4 Ways for Seniors to Strip the Stress Out of Their Lives

From nutritious food to nourishing friendships, there are plenty of ways to help your senior melt away excess stress. With a few of these simple tips paired alongside Milestone’s caring community culture, your loved one will be well on their way to finding a sense of emotional balance.

1. Focus on Whole Foods

Our stomach is nicknamed “the second brain” in our human body by some physicians. With 90% of our serotonin (aka the happy hormone) receptors located in our gut, it’s no wonder that the food we eat has an impact on how we feel. When it comes to stabilizing emotions it is best to start with our feel-good food first – think fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, low-fat dairy, and minimally-processed ingredients. The Mediterranean Diet or the American Heart Association Diet are great guidelines to follow when making suggestions for your senior’s meals, snacks, and desserts.

2. Find Ways to Laugh

The old saying is true: Laughter is pretty good medicine. It helps ease tension and stress through the release of endorphins (more happy hormones in the brain). While scientists still are not exactly sure why laughter in humans exists, we can all agree it is a universal language that connects us all – it helps us form social bonds and even acts as a natural antidepressant. As each person’s sense of humor is slightly different, there are plenty of fun ways to spark a laugh. Try watching hilarious YouTube pet videos, playing games, or sharing silly stories.

3. Get Outdoors

Being out in nature is quite healing for your loved one’s mind and body. The slight bit of sun exposure on their skin helps your senior absorb beneficial vitamin D, which not only supports the skeletal system, but it also positively impacts the nervous system. The outdoor air promotes better oxygen absorption through your senior’s lungs and the visual surroundings of nature promote relaxation in their brain.

4. Create a Cozy Personal Oasis

While our Milestone Retirement Community is a comfortable home, there are a few things you can do or suggest for your loved one to create an even more cozy – and personalized – at-home oasis. An essential oil diffuser with lavender is the perfect bed-side addition for a soothing, spa-inspired space. Soft blankets and pillows make for a luxurious retreat. Try some memory foam slippers and a cotton lounge robe to pair.

Looking for other ways to help your senior find balance in their life? Click any of the related tags at the top of this post or visit our Milestone Retirement Communities blog page for more.