Tips to enhance senior residents’ psychological well being

According to statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), over 20% of adults aged 60 and above undergo from psychological or neurological problems, which impression their high quality of life therefore, it’s crucial that we perceive and handle the mental health wants of senior residents as psychological well being points amongst older adults are a prevalent however typically missed side of general well-being. According to a current Lancet Report, the variety of dementia circumstances in India is anticipated to virtually double by 2050 the place the tally will improve to 11M from 3.8M in 2019, in line with the evaluation printed in January 2022.

These findings are proof of the necessity to increase consciousness about senior residents’ psychological well being and implement efficient methods to handle their distinctive wants. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Shabnam Mir, Consultant Physician and Head Clinical Operation at Antara, shared, “With time, the need for dependable and professional services and solutions for seniors has accentuated. India needs a robust and well-rounded senior care ecosystem to cater to the evolving needs of the senior population. This, in fact, presents an untapped economic opportunity to drive India’s growth agenda in the next 2-3 decades. Therefore, to keep up with the emerging needs, we need senior living facilities that are equipped to respond to the evolving needs and desires of seniors through a blend of lifestyle and lifecare offerings delivering a comprehensive, seamless experience. Recognising the need for specialised care for patients, we need to introduce specially-curated facilities like Memory Care Homes, with ambulatory, neurological and ageing-related conditions, that offer healthcare solutions based on its Memory Care Learning Roadmap.”

Asserting that by addressing these varied points holistically, we are able to successfully improve the psychological well being and high quality of life for senior residents, Dr Shabnam Mir beneficial just a few complete approaches to enhance senior residents’ psychological well being –

1. Education and Workshops: Initiating instructional workshops and seminars targeted on psychological well being and ageing can present older adults with worthwhile details about widespread psychological well being points, coping methods, and the significance of searching for assist. Inviting psychological well being professionals to talk on these subjects can destigmatize psychological well being discussions and empower seniors to take proactive steps towards higher psychological well-being.
2. Regular Health Check-ups: Integrating psychological well being assessments into routine medical check-ups can allow early identification of circumstances like melancholy, anxiousness, and cognitive decline. Healthcare suppliers can supply applicable interventions and referrals to specialists, making certain complete look after older adults’ psychological well being.
3. Physical Activity and Exercise: Encouraging common bodily exercise by way of tailor-made train lessons corresponding to yoga, tai chi, and delicate aerobics can have a optimistic impression on seniors’ psychological well being and cognitive capabilities. Physical exercise not solely promotes bodily well-being but in addition contributes to a way of accomplishment and elevated social interactions.
4. Social Engagement: Loneliness and isolation can considerably have an effect on senior residents’ psychological well being. Promoting social engagement by way of group actions, volunteering, and household interactions may help seniors keep linked, fight emotions of loneliness, and foster a way of belonging.
5. Nutrition and Hydration: Educating seniors in regards to the connection between a balanced weight-reduction plan, hydration, and psychological well-being can result in more healthy way of life decisions. Ensuring entry to nutritious meals and correct hydration is crucial for sustaining each bodily and psychological well being.
6. Cognitive Stimulation: Providing cognitive actions and video games that problem seniors’ minds may help preserve cognitive perform and psychological agility. Engaging actions like puzzles, brain-teasers and reminiscence workouts supply gratifying methods to maintain the thoughts sharp.
7. Telehealth and Online Resources: Leveraging telehealth providers and on-line sources can bridge the hole for seniors who face mobility challenges. Offering distant psychological well being assist and informative content material by way of digital platforms ensures accessibility to worthwhile sources.
8. Partnerships with Mental Health Organizations: Collaborating with psychological well being organisations allows the event of tailor-made sources and applications for seniors. Leveraging the experience of those organisations ensures the supply of specialized providers and workshops.

Dr Shabnam Mir concluded, “The comprehensive approaches outlined above, regular health check-ups and creative therapies, collectively form a blueprint for enhancing the mental health of our seniors. By fostering a society that embraces specialised care and leverages the power of technology, we can create an environment where seniors receive the support and resources they need to thrive mentally, emotionally and socially.”