According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), up to 13.5% of older adults who require home care suffer from major depression. Not only does this affect your mental well-being, but it can contribute to physical issues as well.
This is why it's important to take care of your emotional wellness, especially as you get older. It's the foundation for healthy aging, and it helps you maintain purpose and joy in your life.
Luckily, aging with purpose isn't difficult to do in Charlotte, NC. There are several emotional wellness activities here that you may find interesting, so read on for ways to improve your mental health.
Part of every senior's health and wellness routine should be light physical activity. It does more than exercise your body; it can also reduce anxiety and depression. And when you go walking with groups, it has an added benefit: social interactions.
Group walks give you a chance to meet peers and share stories while enjoying your beautiful surroundings. Interesting destinations in and around Charlotte that you can explore on foot include:
If you're having trouble gathering friends for group walks, then try online. There are sites like Meetup.com that allow you to meet people in your demographic.
You can also participate in charity walks, which combine wellness and purpose.
Creative outlets for seniors can be a wonderful way to express themselves without words. When feelings are too difficult to say, then get it out with art.
What's great is that Charlotte has many local art studios that have workshops, and they're suitable for beginners. So even if you have no experience doing arts and crafts, you'll be okay! You can learn:
You can do all of this in relaxing and welcoming environments. As a result, you'll feel a boost in your mood, as well as a reduction in cortisol and more mindfulness.
Once you're done with your creations, you'll feel a sense of accomplishment. It's an outstanding way to boost emotional health for older adults.
Social mixers are fun to attend, but they're often filled with alcoholic drinks. But alcohol-free mixers are trending now, which give you social engagement without alcohol. This supports healthier emotional regulation and inclusive socializing.
If you're interested, then join the Chilly Coffee Club. They host daytime social events with:
Attendees range from young to older adults, so you'll enjoy a vibrant, age-diverse social space.
Charlotte is home to several area attractions, but it's easy to miss them, even if you've lived here all your life. Keep your mind from boredom and rediscover the city by going on local food and cultural tours.
These guided neighborhood tours will highlight Charlotte's culinary diversity, and you'll have a newfound appreciation for local businesses. Plus, you'll stimulate the senses while creating new memories and engaging in fun social interactions.
Ideas for tours include:
Gardening has lots of health benefits for older adults. It can:
There's nothing better than the tactile and sensory aspects of gardening, considering that you get to put your hands in the dirt, shovel it out, plant seeds, cover them up, and then water and nurture them. Plus, you'll get a sense of pride when you see them grow flowers or produce fruits and vegetables.
You can always garden at home on your own, but why not make it a social activity? You can volunteer or join a community garden to mingle with other gardeners.
Mindfulness and meditation can help you age better. These are slow, calm, and purposeful practices that help you pause your busy life and focus on inner peace. They can:
Try joining group meditation or mindfulness circles in local parks or dedicated studios. There are also gentle yoga sessions, which can help strengthen your body, too.
Charlotte has several areas to practice mindfulness and meditation, such as:
When we get older, a big fear is that our pasts will be forgotten. But before we were seniors, we were vibrant young people with interesting lives, and that shouldn't be lost with time.
An excellent way to keep our pasts alive is to have storytelling and memoir writing circles. Sharing your life experiences can:
On the other hand, listening to others' stories can be deeply comforting and affirming. It's great for senior group support!
There are some establishments that host these sessions, such as Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Libraries or local bookshops. Otherwise, you can host your own at a local cafe or neighborhood clubhouse.
Connecting with others can be very fulfilling, especially if you're looking after others and/or the community. Purposeful activities like volunteering can provide meaningful interactions and give you a sense of purpose. Plus, it can significantly lower the risk of depression and isolation.
Even better is that you can build positive community ties. You'll create lasting relationships and leave your mark on Charlotte.
Emotional wellness activities are so important, especially in your older years. Seniors tend to become isolated and lonely, and this has a detrimental impact on their overall health.
But if you're proactive and seek Charlotte wellness ideas to take care of your mental health, you'll feel a lot better. Not only will you make meaningful connections, but you'll also have joyful engagement and find inner calm, which will improve your quality of life.
At TerraBella Little Avenue, we offer our residents access to six exclusive senior lifestyle programs. To hear more about senior living in Charlotte, NC, get in touch with us now.