The current COVID-19 pandemic is a challenging time for most of us. Older adults, over 65, are considered at higher risk for problems with COVID-19, and most seniors are leading a more restricted lifestyle than they may have been accustomed to.

Seniors may be having a more difficult time than others because of their added social distancing restrictions. So, this blog article is intended to give you some tips on easy ways to improve mental health for seniors experiencing stress during this stressful time.

Vitamin D and sunshine

Vitamin D is considered important for your health including your mental health. Your family doctor can advise you on how much Vitamin D you may need, but the great thing about Vitamin D is that you can get it from sunshine.

So, get some fresh air and sunshine. Not only does sunshine give you Vitamin D, but it also improves your mood in ways that are not fully understood. And for those of us living in Canada at northern latitudes, sunshine can be harder to get in the winter. But you can definitely get some now, and Vitamin D is fat soluble. That means it’s stored in the body if you received more than you needed.

Exercise

Exercise is another great way to improve you mood and mental health. If you get some exercise outside, then you can get some sunshine while you’re at it and you can get two benefits from one activity.

Some regular exercise can relieve depression, anxiety, and stress. Also, being outside in the fresh air lowers the risk of both catching and transmitting COVID-19.

You don’t have to run marathons or go mountain climbing. A walk in the park will do nicely for regular exercise.

Stay connected in novel ways

Humans are social animals, and social distancing is difficult for us. But there are lots of ways to stay connected to others.

Computer-savvy individuals can participate in social media like Facebook or Quora. There are online discussion forums related to every subject. There is email, video conferencing, and instant messaging.

For those who aren’t interested in the computer, you can write a letter or call an old friend. You can sit outside and talk with friends and relatives while still maintaining a reasonable physical distance.

The COVID-19 pandemic is not going to last forever. However, while it’s here, let’s make the best of it and find enjoyment and improved mental health in new and interesting ways. Improved mental health can mean improved physical health.

Cedarwood Station is an independent-living, senior community in Airdrie, Alberta, just north of Calgary. Guided by the tenets of Christian faith, and with a stellar staff and multiple amenities, Cedarwood Station, is the premier senior-living choice for the area.