Holistic Approach to Mental Health: The 3 Pillars in Senior Living
A holistic approach to mental health includes your physical, mental, and social health. These three factors are interrelated, so positive changes in one area impact the others.
A recent survey from the Commonwealth Fund found that 28% of older adults reported experiencing a mental health condition. With so many seniors living with mental health issues, emotional support in aging is critical.
Port Townsend, WA, bills itself as the perfect place to rejuvenate the senses and experience wonder. You can take advantage of everything the community has to offer as part of your journey toward holistic wellness.
What Are the Three Pillars of Mental Health?
The three pillars of mental health are physical, mental, and social health. Together, they're commonly known as the Health Triangle.
Physical Health
Physical health is usually the most familiar pillar of the Health Triangle. It refers to the condition of your body and its ability to perform daily activities. Important factors in physical health include:
- Regular exercise and physical activity
- Good nutrition
- Good hydration
- Adequate sleep
- Regular preventive healthcare, like screenings and physical exams
- Avoidance of harmful habits like smoking
Your physical health affects your mood, energy level, cognition, and overall quality of life.
Mental Health
Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and cognitive wellness. It affects a range of factors such as:
- The proportion of negative and positive emotions you feel
- Your perception of yourself
- How you handle stress and anxiety
- Your resilience while facing challenges
Positive mental health helps you make good decisions and lead a more fulfilling life. You can handle stress and challenges more successfully.
Social Health
Social health is the least familiar pillar of the Health Triangle for many people. It refers to the quality of your relationships with others and your support systems. Essential aspects of social health include:
- The ability to build positive relationships
- Engagement in community activities
- A feeling of belonging
- Good communication skills
- Support from family, friends, and the community
Strong social connections are the key to healthy aging. The Mayo Clinic reports that the quality, duration, and nature of your relationships are often more important than factors like genetics in aging well.
What Are Holistic Health Practices for Seniors?
A wide variety of holistic health practices support whole-person wellness for seniors.
Yoga and Tai Chi
Yoga and tai chi are ideal for developing whole-person wellness. They emphasize breathing, mindfulness, and gentle movement. They can help you develop your flexibility, balance, and strength.
Classes are available in many assisted living communities and fitness centers. You can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of yoga while developing socially.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy has physical and mental benefits. It can reduce muscle tension and pain while improving circulation. It helps you relax.
Regular massage therapy can reduce physical symptoms of agitation. Therapeutic massage can help you maintain flexibility and a good range of motion.
Meditation
Meditation helps reduce stress and improve mindfulness. Meditation can be as simple as self-directed breathing exercises. You can also follow a guided meditation, either in-person or on video.
Meditation doesn't require any special equipment, and you can do it anytime.
Pet Therapy
Many assisted living communities allow pets. Interacting with animals can improve physical and mental health. It helps reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and promote heart health.
Having a pet can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Caring for a pet provides a sense of purpose and gives structure to the day.
Healthy Diet and Intentional Eating
A balanced diet supports all aspects of holistic wellness. Good nutrition gives you energy. It lowers your risk of developing conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
Older adults may need fewer calories than when they were younger, but they still need enough nutrients to support healthy aging.
Mealtimes can help you develop your social health as well. The National Council on Aging reports that seniors who eat with others are more likely to have a nutritious diet. They feel happier and more satisfied with their lives.
How Can We Promote Mental Well-Being in Aging?
Mental health conditions in seniors are often left untreated. Family caregivers may not recognize the symptoms. Stigma surrounding mental health issues for older adults can prevent people from asking for help.
However, mental health support is a key component of integrative senior services. Staying mentally and socially engaged is critical. Activities like volunteering, learning a new skill, taking a class, and having weekly coffee with a friend provide emotional support in aging.
Being open to professional mental health services if needed is also important. Spiritual health care, counseling, therapy, or medication may be able to help you feel more emotionally balanced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare Cover Mental Health Services?
Medicare Part B covers many outpatient mental health services, such as:
- Depression screening
- Individual and group psychotherapy with Medicare-enrolled licensed professionals
- Visits with providers, including clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, clinical social workers, and mental health counselors
Medicare Part A covers inpatient mental health services if you're admitted to a hospital. Prescription medication for mental health is included in Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans.
Does Assisted Living Help Mental Health?
Assisted living communities can support good mental health in several ways. You have opportunities for social interaction and mental stimulation every day. Many communities have onsite fitness centers or exercise classes.
The staff in assisted living communities are trained to recognize signs of mental health issues. If you could benefit from professional services, they can help you find a provider. Mental clarity in assisted living is an important goal.
Take Advantage of a Holistic Approach to Mental Health
A holistic approach to mental health includes the physical, social, and mental dimensions of wellness. These three pillars are the foundation for a good quality of life as you age.
Victoria Place assisted living community is your trusted partner for holistic mental health. Our residents are like family, and we strive to give each person the personalized care they deserve. We offer wellness programming, an activity center, arts center, and an attractive dining room.
Schedule a tour of Victoria Place today to see how our approach to whole-person wellness can improve your quality of life.