfulness practices for older adults. They help improve balance and emotional well-being.
Guided mindfulness meditation utilizes short sessions, either through an instructor or apps. It focuses on calming breath or visualizations.
Other mindfulness practices you or your aging parents can try include:
Assisted living communities feature tranquil rooms or gardens that encourage meditation. They also host group sessions led by trained instructors.
Seeking help is a step toward faster healing, resilience, and restoring joy and connection in everyday life. Key signs suggesting it's time for professional help include:
Professionals use evidence-based strategies to help seniors manage mental health issues. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy helps seniors recognize and reframe their negative thoughts.
Talk therapy offers a safe space to process grief, trauma, or emotional distress. Other positive aging strategies professionals use include:
Addington Place of Shiloh has a dedicated health and wellness team that offers expert health care and support. This fosters peace of mind for residents, helping ease symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression.
Licensed professionals who specialize in supporting senior mental health include:
Physical exercises help stimulate the production of endorphins. This can uplift your mood and alleviate symptoms of sadness, agitation, and other related symptoms.
Some physical activities help sharpen the memory. Physical activities offer seniors opportunities to socialize and share experiences.
Gentle exercises alleviate physical stiffness and chronic pain. This enhances overall body comfort and peace of mind.
Older adults can engage in these exercises:
Other physical benefits of these exercises include:
Assisted living communities often feature activity calendars that include structured daily exercises for seniors. Addington Place of Shiloh offers amenities like activity rooms and community outings to help keep residents physically active.
Spiritual habits like scripture reflection and prayers foster calm, focus, and resilience. They can also improve senior physical health by:
Worship service, Bible study groups, and choir build a deep sense of community and emotional connection. Faith or spirituality helps seniors navigate grief, illness, and life changes with greater acceptance and hope.
Spiritual support also stimulates mental function. This helps lower the risk of cognitive decline.
Some coping mechanisms harm older adults in the long term. Many older adults often turn to these unhealthy mental health habits for quick relief.
Isolation might feel safe for chronically depressed or anxious seniors. However, it deepens feelings of sadness, loneliness, or worthlessness. Isolation also reduces access to support when it's needed most.
Alcohol and many drugs disrupt neurotransmitters that regulate mood. This intensifies depression and anxiety in the long run.
Relying on alcohol or drugs to cope increases the risk of developing a physical or psychological dependence.
Dependency makes seniors feel even more helpless or out of control. Assisted living offers a safe, structured, and supportive environment to protect residents from harmful substance abuse.
Negative talks lead to negative thoughts. They can lower your self-esteem and increase emotional distress. Encouraging positive affirmations creates a more supportive inner dialogue.
Other unhealthy coping skills include:
Understanding the difference between healthy vs unhealthy coping skills helps support good aging and stress management. Positive aging strategies support seniors' daily lives, while negative habits cause emotional strain.
Addington Place of Shiloh, located at 429 S Main St, Shiloh, IL 62269, provides compassionate, tailored senior living options, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Residents can enjoy comprehensive amenities like comfortable, private suite apartments and tailored wellness programs.
Our location enables residents to explore amazing local attractions, such as the Gateway Arch, Three Springs Park, and Forest Park. Get in touch and let's support your emotional wellness.