Physical and mental health plays a big role in senior’s lives, which is linked to optimism, wisdom, and loneliness. Scientists have discovered new findings that can help in developing new health-focused interventions amongst aging populations.

What Will Happen to the Baby Boomers?

Everyday ten thousand baby boomers turn 65 years old and by 2029 the entire generation between 1946 and 1964 will be that age or older. This should be a concern for millions of Americans because advance aging is associated with declining cognitive, physical, and mental health.

Maintaining Good Health  

Older adults living in senior homes have factors that positively and negatively impact their physical and mental functions, such as wisdom, loneliness, income, and sleep quality. Healthy aging can happen with managing your physical health, which is directly correlated to good cognitive function and mental health.

Maintaining good cognitive function is associated with physical mobility, wisdom, and satisfaction with life. On the other hand, physical health is identified with mental well-being and resilience. While mental health is linked to optimism, self-compassion, and decreased levels of loneliness and sleep disturbances.

Studying Optimism

Senior homes are beneficial places for studying and promoting health in older adults. Typically, the primary focus points on seniors are disease and risk factors. Most of the focus has been put on old age, unhealthy diets, and a lack of activity. Instead, we should be promoting attention to factors that make up the whole person.

Feeling protected leads to feeling psychological traits, such as optimism, resilience, wisdom, and self-compassion. While someone dealing with loneliness has higher risk factors for negative traits.

The Support Seniors Need

Many seniors do not receive the support they need from younger family members serving as caregivers. The majority of younger family members have jobs and children to manage, leaving seniors with the decision of staying at home and being lonely or moving to senior homes where they can have support and be socially engaged.

The decision of moving into a senior facility can become complicated by factors, such as financial costs of senior housing. The eventual goal would be to develop new health-focused interventions based on such research. Senior centers in the community should incorporate activities that address physical, social and mental aspects. We can all do something to improve and strengthen the quality of life of our aging population.

The Victorian Assisted Living and Retirement Community

The Victorian is an assisted living and retirement community that makes living independently, while at the same time feeling safe and secure, a reality. We strive to provide the best quality of life for all residents including those suffering from loneliness and depression.

We offer a comprehensive activity program that includes both physical and social activities to encourage emotional well-being. Our staff is trained to assist those with depression. If you or a loved one are considering assisted living, contact The Victorian today to learn more about our services or tour our community.