Most believe losing emotional, mental, and physical capabilities is part of the aging process. Although this might be true, seniors can still work to maintain such abilities and continue to enjoy emotional and mental vitality long into their lives. Given that both emotional and mental vitality are key components to maintaining physical abilities, caregivers should pay close attention and give special care to address and encourage continued growth in these areas. One great way to do this is to invest in activities that require social contact, which plays a huge role in how they feel and is one ways to make them feel good about themselves is by replacing the “lost” activity time.

For instance, if they can’t run the other alternative could be swimming or biking. For those who love dancing they could try something that combines physical and social activity such as participating in a water aerobics class.


Staying Mentally Active

Dementia is more prevalent in seniors than in other age groups. They sometimes tend to be forgetful, and one of the ways to keep them mentally alert is by challenging their mind. By encouraging the seniors to take part in mentally challenging activities such as craft work, mazes, jigsaw puzzle and crossword puzzles their brain can maintain optimal functionality. The other way to keep them mentally activity is by learning new skill whether it’s a physical activity such as ballroom dancing or yoga, or woodworking or crocheting, the mind will always engaged.

Family members or caregivers can set challenges such as asking them when someone’s birthday is or have them tell a personal story. Such questions will not only help them to practice focusing on specific information, but it also goes a long way in helping them with long-term memory. You might be forced to go the extra mile for those who struggle with long-term memory. For instance, you can note down their doctor’s appointment date and have them repeat it over and over again.  You could also remind them early in the day or a day before to help them recall. The more they hear about the appointment date, the more it’s ingrained in their memory.

A few natural products that can help with brain activity include Ceriva® formulated to support healthy cognition and memory by beneficially modulating the metabolism of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and aiding neuro protection. Or there is the Bulletproof® Brain Octane Oil a specially formulated coconut oil that has had great implications in helping to minimize the affects of Alzheimer’s and Dementia in conjunction with a low carb, sugar free lifestyle.

Relaxation And Stress Reduction

Without close contact or supervision, life stress can take a toll on the elderly. Apart from the physical and mental activities, it’s important for seniors to take time to manage their stress levels. One of the ways of doing this is through meditation. The good thing about meditation is that it helps to calm the body and mind and focuses your attention.

Doing this on a regular basis will help them manage different emotional and physical conditions such as chronic pain, depression, anxiety and high blood pressure. Every time you are stressed up the body reacts to the pressure with muscle tension which can cause discomfort or pain. Therefore, muscle relaxation minimizes general anxiety and muscle tension, and this will help them get to sleep.

Positive Thinking

Positive thinking is a source of happier, longer life. Even optimists will at some point have to take an extra step to frame their life positively. One of the best ways to achieve this is by creating a positive expectation of your health, yourself, or life in general. If at some point you find yourself predicting a bad outcome or using negative self-talk try to re-frame that thought into a positive one then write it down.

At Prime Wellness, we have several services that can help the elderly improve their mental vitality. By taking advantage of our Naturopathic experts you will have access to helpful therapies and information that can help you move past the many issues that arise as we age. We offer hormone therapy, IV’s, and nutritional and supplement advice that can help to strengthen weak connective tissues, relax muscles, ease nerve pain, and improve cognitive function. As a Metagenics provider, we have many supplements such as OmegaGenics® EPA-DHA 1000 enabling them to be more physically and mentally active. We would love to walk you through the journey of better emotional and mental vitality, call us at 858-675-7072 or visit our clinic and book an appointment with one of our practitioners to find creative and personalized solutions today.