People often equate older adults’ physical health with their well-being, but that’s only part of the picture. The truth is, seniors’ mental health is often just as important as their physical health to their overall quality of life.
In fact, stress management has been shown to directly improve physical health. Physically healthy seniors have a better outlook on life than those who don’t, as well as more energy to connect with friends and engage in fulfilling activities. In turn, those who stay positive and engaged with the world around them are more able to find the motivation and focus to take care of themselves through tasks like cooking, bathing and exercise.
Fortunately, Naperville is full of resources to help with senior mental health. Here are three of our favorites.
Senior Mental Health Resources in Naperville, IL
From organized sports leagues for seniors to classes that engage both sides of their brains, there are plenty of senior mental health resources right here in Naperville. These are some of the best options:
- Help Them Get in the Game
Exercise is crucial for seniors’ health, but that’s not the only reason for seniors to get moving. Science has shown again and again that regular exercise can have wide-ranging benefits for mental health as well, increasing energy, mood and cognition while mitigating stress and depression.
It can be hard for many older adults to work out on a regular basis due to barriers like fatigue and logistical challenges, but with the right kind of help, it’s very doable. For example, a fun weekly workout can boost their motivation and give them a scheduled occasion to look forward to. It’s even better if that workout is also an opportunity to make friends and socialize.
Fortunately, there’s one easy way to give your loved one the motivation, structure and socialization they need to get moving on a regular basis: Organized sports. Our local IPRA Senior Games gives older adults opportunities to compete in a wide variety of individual and team sports like baseball, volleyball, pickleball and golf. Whichever sport they choose, it’ll give them a structured way to exercise, have fun and build community with like-minded people.
Registration for the IPRA Senior Games is currently open, so now’s the time to sign your loved one up and get them any equipment they’ll need.
- Never Stop Learning
The brain is like a muscle: The more we use it, the stronger it gets. Seniors who make sure to feed their curiosity and engage intellectually with the world are able to stave off boredom and reclaim their sense of meaning and wonder. Regular mental workouts can even prevent or delay cognitive decline.
Daily crosswords or book clubs are good places to start, but they might not be enough for especially active minds. If a senior in your life needs something they can really sink their intellectual teeth into, try helping them sign up for a continuing education program.
Available at many of the colleges, universities and public libraries in and around Naperville, continuing education gives seniors access to classes and seminars about topics as diverse as the rise of rock n’ roll, the reigns of Renaissance monarchs and the growth of our solar system. These classes vary in difficulty from entertaining salon discussions to rigorous college-level coursework, and they’re available at a steep discount for seniors (or in some cases, completely free of charge).
On top of its mental health benefits, continuing education is a great way for your loved one to make the most of their golden years. When they don’t need to worry about practical concerns like employment, they can delve as deep as they like into literature, science, history or any other subject that might interest them.
- Create Something Beautiful
Intellectual stimulation isn’t the only way for older adults to exercise their brains; flexing their creative muscles can be just as helpful. Making art gives seniors an opportunity to slow down and explore their inner lives or observe the world around them, all while working on a skill that helps them express themselves.
If a senior in your life is the artistic type—or even if they’re just toying around with the idea—talk to them about signing up for one of the many adult art classes available in Naperville. In addition to a wide variety of mediums like watercolors, oil paints, mosaics and drawing pencils, each class has a specific purpose and style. Some instructors focus on sharing techniques and technical skills for your loved one to master, while others might prefer to help them find ways to express their feelings on a canvas.
The great thing about art classes for seniors is that there’s no wrong answer: It’s all about what your loved one sees and feels, and how they choose to express it.
Get Help with Senior Mental Health in Naperville, IL
Seniors’ mental health is crucial to their well-being—and luckily, Naperville is full of excellent resources to help with it. From organized senior sports leagues where they can work out and build a community to educational and creative classes for both sides of the brain, there are plenty of ways for older adults to improve their mental health right here.
If your friend or family member needs a little help engaging in the activities that bring them joy, FirstLight Home Care of Naperville is here for them. Our dedicated caregivers can offer practical assistance with everything from bathing and dressing to transportation, ensuring your loved one has the energy to get the most out of their day.
Want to learn more about how our caregivers can help? Contact us today.
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