The Gift of Aging:
Nurturing Mental Wellness as We Grow Older
According to the CDC, the mental health of older adults has become a public health priority due to its wide-reaching social and economic consequences. The World Health Organization echoes this concern, noting that the world’s population is aging at a rapid pace. In 2020, one billion people worldwide were aged 60 or older. By 2030, that number will climb to 1.4 billion—about one in six people on the planet. Fast forward to 2050, and the number of people over 60 will have doubled to 2.1 billion. Even more striking, the population aged 80 and above is expected to triple, reaching 426 million.
Alongside this growth comes a pressing challenge: about 14% of adults aged 60 and over already live with a mental disorder. With more people living longer—thanks in part to improved long-term care at home—the risks of depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, and mood disorders are projected to rise as well.
Think we can afford to put off hard conversations about mental wellness? Think again.
Aging is, at its core, a gift. After all, consider the alternative. Yet in the midst of physical changes, our minds often resist, clinging to the past. Today, an elderly woman reminded me just how precious this stage of life can be. Though her memory faltered, her joy filled the room. She spoke openly about her feelings, asked for help with a simple task, and remained fully engaged in her community. She was a powerful reminder that staying connected, expressing emotions, and asking for support are essential practices for protecting mental well-being as we age.
The National Council on Aging lists 7 important ways older adults can manage their mental health.
- Seek Help if you need it: If you have feelings of depression, loneliness or helplessness – there is help! You matter and you are important enough to seek professional services. ABC can help– check out our Homemaking and Home Health Aide Services!
- Limit your media consumption: We can no longer live without them – those cell phones, (and that “need” will only increase over time). However, the constant barrage of negative news can lead to increased anxiety, stress, and feelings of helplessness. According to a survey of therapists by Grow Therapy, 99.6% said that watching or reading the news can negatively affect mental health. While being aware of current events is important, it’s vital to recognize how it affects your mood.
- Engage in healthy activities:
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- Get seven to nine hours of sleep each night.
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.
- Do not use tobacco or vaping (e-cigarette) products.
- Consume no more than one alcoholic drink per day (or none at all, per your doctor’s instructions).
- Exercise your body and mind. Meditation, walking, gardening, and group exercise classes are all beneficial to your mental health.
- Take your medications on time, every day: Whether you take prescription medications for a mental health condition or a chronic health condition, be sure to use all your medications as directed by your health care providers. Medications can only help when taken.
- Stick to regular routines: Humans naturally crave routines; we are creatures of habit. Routines give our days a sense of structure and predictability. As much as possible, stick to a routine. Structure=Security, and security aids in mental wellness.
- Have Hobbies -Stay socially connected: Especially as people age, it is easy to lose motivation to do the things that once brought us much joy and leaving the house to meet friends or family can become more of a “chore” than it used to be. While we may need some extra convincing once in a while, it is super important to make time for hobbies to keep us mentally stimulated and enhance our mood just as it is vital to maintain the connections we have with others. Try branching out. Visit your local senior center, volunteer in your community, or see what adult education classes are available in your area.
- Try to be positive and relish the simple things in life. Practicing gratitude can transform our perspective and lift our spirits. By consciously focusing on the positive aspects of our lives, we shift our attention away from what we lack and toward what we have. This helps us find more joy in everyday moments and feel more fulfilled.
Aging may bring challenges, but it also offers opportunities—opportunities to grow, to connect, and to embrace life in new ways. Mental health is not just about avoiding illness; it’s about cultivating joy, resilience, and purpose at every stage of life.
By seeking support, building healthy routines, staying socially engaged, and practicing gratitude, older adults can protect their mental well-being and continue to thrive. And no one has to take this journey alone.
At ABC Home Healthcare Professionals, our caregivers, homemakers, health aides and CNA’s are here to provide not just assistance, but companionship, encouragement, and care.
We are committed to life at home and our mission is to help all individuals who wish to age in place in the comfort of their own home do so gracefully and with dignity.
Click here for a list of ABC services!
