Healthy Body, Healthy Mind

Staying healthy isn’t just about exercise and a good diet. Maintaining a positive outlook is just as important as keeping fit – in fact, the two go hand in hand. As we navigate the journey of ageing, understanding the profound connection between our physical and mental wellbeing becomes more crucial than ever.

Understanding Mental Health in Later Life

Good mental health is a positive state of wellbeing where you can cope with life’s challenges and function well. The World Health Organisation defines good mental health as the ability to cope with normal stresses of life, learn and work productively, and maintain positive relationships while contributing to the community.

However, as we age, maintaining mental health can become more challenging due to changes in physical health, feelings of social isolation, and experiences of grief and loss. The most common mental health conditions affecting older adults are depression and anxiety, and certain chronic conditions such as Dementia and Parkinson’s can cause changes in the brain that impact mood and emotions.

Recognising the Signs

Depression is characterised by overwhelming feelings of sadness, loss and hopelessness, lacking energy and losing interest in activities usually enjoyed. You might also notice changes to sleep patterns, increased irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Depression typically develops from a combination of life events, personal factors, and changes in the brain.

Anxiety manifests as persistent feelings of unease, worry or fear, and may include breathlessness, panic attacks and difficulty sleeping. While everyone feels anxious occasionally, when these feelings persist without particular reason or make daily life difficult, it may indicate an anxiety condition.

Building Mental Resilience

An important part of maintaining good mental health is building resilience – your ability to cope with unexpected changes and challenges using your inner strength and support networks. People with good mental health are better equipped to handle life’s inevitable ups and downs.

Following routines can significantly help build this resilience. Research has identified five key activities that, when practised three to four times a week, can lead to better mental health:

Meaningful Activities: Engage in activities that provide a sense of accomplishment, satisfaction or joy. This could be as simple as listening to favourite music or watching a beloved TV show.

2. Healthy Thinking: Maintain realistic thoughts about yourself, the world, and the future. Keep perspective and treat yourself with respect, especially during difficult times.

3. Goals and Plans: Having something to look forward to helps with motivation and energy, providing focus rather than dwelling on problems or past events.

4. Healthy Routines: Consistent sleep patterns, eating well, and staying active are critical foundations for good mental health.

5. Social Connections: Regular contact with friends and family helps you feel valued and provides a vital sense of belonging.

The Power of Mindfulness

Mindfulness involves focusing on being present in the moment and allowing experiences to come and go without clinging to them or pushing them away. It encourages you to observe thoughts and feelings with curiosity, openness, and compassion, helping you cope with the stressors of ageing and improving overall wellbeing and quality of life.

Benefits of mindful practices include:

Reduced stress and anxiety

Improved focus and concentration

Increased self-awareness

Enhanced resilience

Greater overall mental wellbeing

Getting started with mindfulness is simple:

Find a quiet space, perhaps in the garden or a park

Take time to notice what you can see – colours, shadows, shapes, movement

Consider what you can hear, smell, or feel

Bring mindfulness into daily activities like preparing and eating food, or taking mindful walks

Combating Isolation and Loneliness

One in five older people experience social isolation, and this significantly impacts both mental and physical wellbeing. The effects of isolation include increased risk of heart disease, stroke, anxiety, depression, dementia, and decreased appetite. Maintaining social connections also keeps your brain stimulated and helps prevent cognitive decline including memory loss.

When you’re feeling lonely, reaching out can feel challenging, but connecting with others can often be exactly what you need. Try contacting a family member, friend, or neighbour when loneliness strikes.