Senior Behavioral Health: Understanding Emotional Changes

Visalia, as part of the San Joaquin Valley, has experienced a surge in the retirement population since 1980, doubling since that decade. Seniors flock here because they desire a quality of life in old age, where health and wellness take precedence. The natural beauty and strong sense of community in this part of California certainly meet their needs.

Caring for your health in your senior years is about more than just staying fit; mental wellness is equally important. Read on to learn more about emotional challenges in old age and how they can impact senior behavioral health.

Emotional Changes in Seniors: Common Signs

Aging adults can experience many shifts in their emotions due to a range of life factors, such as moving home or the loss of a loved one. It's important to recognize emotional changes because they can have a profound impact on mental well-being, so here are some common signs:

Anxiety and Worry

Getting older can often bring some heightened anxiety in an individual, especially if that person faces concerns about their health, finances, or loss of independence. Anxiety, left untreated, can have a severe impact on a person's well-being, interrupting daily routines, sleep patterns, and even diet and nutrition.

Depression

Depression or mood changes can be linked to life changes in old age, like a loss of purpose following retirement or grief from losing a partner. Seniors with signs of depression might withdraw from daily activities and experience low energy. It can be detrimental to their quality of life.

Emotional Sensitivity and Loneliness

Emotional sensitivity is about experiencing more intense negative emotions, especially when circumstances around you change. For seniors, emotional sensitivity may occur because their social circles shrink or because they are struggling to transition to a new way of life, such as selling their old family home and moving to an independent living community.

The good news is that all these symptoms are manageable with the right support and treatment. Nevertheless, it highlights the importance of identifying these mental health issues early so that a senior can get the right support and treatment.

The Factors That Can Influence Senior Behavioral Health

Underlying triggers often drive behavioral health issues in seniors. Understanding the connections between mental health and aging can help seniors receive tailored support that tackles the root of the problem.

Health and Illness

Chronic conditions, health concerns, and new diagnoses can all affect a senior's behavior. For example, diabetes might cause fatigue, which could leave a senior less likely to engage in daily activities or might even leave them feeling irritable. Chronic health conditions can make a senior feel more stressed and anxious, and even reduce mental clarity.

Life Changes

Moving home or losing a spouse are two of the most stressful life events to happen to a person and are more likely to occur in our senior years, making them a major trigger for behavioral health challenges. A senior might become more withdrawn or depressed, or they may become agitated if they are struggling to adjust to new situations.

Social and Environmental Factors

A lack of opportunities to socialize and engage with others is a significant risk factor for the health of seniors. That's why aging adults need to take proactive steps to stay involved in their local community.

This is also the reason independent living environments, such as Walnut Park, are so popular among seniors who want to stay connected with others.

Cognitive Decline

Even without a diagnosis of a cognitive condition like Alzheimer's or dementia, there is still a gradual decline in cognitive skills in old age, most notably with mild memory lapses. Confusion and forgetfulness can lead to other behavioral issues in older adults, such as frustration and sadness.

How to Support Emotional Wellness in Old Age

There are many practical strategies you can adopt to support your emotional health or that of a loved one, including managing behavioral challenges. That includes:

• Mindfulness activities such as meditation and deep breathing
• Low-impact exercise like walks in nature or yoga
• Group activities like crafts, arts, or gardening
• Maintaining a structured, simple daily routine
• Connecting with family and friends

For more severe symptoms, other forms of behavioral support may be more beneficial, including formal counseling sessions. However, taking proactive steps for your well-being, like staying healthy and connected with others, can be a great first line of defense.

That's one of the advantages of being part of a senior living community like Walnut Park, where social connections and an active lifestyle are at the heart of what we offer.

Visalia Independent Living: Supporting Cognitive Health in Seniors

Walnut Park offers an independent living community that prioritizes health and wellness, featuring a caring staff of experts in managing behavioral health for seniors. At Walnut Park, you'll find amenities and activities such as:

• Fitness classes
• Arts and crafts
• Group outings
• Social events like quiz nights
• Spiritual gatherings
• Educational opportunities

Our trained teams can also offer personalized assistance and help residents navigate some of the challenges they face in their later years. That might provide some emotional support when a resident transitions to independent living or offer practical help, such as arranging meetings with a counselor.

Senior Wellness in Visalia, CA: How the Right Environment Supports Emotional Health

Having access to an environment with abundant amenities and a strong sense of community is crucial for our mental well-being. In Visalia, CA, seniors enjoy the perfect setup. Near Walnut Park, residents can access:

• Visalia Fox Theatre
• Sequoia National Forest
• Mooney Grove Park
• Tulare County Museum

Access to amenities that can help residents connect with people and their surroundings is crucial for mental health in old age. It can reduce feelings of anxiety, isolation, or frustration and help manage behavioral health.

Senior Living in Visalia: Offering Wellness in Your Later Years

Good health in your senior years means taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. That's how you protect against senior behavioral health challenges.

Choosing a supportive environment is a crucial step to wellness, so take the time now to arrange a tour of our wonderful Walnut Park community. Here, you'll find the perfect setup for wellness in old age, including our pet-friendly homes, calm communal spaces, and on-site health and wellness programs.