It’s becoming clearer and clearer that mental health is just as important as physical health for seniors. In fact, one study concluded that a sense of joy and meaning in everyday life is more tied to longevity than social class or even genetics.
However, cultivating joy isn’t always easy for seniors. As friends move or pass away, many of them start to feel sad and isolated. The loss of mobility and energy can cement those feelings by making it hard for them to go outdoors or participate in social occasions.
Fortunately, Charlotte has no shortage of resources to help older adults boost their mental health. Here are some of the best options.
Mental Health Resources for Seniors in Charlotte
Seniors in Charlotte are in luck: From beautiful gardens and social events to real community connections, the area has plenty of ways for them to care for themselves. Here are a few of our favorite options:
1. Spend Time Outdoors
The science is in: All those poets writing about finding peace in nature had a point. In fact, spending just two hours outside each week can reduce stress and blood pressure while improving sleep, mood and cognition.
Charlotte is blessed with no shortage of green spaces, but our favorite is the Daniel Stowe Conservancy. This 90-acre expanse of picturesque themed gardens and native forests is the perfect place to explore and relax. Whether your loved one prefers a garden stroll, a light hike on a nature trail or one of the many classes and demonstrations they offer, the Conservancy is the place for them.
The Daniel Stowe Conservancy also boasts a rotating schedule of seasonal exhibits and events all year round. During the summer, you’ll find a diverse range of colorful butterflies at the Butterfly Bungalow and an equally diverse schedule of events like live music, gardening classes, trivia nights, birding tours and even a farmer’s market. When fall rolls around, Charlotte residents compete to display the most impressive scarecrows.
Even better, tickets are discounted for seniors. Whether your loved one needs excitement and community or peace and quiet, there’s nowhere better to go than the Daniel Stowe Conservancy.
2. Play Tourist at Home
One of the best ways for seniors to boost mental health is to keep having new experiences. By feeding their curiosity and sense of wonder, they can improve their mood and outlook and reduce their risk of cognitive decline.
However, the logistics of travel can make exploration difficult for many seniors. Instead of planning long trips to far-flung destinations, try playing tourist in your own backyard.
As it so happens, Charlotte is home to the very first art museum in North Carolina. The Mint Museum wasn’t always open to the public: It started as one of the original three branches of the U.S. Mint before its rebirth as a museum in 1936. In addition to permanent exhibitions including contemporary, European and Native American art, the Mint Museum hosts a rotating series of visiting collections from renowned artists from around the globe.
Tickets to the Mint are discounted for seniors and free on Wednesday nights, so it’s a great place to help your loved one lift their spirits on a budget.
3. Connect Around a Shared Hobby
Having regular social contact is vital for seniors’ mental health. One study found that older people who maintain strong friendships regularly have fewer depression symptoms and a greater sense of meaning and satisfaction in life. However, many of them struggle to keep an active social life as friends move away or die and health issues restrict their mobility.
One of the best ways for seniors to keep a healthy social life is to attend regular group activities with friends. The Levine Senior Center keeps a full schedule of activities like games, exercise and dance classes, book clubs and crafting groups, so your loved one is sure to find something they can look forward to each week.
The Center also arranges a variety of unique and delightful events. This month, they hosted Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre: A dinner party where guests work together to solve a live whodunit. They’ve always got something to look forward to, so keep an eye on their event calendar and get tickets in advance.
4. Do Some Good
Many seniors struggle with a loss of meaning in their lives—and there’s no better way to cultivate that sense of meaning than to make a difference. Seniors on the Move is a volunteer group of seniors committed to making positive change in the local community. They organize fundraisers, host events and coordinate volunteers for a variety of local nonprofits.
Seniors on the Move are serious about making positive changes, but they also know how to have fun. They schedule regular team excursions to horse races, vineyards and jazz concerts. It’s a great way to have fun and build friendships while doing real good in the world.
To sign up, call 704-408-2470 or email [email protected].
Get Support with Companion Care
One of the most important factors for seniors’ mental health is simple companionship. Companion care from FirstLight Home Care of Charlotte gives your loved one a caregiver dedicated to both helping and befriending them, making their everyday life easier and happier.
Contact us to see how companion care can make every day your loved one’s best day.
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