How to Improve Mental Health Through the Power of Routine

Many people plan their retirement over the course of decades, working out the financial practicalities of life after work. But an often overlooked aspect of retirement planning is how to improve one’s mental health. It is estimated that nearly one-third of retirees experience depression. Other common problems include anxiety and sleep disorders. But there are ways to help your parent or older loved one combat depression for an active, more fulfilling life as they age.

Ways to Combat Depression

Determining how to improve mental health doesn’t have to be complicated. According to Stephen Smagula, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychiatry and epidemiology at University of Pittsburgh, simple changes in everyday life can make a big difference when it comes to mental health and aging. Your loved ones may benefit from adopting these habits after retirement:

1. Create a routine. It can be a shock to the system to go from having a job with a set schedule to having unstructured days. That’s why it’s important to keep using the structure and routines they have always relied upon. But, instead of a routine focused on meetings and deadlines, encourage them to structure their day to include visits with friends and family, taking classes, exploring new hobbies or volunteering.

Their new routine should include a consistent sleep habit. The 2022 study led by Dr. Smagula found that older adults who followed consistent daily routines had significantly improved brain function and less depression.

2. Stay active. While your parents might not want to run a marathon or take up cycling, they should find ways to stay active. Invite them to join you for a family walk or suggest taking a class to help them incorporate strength training into their daily routine.

3. Stay social. Retirement coach Dorian Mintzer advises seniors to actively think about what gives them joy. One of the best ways for older adults to combat depression is to get involved in a cause they believe in. Help them seek out ways to share their skills with charitable organizations. They can join a book club, volunteer at a local hospital or animal rescue or perhaps take a part-time job. The key is to establish and maintain social ties when they are no longer working.

The Power of Routine

Mental health and aging well are intricately linked. A key strategy for those who want to maintain their independence as they grow older is to establish routines designed to keep them mentally healthy. You might be struggling to find answers on how to help improve your parents’ mental health, but the power of having a routine can make all the difference. Benefits include:

• Better sleep. According to the University of Pittsburgh–led study, people who get up early, stay active for about 15 hours each day and go to bed at the same time each evening are happier and have better cognitive function. A new study from Harvard Medical School suggests good sleep habits can even add years to our life.
• Feeling safer. As people age, a set routine leads to an increased sense of security. A routine is especially important for anyone experiencing memory loss. Calendars, electronic reminders and even sticky notes can help keep the daily pattern in focus.
• Reduced stress and anxiety. Uncertainty almost always leads to stress and anxiety. A routine takes the guesswork out of deciding when to do things and what to do on certain days. By establishing a routine, it is easier to deal with the unknown or last-minute surprises.

Aging can make maintaining our mental health more complicated. Helping your parents who are aging in place maintain healthy routines can give you more peace of mind. For more ways to help your older loved ones, reach out to us. We would love to discuss the advantages of Fellowship Connected Living.