World Mental Health Day: support for those 55 and over
When it comes to mental health concerns, those aged 55 and over often feel uncatered for. Many resources are aimed at helping to bring awareness to the mental health crisis for young adults, however, this can be more difficult to access for seniors.
With World Mental Health Day on 10th October, the team at Burnham Waters look at the senior mental health stigma, the importance of mental health outlets and how retirement communities can aid in improved mental wellbeing within this vast age category.
The Stigma
Unfortunately, the senior generation tend to remain in the shadows in terms of the mental health conversation. It has previously been reported that aging adults are the most likely to suffer in silence because the emotions felt are so often just categorised as ‘part of getting older’.
Life altering conditions that can occur with age, like Alzheimer’s, bring their own set of mental health complications. The need for mental health support for aging seniors is absolutely fundamental. However, seniors can face many personal and professional barriers where mental health care is concerned. For example:
- Believing a negative mental state is normal. We’re often told that loneliness, feelings of sadness and negative emotions just come with age. This is simply not true and could very well be symptoms of mental illness. By allowing those 55 and over to know that their sadness or distress is not a normal side effect of aging, we can open up the important conversation around the need for more mental health care for the elderly.
- Many mental health symptoms can present themselves in the body physically. Aging adults report being more willing to seek physical treatments for these symptoms instead of treating the root of the cause.
- Those aged 55 and over are labelled the silent generation. Aging adults have a tendency of pushing their own needs on the wayside, letting these concerns and complications simmer and grow instead of talking to someone and seeking help.
What 55 and overs can do:
Speak out
Never suffer in silence. If you’re suffering, it’s incredibly important that you open up to someone you trust. Whether it’s a family member, friend or medical professional, a simple chat or writing a letter for them to read could be the perfect way to address what you feel and enable you to get the help you need, whatever it may be.
Socialise
Socialisation is so important in our day to day, so ensure that you are regularly speaking to a friendly face. This doesn’t have to explicitly discuss mental health, but a simple chat about common interests and future plans can be enough to lift spirits.
Join a club or a group for those who are 55 and over to ensure you are leaving the house and making those all-important connections with like-minded people. Isolation only adds to feeling of sadness, so get out and about where you can.
Moving to a retirement community, such as the one on offer at Burnham Waters can be a great way to meet new people, and access a range of local amenities on your doorstep.
Explore the range of amenities on offer at Burnham Waters here.
Exercise
Never underestimate the power of a good walk! Getting outside for some light exercise or joining in with a weekly class is paramount to both our physical and mental health. The two go hand in hand. When we exercise endorphins and serotonin flood our bodies, helping us to feel energised and rejuvenated. Regular exercise can also help to instill a routine, which is extremely important when it comes to mental health.
At Burnham Waters we will have an extensive range of onsite facilities and activities accessible to each and every resident, with something for everyone, from a swimming pool and tennis courts to a gym, fitness suite and organised classes.
Explore the lifestyle facilities on off at Burnham Waters here.
Schedule
Seniors who have not long retired may at first find it hard to adjust to a life without a ‘set structure’ of sorts. Creating a schedule allows purpose, whilst making sure you are setting aside the time to do all that you enjoy.
How lifestyle retirement villages can make a difference
Lifestyle retirement villages, like Burnham Waters, are breaking the mold when it comes to combating the senior mental health crisis and continue to demonstrate the positive impact of a social community environment for those aged 55 and over! We have worked hard to create an environment where our residents are able to lead a happy and healthy retirement in a home that is welcoming, safe and supportive. Just some of the benefits of becoming a resident at Burnham Waters include:
Reduced isolation - choosing to relocate and move to a retirement community, guarantees an enhanced sense of belonging. We allow residents as much independence as they need in a luxury, comfortable property, whilst being surrounded with friendly and like-minded individuals, creating a powerful sense of community. There is always a friendly professional face available to talk to on-site and family are always welcome at the village.
Easy access facilities and activates for all - lifestyle retirement villages offer an abundance of activities for those 55 and over to try. The beauty of everything you need being in one place, is that it poses ultimate convenience and as a resident, you can take part in as little or as much as wish! Our facilities are there for you to use at your discretion.
At Burnham Waters, we encourage both an active and social lifestyle for our residents. Afterall, we understand the impact that synergy between a healthy body and a happy mind have. All residents will be able to enjoy a weekly agenda, packed full of different activities to encourage new friendships and both essential physical and mental stimulation.
A whole host of amenities are planned for Burnham Waters – these will include:
- Fitness classes
- Gym
- Swimming pool
- Tennis court
- Allotments
- Routes and nature trails for walking and cycling, including a scenic lake
To add to the list, there will be a range of new shops, which we hope will include:
- Bakers
- Fish and chip shop
- Café / restaurant
- Grocery shop
- Fully equipped medical centre
If you’d like to venture further afield, our regular mini-bus service into the quaint Burnham-on-Crouch will enable our residents to head out and about to enjoy all the local area has to offer.
Get in touch
At Burnham Waters, we understand just how fundamental it is that you feel settled, comfortable, seen and heard in your new home. We are always on hand to help you.
If you’re interested in learning a little more about our lifestyle retirement villages or want to speak to us about reserving a property, simply get in touch! Send us an email at info@burnhamwaters.co.uk, or contact our sales team on 01621 861559. We would love to hear from you.
Our sales and marketing suite is open daily, 10am – 3pm – PLUS we have show homes to view.
Don’t forget to scroll to the bottom of our home page and sign up to our newsletter for all the latest news on our community for those aged 55 and over.
