Did you know that one in four older adults struggles with mental wellness? The Golden Years are a special time to explore new interests and hobbies, but many seniors also find them challenging because they lose some of their independence and connections. Staying mentally well can help you appreciate your Golden Years as fully as possible. Activities that make you feel happy and engaged can benefit both your body and mind. They can also help you avoid feeling lonely or depressed. Check out these five tips for staying mentally well during your Golden Years.

Tip #1: Stay Connected with Loved Ones

You may find that you spend more time at home as you age. But this does not mean that your connections should wither. You can stay connected to others by talking on the phone and writing letters. Be vocal about your desires to spend quality time with the people in your life, and make plans in advance. When travel is difficult, you can also increase the time you spend with people who live nearby.

Tip #2: Revisit Old Hobbies

Did you previously play a musical instrument? Or did you grow up enjoying theatre or watching classic movies? You may have more time now to revisit interests from your past. When you revisit old hobbies, you can enjoy all the memories that come with them. This can give your mood a boost. Studies show that hobbies of any kind can improve your mental health.

Tip #3: Explore New Activities

You may find that your interests have changed as you age. This is a wonderful opportunity to find new hobbies and activities that suit your fancy. You may find that you now enjoy swimming when you did not have time to go to the pool before. Or, you can challenge yourself to complete a crossword puzzle each day, even if you've never done one. Starting a new class or activity can keep you mentally engaged. It can also help you meet new people, too.

Tip #4: Spend Time Outside

There is no mood buster more powerful than some good sunlight. Sunlight helps your body to make Vitamin D. Research has shown that a lack of Vitamin D can harm your mental health. For this reason, spending time outside can be a great way to stay mentally well as you age. Even on cloudy days, being in nature can help you feel more grounded, calm, and connected to the world around you.

Tip #5: Adopt a Companion

Taking care of a pet can improve your mental health. It also does not have to be a huge act. If you're worried about being able to take care of a pet with a lot of needs, such as a dog, you can consider a cat, bird, or fish to benefit from the love that you feel for an animal and that you receive in return. The mere routine of taking care of another creature can improve your mental wellness, too.

Maintaining your mental health with these easy-to-follow tips is one part of the whole recipe for wellness as you age. Maintaining your physical health is very important for wellness, too. To learn how ChenMed can support you during your aging journey, contact us to take a tour of a senior center near you today.