Research has connected life expectancy and happiness, which means it is essential to ensure your elderly loved ones are not needlessly sad or lonely. Rather than just accepting that they have become grumpy over the years, you can help them improve their mood and enjoy the health benefits resulting from it – from a stronger heart to a boosted immune system! If you aren’t sure how to help your loved one to live a happier, more content life, check out these tips.
- Be sure to eat: Have you ever heard the term “hangry?” While often a joke, the truth is that when we don’t eat properly, it really can affect our mood. This is because, from a biological standpoint, blood sugar levels naturally drop when someone has not eaten for a while, signaling the release of cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can trigger aggression and stress, making someone feel and act grumpy – even if they are not usually that way. One must maintain a proper blood sugar level to combat the “hangry” effect. Therefore, supplementing your loved one’s diet with small snacks throughout the day can help to keep blood sugar stable. However, moderation is always key – as too much eating can read to hyperglycemia or heart disease.
- Get outside: Getting outside and enjoying nature provides needed exposure to sunlight, which is helpful because sunlight provides vitamin D (the “sunshine vitamin.”) When sunlight hits the skin., it naturally manufactures vitamin D from the cholesterol in your body. Vitamin D has been shown to play a critical role in regulating mood and minimizing the risk of depression. Therefore, sunlight itself can improve mood, as well as stimulate the release of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is known as the “happy hormone” for how it prevents depression and anxiety.
- Get together with friends: Humans are social beings that thrive in the framework of society. Socializing with other people is a potent mood booster, even if the individuals consider themselves introverts. Not only does engaging with others help to avoid feelings of loneliness and isolation, but it also elevates one’s sense of happiness and well-being. This concept also extends to pets – pet therapy is one of the most recommended treatments for physical and mental mood issues and is recognized and employed by many medical facilities and assisted living homes.
- Get organized and declutter: Many people are emotionally influenced by their immediate physical surroundings – and a dirty or disorganized environment can often cause depression or sadness. Organizing a living space can be a productive way to unwind and provide a sense of fulfillment when these problems are addressed and rectified. A clean and organized living area can boost the feeling of calm and serenity, especially if the person in question has been a neat freak for most of their life.
Some people view the move to assisted living as a sad or bad thing – when in fact, setting up residence in such a facility is one of the best things seniors can do to improve their quality of life. Assisted living models encourage socialization and activities, provide nutritious meals and beautiful outdoor settings, and many even allow pets if appropriate. If staying active, engaged, and well-fed all work towards a happier life, assisted living may be the ideal solution for a lonely or depressed loved one.
A Banyan Residence provides assisted living and memory care facilities in The Villages. We look forward to showing you our campus and amenities. Call today for a tour.
