Prioritize Your Mental Health In 2024 With These 9 Tips

Jan. 10 – (StatePoint) As the new year begins, many people make resolutions related to their physical health, but experts say focusing on mental health in the coming year is just as important, especially for seniors.

“As they age, they may face stressors such as serious illness, the loss of close friends and family, living on a fixed income and worrying about their own mortality. "Although the elderly can withstand this measure of vitality, when exacerbated, these losses and stresses can lead to a variety of health problems, including depression, anxiety, stress and insomnia," the doctor said. Lindsay Evans-Mitchell, board-certified adult psychiatrist and medical director of Medicare behavioral health at Cigna Healthcare. Profitable company.

Dementia, which includes memory loss and language problems, is another problem that often worsens with age and often mimics the symptoms of depression in the early stages.

Fortunately, Dr. Evans-Mitchell says that healthy choices can improve your quality of life, including your overall mental well-being and potentially reduce your risk of depression and dementia;

Eat well. A plant-based diet has been shown to be associated with better health, including better emotional health. This is another reason to add more green leafy vegetables to your diet.

Exercises. regular exercise can have a positive effect on cognitive abilities. If you have a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan that offers access to fitness programs at no out-of-pocket cost, you should take advantage of it. For more information about Cigna Healthcare's MA program, visit cignamedicareinformation.com.

Drink lots of water. Dehydration can negatively affect cognitive performance. Even mild dehydration can deplete energy and cause fatigue.

Enjoy the sunlight. sunlight provides the vitamin D you need. Sunlight can increase serotonin levels and help you avoid the depression caused by seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Additionally, according to the Alzheimer's Association, taking vitamin D can reduce the risk of dementia by up to 40%. Of course, be sure to take the proper precautions, such as wearing a hat, using sunscreen, and wearing UV protection glasses.

Get enough rest. According to the National Institutes of Health, older adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night. People who sleep six hours or less a night have a higher risk of developing dementia later in life, according to the organization. Also, lack of sleep can be a sign of depression and should be discussed with a doctor.

Stay away from harmful substances. Coping with harmful behavior problems in unhealthy ways such as: According to the National Institutes of Health, research shows that excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of dementia and depression.

Choose a hobby. Hobbies such as gardening, cooking and solving puzzles can help improve your memory and your physical and mental health.

Be social. Isolation can lead to depression, which has worsened for many during the COVID-19 pandemic. Connect with friends and family in person, via video chat or phone.

Get help when you need it. Keep your regular medical appointments and don't hesitate to reach out to your network for extra help if you need it. This could be a financial advisor, a pastor, or a psychologist. Medicare generally covers the cost of behavioral health services, including depression and substance abuse treatment and talk therapy. Virtual services are often available to people living in rural areas. And if you're having a crisis with suicidal thoughts, call 988 right away.

"It can be difficult for some older people to ask for help," says Dr. Evans Mitchell. “But getting help is a sign of strength, not weakness. There's no point in suffering in silence when help is at hand to improve your life."

Cigna Healthcare products and services are provided exclusively by or through Cigna Group operating subsidiaries. The Cigna name, logo and trademarks, including THE CIGNA GROUP and CIGNA HEALTHCARE, are the property of Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. © 2024 Cigna Healthcare

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