According to Psychology Today, many older adults are more prone to anger arousal. Overall, they may report being happier than when they were younger, but life events can cause them to be angrier as well.
Having healthy outlets to explore your emotions can result in better overall moods, as they address core issues. So if you or a loved one is experiencing bad mental health, it's time for a change.
If you live in Victoria, TX, then here are a few emotional wellness activities that are available to you. They'll help with aging with purpose and boosting emotional health in seniors.
Unfortunately, a large number of seniors feel lonely and isolated, which can lead to declining mental health. Humans are social creatures, so it's essential that we have social interactions.
Walking can be a great way to get a social connection for older adults. You can feel a sense of belonging, and when you breathe the fresh air and practice gentle movement, you'll enjoy mood-boosting benefits too.
In Victoria, parks like Riverside Park have beautiful walking trails with river views and wildlife. The park hosts walking events through community organizations, so you can stay active and socially engaged without the pressures of structured programs.
Otherwise, you can try creating a small neighborhood walking group yourself. Even if it's just two or three people walking together weekly, this can dramatically improve your mood and reduce feelings of loneliness.
Not every senior is able-bodied enough to do regular exercise, but they don't have to feel left out. For those with mobility issues, there are chair yoga and gentle movement classes. These allow you to remain active without strain, and they're excellent for memory care engagement.
You can search YouTube for senior-focused chair yoga videos if you want to learn it at home. Otherwise, there are many local instructors who offer classes in outdoor spaces. These sessions emphasize breathing techniques, mindfulness, and slow, deliberate movements.
The benefits you can get from doing chair yoga and gentle movement are:
Speaking of mindfulness, this is something you should incorporate into your wellness routines in Victoria, TX. It's a healthy way to manage stress, and it can help you improve focus too.
There are many mindfulness workshops on Eventbrite, but you can also look for them at yoga studios and parks. Either way, you'll learn practical tools, such as:
All of the above can help ground the mind, and as a result, you can break cycles of worry or sadness. You can then take this newfound information home and practice daily for a better quality of life.
Creative arts and crafts allow older adults to unleash creativity while connecting with others. As you may already know, art is a powerful tool for emotional expression, and it can be therapeutic.
During local events, you can:
And the best thing is that you can do it with others! For example, you can check out the Victoria Public Library, as they host regular arts and crafts events. Or you can start a rotating craft swap with friends each month, where you get together, craft, and then swap pieces of art.
Yarn and needlework circles are extremely popular nowadays, especially with older adults. Not only are these gatherings relaxing, but they also build camaraderie among seniors.
Victoria has a Yarn Craft Club that meets regularly at the library. They provide a welcoming space where both beginners and seasoned crafters can gather to:
In addition, while you perform the rhythmic motions of yard work, it'll feel meditative. This results in a reduction of stress hormones, plus you'll get a sense of achievement when you finish your project.
You know what they say: cooking is good for the soul. What's great is that preparing nutritious meals can be both therapeutic and educational, so it's a win-win situation.
Programs like "Dinner Tonight" through Texas A&M AgriLife have cooking demonstrations, and you can learn easy and healthy recipes. As you learn new culinary skills, you can also enjoy the sensory pleasures of cooking and build confidence in the kitchen.
Many seniors find that the process of cooking rekindles creativity. Also, they find a sense of independence.
Be Well Victoria is part of the Public Health Department and aims to help the community become healthy. Part of that is engaging volunteers in:
You can always ask for opportunities to participate in outreach, as this can reduce isolation. At the same time, you can strengthen community ties, and this will give you a refreshed sense of value and connection.
Pets are often considered family members; we love them so much that we can't leave them behind, even when we move into senior living. There good reason why we love animals so much.
Interacting with our pets can:
If you don't have your own pet, you can always visit pet-friendly cafes, attend dog meetups, or offer to pet-sit for your neighbors.
It's vital for older adults to participate in emotional wellness activities. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and it can impact how you feel overall.
So if you've been struggling, then give the above ideas a try. Chances are, you'll feel refreshed and find a new sense of purpose. And you might also make a new group of friends, whose social interactions and company can eliminate loneliness and isolation.
Morada Victoria has a professional beauty salon and barbershop on our premises. Contact us today if you're interested in senior living in Victoria, TX.