Auria Senior Living suggests mental health tips for the senior

The Covid-19 lockdown locally, and worldwide, has disrupted people’s lives immeasurably and people’s anxiety levels are skyrocketing.

Of particular concern are the elderly who are not only at higher risk of contracting the virus, but are equally more predisposed to mental health conditions during this stressful period.

Auria Senior Living, a developer and operator of senior living communities in South Africa has a few suggestions for managing anxiety and stress in the elderly.

• Be selective about your media: Barry Kaganson, CEO of Auria Senior Living said, “Being informed is important, but information overload can be a major cause of anxiety.”
• Stay in contact with friends and family – digitally: Under South Africa’s lockdown rules, people have not been permitted contact with friends and family unless for exceptional circumstances.
• Look for support groups or inspirational content: Social media has its appeal and usefulness, especially for connecting seniors with friends and family that they can’t otherwise see, but a lot of news on these platforms can be negative and overwhelming, so curate your news feed to deliver you something supportive and useful rather than distressing.
• Exercise: The benefits of exercise for mental health are just as important as they are for physical health. One of the best ways to feel good is to get regular exercise, even if it’s just for half an hour a few times a week.
• ‘Mental fitness’ can help: The benefits of staying mentally fit have long been known and recommended for older adults. Stressful situations have the ability to exacerbate conditions such as dementia which is significantly higher among people over the age of 80, so it’s important to keep the mind active and stimulated.
• Watch what you eat: Along with exercise and mental fitness, our diet can play an enormous role in our mental well-being. You don’t need expensive supplements or a complicated eating plan if you are otherwise healthy,  just a good, balanced diet will do the trick.
• Know when to seek help: We are living through a time of unprecedented change.

Whether you have concerns about physical symptoms you may be experiencing or whether you find yourself in a state of emotional distress, knowing when to seek help is key. For more information on Auria Senior Living visit www.auria.co.za, or contact 087 654 8833.