Being Mentally Positive Will Help Those Age 50 and Beyond to Age Gracefully
Aging is a reality, but with a positive attitude, you can feel good about yourself, stay fit and healthy, and engage fully in life despite aging. Being proactive with your health, both physical and mental, will improve your quality of life.
Aging is a reality, but with a positive attitude, you can feel good about yourself, stay fit and healthy, and engage fully in life for a longer period of time despite aging. Being proactive with your health, both physical and mental, will improve your quality of life.
Depression is not a normal part of aging, yet depression can complicate aging. Depression among seniors is less prevalent than it is among younger ones. Over 50% of cases diagnosed in this age group occur for the first time in those aged 65 and over. Yet, depression, chronic illness, and mobility problems are a reality for many people as they get older.
Although suicide rates in this age group are declining, they are still higher than in younger age groups. The reasons for late-onset depression are manifold. These include losing loved ones, battling a chronic disease, and losing touch with former work colleagues and other sources of social interaction due to retirement.
Improving Your Mood After Age 50
If you are over 50 and entering your senior years, it is vital to take proactive steps to stay positive. Below are just a few easy, natural, yet proven methods to lift your mood and maintain a more positive outlook on life.
There are some benefits of reaching your fifties. Many people have more freedom as their children have left home for college and beyond. Many people over 50 have started traveling more. You can even join groups like the AARP and qualify for many 'senior discounts.'
People tend to reach their peak earning years between ages 45 and 54, but their expenses start to decrease as their progress into their 50s and into their 60s.
There are things to be happy about as you get older. Yet, aging has complications and health concerns. Aging brings uncertainties about the future. There are things you can do to help yourself or a loved one improve their mood and outlook.
Creating an Inviting Home Atmosphere
People spend the vast majority of their time at home in the U.S. and many other countries, so designing an appealing home environment is essential. Untidiness and clutter can affect your mood and wrest from your motivation to invite others to your home. Messy homes can also pose fall and fire risks for seniors.
You can create a peaceful atmosphere at home in additional ways. These include painting your interiors in calming colors (blue, green, or lavender), filling your home with indoor plants (known to battle stress), and relying on uplifting scents such as therapeutic grade citrus, peppermint, and lavender essential oils. You can either diffuse your chosen essential oils through a machine or place them in easily accessible bottles around your home. You can also burn candles that are infused with these helpful oils.
Planting orange trees and lavender can help create an appealing outdoor relaxation spot if you have a garden.
Embracing the Power of Exercise
Yoga, walking in nature, and swimming are popular activities that can be performed by people of all ages and fitness levels. Regardless of the most preferred activity, select one and stick to it, as the benefits are numerous.
One 2020 study by researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that seniors who took part in group exercise classes experienced decreased loneliness and social isolation. Another 2020 study published by the American Osteopathic Foundation found that yoga and meditation helped reduce chronic pain, stress, and depression. When it comes to mood-lifting activities, holistic ones like yoga, Tai Chi, and mindfulness meditation can be particularly powerful in terms of keeping stress, anxiety, and depression at bay.
Make a Healthy Diet a Priority
What you are is what you eat, goes the saying, and science has proven that it is true. It pays to consume a Mediterranean diet, consisting of lean proteins, grains, pulses, and plenty of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables to lift your mood. Fiber is crucial if you want to maintain a healthy variety of bacteria in your gut. Doing so can help lower your likelihood of depression, optimize your digestive processes, and benefit your immune system.
The secrets of staying positive during your senior years aren't secrets. They include consuming a healthy diet and staying active, which are key during all stages in life. Because you may spend more time at work than younger adults, it is also vital to create a beautiful, appealing home that is clean, tidy, and fragrant.
Avoid Loneliness
Isolation and loneliness are sober problems for older adults. Social isolation and loneliness may also be bad for brain health. It has been linked to poorer cognitive function and a higher risk for dementia. Families often don't live close to each other as they did decades ago. It can be hard to avoid loneliness if you are not around friends and family.
Technology can help keep someone connected to their friends and family even if they live far away. Older people should embrace video chats, for example, to stay connected. Adult children should encourage their older parents to use technology.
You should never be alone for long periods of time, no matter your age. Being involved in social activities, clubs, churches, and other groups will be with socialization which becomes essential as people get older.
Don't Be in Denial
Being positive isn't always easy. Many people are in denial of aging and its consequences. We can ignore these issues and become depressed or embrace them and take proactive action to age more gracefully and happily.
Retirement planning, including addressing long-term health care when you are younger, will benefit your mood and prepare you for the costs and burdens of longevity. LTC Insurance is part of the retirement equation. Most people who purchase LTC Insurance do so in their 50s.
About the Author
Sally Phillips is a freelance writer with many years’ experience across many different areas. She enjoys reading, hiking, spending time with her family, and traveling as much as possible.
Sally Phillips
Contributor since November 4th, 2017
Editor's Note
One thing that will not put you in a good mood is finding yourself and your family in a long-term health care crisis. Have you considered how you would fund your future long-term health care? Would you depend on your adult children to quit their jobs and become full-time caregivers? How would caregiving change their lives?
Long-term health care is a cash flow problem that can adversely change your income, assets, lifestyle, and legacy. Quality care is a concern, and quality care is expensive - this is why Long-Term Care Insurance is a vital part of retirement planning.
Don't wait too long. Premiums are based, in part, on your age when you get your policy and your health and family history. Most people obtain their coverage in their 50s. Seek the help of a qualified Long-Term Care Insurance specialist who works with the top insurance companies to find the right coverage.
Premiums vary over 100%, and each insurance company has its own underwriting criteria.
Seek Professional Help Planning for Long-Term Care
Experts recommend seeking the help of a qualified and experienced Long-Term Care Insurance specialist to help you find the right coverage. A specialist will match your age, health, and family history with the right coverage at the right price.
Long-term care is a very specialized area, and few insurance agents and financial advisors have the expertise. Find a specialist who represents the top companies as premiums can vary over 100% between insurance companies. Leading specialists will often have over 500 clients with Long-Term Care Insurance.
A specialist will save you money, and you will have peace of mind knowing they are making the appropriate recommendations - Work With a Specialist | LTC News.
Planning Tools and Resources Available on LTC NEWS
Planning for the future is never easy, but long-term health care planning can be very complicated and comes with many emotions. Getting the right tools and resources will make the process much easier.
One of the goals is to reduce the stress and anxiety usually placed on your family at the time of crisis. LTC NEWS can be beneficial in providing you with important information for you to consider.
LTC NEWS has put in place several resources, including:
The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator will show you the current and future cost of long-term health care services where you live. Plus, each state has vital state-specific information you should know - Cost of Care Calculator - Choose Your State | LTC News
The Ultimate Long-Term Care Guide is an outstanding read to help you get a good overview of the topic area.
Compare the major insurance companies that offer Long-Term Care Insurance products here - Top Insurers for Long-Term Care Insurance | LTC News.
A detailed tax guide that includes available tax incentives can be found by reviewing the Long-Term Care Tax Benefits Guide.
You might have questions and LTC NEWS provides the answers for many of the most asked questions here - Frequently Asked Questions | LTC News. Find all the resources available on LTC NEWS - Resources for Long-Term Care Planning | LTC News.
Does Mom or Dad Need Help Now?
If your family is already in crisis and you need to find help and the right care services for mom or dad, LTC NEWS can help. We have put together several comprehensive guides to help you in your process.
Start by reading our four guides -
If your loved one is lucky enough to own a Long-Term Care Insurance policy, be sure they use it. Sometimes families wait, thinking they can save the benefits for a rainy day. Waiting on using available Long-Term Care Insurance benefits is not a wise idea.
Get Assistance in Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim
Many insurance companies have issued Long-Term Care Insurance policies over the years. Filing a claim can sometimes be complicated unless you know what to do or get expert help and assistance.
Don't allow the claim process to stop you from using the benefits available in an LTC policy. Quality care obtained early will help provide a better quality of life and reduce the risk of a deep decline and facility care.
If you need help in starting the process of a Long-Term Care Insurance claim, LTC NEWS can help. LTC NEWS provides free assistance with no obligation to help you or a loved one complete the claims process with a Long-Term Care Insurance policy. We have teamed up with Amada Senior Care, who will do all the work - free with no obligation.
Get help finding quality caregivers or long-term care facilities and get recommendations for a proper care plan, whether a person has a policy. - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim | LTC News.
Advantages of Reverse Mortgages
Today's reverse mortgages for those aged 62 and older could be an ideal resource to fund a Long-Term Care Insurance policy OR even provide money to pay for care if you, or a loved one, already needs help and assistance. You might be eligible at younger ages as well.
Some people have much of their savings invested in their homes. With today's reverse mortgages, you can find ways to fund care solutions, care itself, and even help with cash flow during your retirement.
Learn more by asking questions to an expert. Mike Banner, LTC NEWS columnist and host of the TV Show "62 Who Knew" will answer your questions regarding caregiving, aging, health, retirement planning, long-term care, and reverse mortgages.
- Just "Ask Mike." - Reverse Mortgages | LTC News.
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You can write a story or ongoing column for LTC NEWS. You can write about many topics, including aging, caregiving, health, lifestyle, retirement planning, and long-term care, to name a few.
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Email your story idea or article: newsroom@ltcnews.com - LTC News Contributors | LTC News
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Learn more about how LTC NEWS can help you market your business, drive traffic, and improve SEO - Advertise With Us | LTC News.
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