A healthy headspace

Embracing life at any age

For older citizens, mental health can still be a difficult subject to broach as old fears or memories attached to dated mental health care and stigmas resurface, making it difficult for them to express their concern.

But with people progressively living longer in life, it is becoming increasingly important to look after our mental health because we are seeing retirees living for another 20 or 30 years after they cross the retirement threshold.

Today, thankfully, the subject of mental health is embraced by society. Campaigns, organisations and the media seek to educate and create public awareness and understanding about the importance of maintaining mental health.

What is mental health and how do we define it?

The World Health Organisation says, “Mental Health refers to a broad array of activities directly or indirectly related to the mental wellbeing component and includes – a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing, and not merely the absence of disease”.

As we grow older, our mental health may be something we become more consciously aware of.

Life’s little distractions, in the form of domestic duties, employment and an active social calendar may no longer demand as much of our time and therefore we are left to ponder a new direction.

And while this is not always the case, the transition into retirement can mark the beginning of a new era, in which we are offered back the independence we exchanged earlier on in life for the responsibilities attached to family and work.

The liberties attached to this recovered freedom can open new doors and present fresh opportunities, but they can also leave us feeling somewhat lost and overwhelmed.

It is at these times that our mental health may potentially suffer and we need to look at ways in which we can mitigate such feelings of loss or uncertainty.

Mental health care starts with keeping in touch with those who provide our physical health care.

Be ready to say to your doctor you would like to spend more than the usual 10 minutes allotted so you can address any emotional issues with them.

Simple strategies like taking notice of what is around you, learning new things, being physically and mentally active and even smiling are all important for mental health.

Nutrition and exercise also contribute to healthy bodies and general practitioners can suggest where to get advice on healthy eating.

Maintaining dental care and having regular hearing and vision checks is also important as well as attending podiatry consultations.

A significant part of being mentally well is also about nourishing our spirit.

Whether or not this is associated with a religious order, it is another factor that can make us less vulnerable to depression. Music, painting, poetry and other forms of art fill a need in many people’s lives.

For some, there is a feeling of peace and happiness in working in a garden or walking on a deserted beach.

We do not stop growing as we age and it is up to us to recognise and seek out the people and activities that help us grow more vigorously and with greater joy.

Social support from friends, family and medical experts can all provide a buffer against mental illnesses like depression and having a support system in place can offer a sense of security and belonging.