Research has associated reduced mortality and happiness with each other, which is why it’s no wonder that a pleasant mood is important for so many elderly individuals. Rather than remaining grumpy, improving your mood can help you and your elderly loved one reap the multiple health benefits that happiness can bring from improved heart health to a stronger immune system. Boost your mood today for greater longevity in life with these helpful tips!
Sate Your Hunger
Chances are that you or your aging loved one are familiar with the term “hangry”, feeling hungry to the point of it making you angry. Being hangry is not simply a baseless expression, but rather, does make sense from a biological standpoint. After not eating for a while, your blood sugar levels naturally lower, which can trigger the release of hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can lead to aggression and stress, making you feel uncharacteristically crabby.
To combat the feeling of being “hangry”, you simply have to keep your blood sugar in control. For example, adding small snacks to your or your loved one’s daily diet can help to keep blood sugar even. However, snacking in moderation is key, because it could lead to conditions such as hyperglycemia, heart disease, and other concerning health problems.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Enjoying the outdoors helps to expose you or your loved one to sunlight, which is useful because of sunlight’s relationship to vitamin D, known as the “sunshine vitamin”. When your skin meets sunlight, it naturally produces vitamin D from the cholesterol in your body. Vitamin D has been proven to play a crucial role in regulating mood and reducing one’s risk of developing depression. Hence, sunlight can indirectly improve your mood overall. Furthermore, sunlight can enhance the release of the hormone serotonin in your brain, which is known as the “happy hormone” for how it regulates and enhances mood, staving off depression and anxiety.
Socialize With a Friend
As social creatures, humans naturally thrive in society. Therefore, socializing with the people around you is sure to be a mood booster, even if you or your loved one are an introvert. Not only does socializing stave off feelings of loneliness and social isolation, but it boosts one’s sense of happiness and well-being.
Don’t forget about the joy of having a furry friend around either! Pet therapy is one of the most recommended responses to physical and mood disorders, and for good reason. Whether you’re playing with a friend’s pet or your own, you’ll find yourself smiling uncontrollably.
Organize Your Space
Many people tend to feel emotionally impacted by their physical surroundings, their mood being brought down by a filthy or cluttered home. Organizing your or your loved one’s living space can be a great way to emotionally unwind, giving you a feeling of fulfillment when such housekeeping problems are addressed and resolved. A clean and organized space can be calming for many, especially if you or your loved one are a neat freak.
Joining a retirement community like ours can make your or your loved one’s retirement life even happier. To learn more, explore our senior living options!
