Goals for Mental Health: Supporting Seniors With Cognitive Changes
When you utilize goals for mental health to improve your physical and emotional well-being, you can cultivate a more cohesive and healthy lifestyle in your golden years. SMART goals, such as improving your sleep hygiene and making time for loved ones, allow you to set tangible targets while still enjoying your life.
Did you know that approximately 14% of seniors around the world live with a mental health disorder, according to the World Health Organization? As you age, it can be difficult to keep up with your mental health, especially when coping with unique experiences and major life transitions.
If you are a senior in Sparks, NV, you may be wondering how to improve your mental health. In this guide, we will explore SMART goals and how to create goals to improve your mental well-being.
What Are SMART Goals in Mental Health?
When constructing new goals, it is important to ensure they follow a pattern. It may seem easier to just brainstorm things that you would like to do and write them down, but that does not mean that you will be able to accomplish them.
Try implementing the SMART model when thinking of new goals. SMART stands for:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Relevant
- Time-Bound
What Are Some Good Goals for Mental Health?
Once you have learned about SMART goals, the next step is to craft some objectives of your own. What types of goals are ideal for seniors in assisted living or memory care? Here are some examples to get you started.
Cultivate a Healthy Sleep Routine
Sleep hygiene is crucial for mental and physical wellness. Not getting enough shut-eye can lead to health issues, along with daytime crankiness and excessive hunger, among other symptoms.
Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Listen to your body and try not to force yourself into a sleep time frame that does not work for you. Some people tend to be night owls, while others thrive on waking up earlier in the day.
Create an ideal sleep environment in your senior living apartment by using a white noise machine or blackout curtains. Consider spraying calming scents, such as eucalyptus or lavender, to help lull you to sleep.
Focus on Nutritious Foods
A healthy, nutritious diet can have a major impact on your mental health. Processed foods that are high in sugar and fat provide a temporary energy boost, but will later lead to crashes.
Look for nutritious options that will give you lasting energy. Opt for nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables, as well as healthy proteins and fats.
At Kiley Ranch, our exclusive Elevate® dining program emphasizes the importance of delicious, well-rounded meals for our residents. A team of chefs prepares meals with fresh ingredients, served in a dining room setting for style and refinement.
Assisted living floor plans also come equipped with kitchenettes, perfect for residents to prepare meals and snacks outside of mealtimes. Our Café Bistro allows our seniors to pick up a refreshment or a snack at any time of day, to ensure their bodies are fueled and hydrated.
Exercise Regularly
Regular workouts can produce endorphins in the brain, which boost mental well-being and motivation. Moving your body will also help you retain independence, as exercise can improve your stability and balance, along with your flexibility.
Aim to exercise several times a week, and take rest days as needed. Look for exercise classes in your assisted living community that pique your interest. You may find others with common interests that forge lasting friendships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Connection Between Mental Health and Memory Loss?
Absolutely. The more you work on your mental health, the less chance you have of exacerbating conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and other forms of cognitive decline.
Prolonged depression can lead to a reduction in the size of the hippocampus, the part of the brain that controls memory and retention. For seniors with cognitive decline, this means that depression and negative mental health may be much more drastic than for other demographics.
Anxiety may also play a role in memory retention. When you are anxious, your brain enters fight or flight mode, which then prevents the brain from forming new memories. This is why it is incredibly common for patients with PTSD to not have clear memories of the exact incident that caused the trauma.
How Can Mental Health Affect Emotional Clarity in Aging?
Exercising your brain is crucial for emotional clarity in aging. If seniors regress and withdraw socially, then it may be difficult for them to manage and control their emotions.
Many factors can cause upticks in anxiety and depression for seniors, along with other mental disorders. The stress of major life transitions or grief may have a lasting impact on their mental health.
How Does Kiley Ranch Senior Living Support Mental Health Goals?
Communities such as Kiley Ranch Senior Living provide resources and amenities tailored to support senior mental health goals. We offer:
- A fitness center, so residents can exercise solo or take classes
- Housekeeping and linen services
- Restaurant-style dining, so residents can eat in style
- Beautiful outdoor spaces and views
- A pet-friendly community, so your furry friend does not have to stay behind
- A putting green, to practice your golf game from the comfort of home
- Caring staff members who are available to assist when needed
Memory and Mood Support at Kiley Ranch
Once you come up with goals for mental health, you can begin your journey to feeling better, both mentally and physically, so you can thrive in your retirement years. With the right plan, you will be able to lead an enriching life at Kiley Ranch Senior Living.
At Kiley Ranch, we combine cognitive care planning and structured wellness to create a premier experience for our assisted living and memory care residents. Our exclusive programs aim to provide residents with the best quality of life possible in their golden years.
Are you ready to experience all that Kiley Ranch has to offer? Reach out to us today to learn more about our beautiful pet-friendly community, or visit us in person in Sparks, NV, to see it for yourself. We can't wait to meet you!