Mental health is an important aspect in any person’s life, regardless of age. Our mental health and well-being are influenced by things such as life experiences, social factors, and biological and physiological conditions. A common piece of Western advice that is often given when our mental health and well-being are being impacted negatively is to “go to therapy.” As someone who loves working with older adults/elders, and tries to be culturally responsive, I know therapy is not the answer for everyone. When working with older adults, we can offer best practices, but we must center their autonomy in deciding what approach works best for each individual. We often encourage children to embrace their curiosity, and we should also do the same for older adults.
Roughly 20% of older adults experience some form of mental health challenges (Mendonça & Ivbijaro, 2013), the most common two being depression and anxiety (Aging and Mental Health: Dementia, Depression, and More, 2023). It is no secret that as we age, we become more susceptible to chronic conditions, social isolation, smaller circles of friends, and even changes to cognitive function. While everyone’s experiences of aging will be different, it does not negate these examples from being a reality for some, and how it may take a toll on mental health as we age. So what can older adults do, and what can we do, to advance the well-being of current older adults and consider our own future as we age?
Socialize
Older adults may experience social isolation because of mental health challenges, retirement, losing loved ones, or even because of ageism. In an attempt to combat social isolation amongst older adults, older adult centers (OACs) began to form around the country. In NYC, there are roughly 300 centers across the five boroughs. OACs are like community centers, that at their core, allow for older adults to access programs and resources intended to promote an older adult’s well-being. There may even be intergenerational programming, like us here at the Center for Wellbeing & Happiness. On the Lower East Side, there are two centers, Henry Street Settlement Older Adult Center and the United Jewish Council of the East Side.
If you are not based in the Lower East Side, click here to find other OACs (older adult centers) throughout the city.
Exercise + Outdoor Activity
As a personal testimony, I want to highlight both my maternal and paternal grandmothers. My paternal grandmother is 91 years old, and my maternal grandmother is 88 years old. They are outside just about every single day, getting some sun and moving their bodies. While they may not be as fast as they used to, that has not stopped them from going outside on their own or with the support of their home attendants.
Sometimes, it can be hard for older adults to exercise or go outdoors for long periods due to chronic conditions. However, for those who are able, consistent outdoor activity has proven benefits in decreasing anxiety and stress, strengthening muscles (walking, low-impact exercise), and boosting cognitive function (Kerr et al., 2012).
Advocacy & Civic Engagement
Every person deserves to age with the proper support services in place. I have often heard, “How does this affect me?”, when people who are not part of a certain community are asked to be involved with advocating for that community. The thing is, we all age! If you have a grandparent, a friend who is an older adult, nearing the age group considered to be an older adult…it impacts you, especially if you care about others and yourself. Most importantly, a goal for many is to live a long life, so for that to be possible, we have to be involved now.
This could look like:
Attending town halls or community board meetings
By attending these meetings, whether you are an older adult or not, you can connect with other residents, local elected officials, and other decision makers on what is currently happening in your community and how to best get involved. In both settings, there is a platform for public speaking where constituents can discuss challenges or accomplishments, and boost awareness of efforts being made by community residents and elected officials alike.
To see what town hall meetings in NYC might be available, click here. Community boards are by district; click here (FYI – you can also apply to be part of your district’s community board when applications open up!)
Engaging in literature
Reading relevant literature could both support adults in engaging their cognitive skills, as well as serve to diversify perspectives, reveal patterns of ageism, reframe thinking, and support advocacy efforts by having the facts together.
When we come together to participate in efforts that support older adults, we also take our future selves and generations into consideration. We show community care and show up in ways that we all deserve, but especially our older adults!
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