As we wind down April and move toward May we cannot go without mentioning that May is Mental Health Awareness Month. As we age, keeping our mind healthy and active is a challenge for many. Sometimes we need a refresh to get back on target and have our mind going at top speed or shall we say darn close to top speed. How can you keep your mind healthy and operating at its best as you age? Keep reading and learn a few tips to help you have a healthy aging mind.

4 Tips to Keep your Mind Active and Healthy

1. Keep Moving EVERY DAY! Yes, exercise seems to be the key to everything but if you keep moving you stand a better chance to keep your mind healthy too. Keeping active is hands down one of the best ways to relax your mind and relieve stress. The endorphins gained from exercise relieves stress and gets our mind going down a happy, healthy track. Not to mention that exercise is going to help your heart too! 
2. Be Thankful EVERY DAY! We know being thankful for what is going well is easier said than done. Oftentimes, we get caught up in the negativity of the news and what others complain about, and it can be contagious. Being grumpy and sour can really take a toll on your mental health. Take a deep breath before you get out of bed and just relax a minute. Say I am thankful for air, a bed, food, a home, and so on. Taking just a minute to give thanks really raises your spirits and mental health.
3. Keep Social EVERY DAY! It is important to schedule social time with friends and family. Spending time with friends and family helps you have a purpose in life and definitely promotes positive mental health. If you don’t know what to do, ask a friend to join in for coffee or get involved in a card club. You don’t want to get stuck watching TV alone every night. There are countless activities available in the Stamford, CT and New York areas to give you an outlet to have fun and socialize. Get creative and check out the local chamber of commerce or senior center for the latest activities. 
4. Therapy is a GOOD THING! Set time for therapy, if you are struggling. In today’s post pandemic world, therapy feels like a necessity to navigate away from negative thoughts and people. You need to find that therapist or person that can help you keep your mind active and healthy. You don’t want to live out your last chapter of life negative and depressed. Take time to find the right therapist to help you keep positive and engaged. 

Remember at the end of the day, mental health is just as important as physical health. Take time to invest in your mind and be aware of others around you, who might need to take time to invest in their mental health too. If you need help with a loved one or parent that seems to be declining with their cognitive abilities, call Ann at Senior Living Options and she can guide you to the best care and living arrangements to support your healthcare needs.

Author: Ann Jamison

Ann Jamison is an experienced senior advisor who has successfully worked with hundreds of families to help them find the best care and home-like environment for themselves or their loved ones. Prior to launching Senior Living Options, Ann was an eldercare advisor for a national placement agency and served as sales director at a senior living community. Thanks to her 25-year career in advertising sales and marketing, Ann is able to discern between hype and reality for her clients. Ann recognizes that there are objective factors that need to be weighed when making a life-changing decision, but she can also assess the important softer attributes by getting to know her clients and by using the gut instincts that can only come through extended experience.