Every year, it seems we get more and more evidence that mental health is just as important as physical health. That’s especially true for older people—in fact, one study found that happiness in seniors was associated with better physical health and longevity.
However, aging can present significant barriers to happiness. Many seniors feel isolated because their friends have moved away, and barriers like mobility issues make it hard to go out, have fun and connect with others.
Luckily, there are plenty of resources right here in Goodyear to help seniors overcome these barriers and improve their mental wellbeing. Here are a few of our favorite options.
Self-Care for Goodyear Seniors
Maintaining mental health can be challenging for seniors, but the resources available for Goodyear seniors makes it doable. From group art and workout classes to expert help with life planning, here are some of the best local options.
- Engage Your Creative Side
Engaging in art and other creative pursuits isn’t just fun and satisfying—it’s an opportunity to connect with your inner self that offers powerful mental health benefits, especially for seniors. One study found that engaging in the arts can boost self-esteem and confidence, mitigate depression and delay the onset of dementia.
Whether your loved one is a master artist, a dabbler or a complete novice, the West Valley Arts Council is a fantastic resource for Goodyear seniors. Their Creative Aging program helps seniors overcome barriers of all sorts and enhance their quality of life through the power of creative expression. The Council offers art classes in a wide variety of media like watercolors, acrylics and alcohol inks, led by professional instructors who know how to accommodate individuals with physical disabilities or cognitive impairment.
The Arts Council doesn’t limit itself to the visual arts. They also offer accessible dance classes and music lessons, so your loved one can pick the type of creative expression that speaks most to them. Each class is part of a larger curriculum that gives seniors a chance to improve their skills and build a real sense of accomplishment.
- Get Moving with Friends
It’s true that mental health impacts physical health. The reverse is true as well: Our physical reality constantly impacts our thoughts and emotions. We’ve all felt grouchy due to an injury or content after a great night of sleep. In fact, one study found that seniors who get regular exercise feel happier and less stressed than those who don’t. Exercise may even help delay or prevent the onset of dementia.
The Active Older Adults Program at the Valley of the Sun YMCA is one of the best resources in the area to help seniors stay active. By offering regular senior-friendly group exercise classes, they turn exercise from a dull obligation to a social event your loved one will look forward to week after week.
The Goodyear branch boasts a wide range of classes for seniors, including Zumba Gold, Silver Sneakers, water fitness and chair yoga, so your loved one is sure to find a workout they’ll enjoy. Don’t worry if you’re elsewhere, though—the YMCA has 11 other branches around Greater Phoenix, so they’re never too far away.
- Find Expert Support
Uncertainty about the future can seriously impact mental health, leading to persistent worries, anxiety and feelings of powerlessness. Sometimes, the best thing to do is to find a productive distraction or burn off the excess energy at the gym. But occasionally, it’s more helpful to meet it head-on by making a concrete plan for the future.
It can be stressful to face so much uncertainty—but once it’s done, it’s far easier to stop worrying and put it down. The good news is, you don’t have to do it alone. There are plenty of experts around Goodyear who make a career out of helping seniors and their families prepare for the future.
One of the best options is the Lihn Law Group, a legal practice specializing in serving Goodyear seniors and their families. Lihn offers empathetic, practical counsel to handle issues like inheritance, care planning and probate. They can also help you access care from the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS), which is notoriously difficult to qualify for. With their assistance, your loved one can gain the stability and clarity they need to breathe easy.
Get Support From Companion Care
One of the biggest factors in seniors’ mental health is simple, everyday companionship. Companion care from FirstLight Home Care of Goodyear gives them a dedicated caregiver who offers assistance with daily activities they might struggle with, like cooking or dressing, as well as genuine warmth and friendship.
Want to learn more about your care options? Contact us today.
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