5 Ways a Senior Living Community can Help Improve Mental Health

For many, the mere thought of transitioning to a senior living community brings up negative feelings. It may have a stigma, or it may just be scary. The unknown is always frightening, and changing your life after so many years is sure to bring on some hesitation.

However, those who decide to join a lovely senior living community are usually pleasantly surprised and pleased. It can be a perfect transition for many who are mentally struggling after retirement. It can be the ideal way to gain a sense of community and purpose when feeling lonely.

The reasons for choosing a retirement community are different for each person. Some people are looking for a support system. Others may be paying for medical care at home that is getting pretty pricey and can’t afford it anymore. Some may find it impossible to keep up their home at their age. Still others feel like they are burdening their loved ones because they need frequent help.

No matter the reason, a senior living community can often be the perfect solution to the issues your beloved senior is facing. Making the transition can increase the quality of life, enhance mental health and bring peace of mind. Here are five ways a senior living community can improve the mental health of the residents.

1. Feeling of Freedom

One of the goals of independent living communities is to offer their residents a comfortable living environment that provides support while enabling them to have as much independence as possible.

Assisted living communities also provide residents with a sense of freedom while offering the extra assistance they need. The service often entails help with eating, memory, communication, and medication administration.

Most senior communities have serene outdoor spaces ideal for soaking up nature, reading a book, or conversing with a friend or loved one. They also usually offer different dining and transportation options.

2. Feeling Safe and Secure

As you age and slow down, it’s essential to feel safe where you reside. Your family, friends, and loved ones want you to be safe, knowing you are in good hands at a reliable senior living community. Senior living communities have 24/7 professional security, which can significantly comfort seniors, especially those who live alone. Knowing you are safe and protected can help reduce stress and increase peace of mind. Feeling safe is a significant benefit of senior living. Moving to a senior living community is often the safest option.

3. Feeling a Sense of Belonging

Seniors done with working, raising children, and less able to participate in physical activities may feel alone. But, being a part of a warm and welcoming community of like-minded individuals can help to feel like you are part of something bigger again. It may be the perfect place to get involved, feel helpful and needed, and keep your mind sharp. A senior community can be the ideal way to feel a sense of connection and belonging with the many volunteer opportunities and activities to be involved in.

4. Feeling Social

When you live alone and transportation becomes a hassle, it can be natural to slip into a mundane daily routine filled with boredom, sadness, and isolation. Those feelings can cause a decline in health. Social engagement is essential for seniors and their mental health; nobody is meant to endure life alone. No matter how old you are, it’s vital to surround yourself with good people who uplift you and satisfy your craving for human connection.

In a senior living community, there are many opportunities to volunteer, engage with other residents, and share commonalities. There are shared meals, regular programming and events, scheduled trips, and more. Senior living is a great way to get your social life back.

5. Feelings of Understanding

As we age, our brains struggle more to regulate our hormone levels. This makes it challenging to deal with feelings of anxiety. These hormones can have long-term damaging effects on the brain and mental capabilities, contributing to increased depression. It can also lead to weight loss, sleep disturbances, moodiness, and suicidal thoughts.

Senior living communities offer mental health support in various ways. Talking with people who understand what you are going through can be especially comforting. If you live in a senior living community, chances are there are many other people in similar situations who can relate to your feelings and emotions. Feeling understood can help you to feel comfortable expressing yourself, which helps immensely with mental health and depression. There’s also a team of trained, supportive staff to lean on in times of need. Getting proper support when you’re struggling mentally is ever so important.

Making mental health a priority is essential at any age. Many seniors experience anxiety and depression as they enter retirement, and moving to a senior living community can help bring joy back to your soul. It just might give you the feeling of freedom, safety, belonging, socialization, and understanding that will give you the happiness and peace of mind you deserve.

Experience the Benefits of Senior Living Firsthand at Summit Vista

As Utah’s first Life Plan Community, Summit Vista sets the standard for senior care. That’s why we make it our mission to provide residents with a continuum of coordinated and comprehensive health and wellness services—all in one location. Contact our retirement counselors online or call 385-255-1105 to learn more about assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing at Summit Vista.