It’s estimated that 275 million people worldwide meditate (Yoga Vidya School). Meditation is excellent for individuals of all ages but is especially important for mental health wellness in seniors.
Meditation isn’t a one-size-fits-all, which is part of what makes it so special. Anyone interested in meditation can choose from any of the following techniques:
- Transcendental Meditation
- Mindfulness Meditation
- Walking Meditation
- Guided Meditation
- Loving Kindness Meditation
Although there are other types of meditation, one fact remains the same: the integration of meditation in senior care is more important than ever. Here’s everything you need to know about improving senior mental health with meditation.
What Is Meditation?
Meditation is a combination of physical and mental techniques that can clear a person’s mind from distracting thoughts. It also involves a significant amount of focus, coming together for the following reasons:
- Relaxation
- Stress reduction
- Reduced anxiety
Since meditation is primarily used to improve a person’s health, it’s ideal for senior health and mindfulness.
Benefits of Meditation for the Elderly
Meditation, when used regularly, is intended to promote a sense of emotional stability. Regular meditation helps foster emotional stability, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression as part of mental wellness techniques for seniors.
Meditation also tackles several physical issues. It may help chronic pain to a degree, something that can affect a senior’s overall quality of life.
This means that meditation can:
- Promote relaxation
- Improve balance
- Enhance pain control
Seniors may even find a boost in their overall immune system, making meditation a worthwhile activity.
Enhanced Strength
Since meditation in activities such as yoga promotes slow movements, it can increase an older person’s balance, working to prevent falls. However, meditation in the form of yoga can work to improve balance and even increase a senior’s strength.
Attention Span
Meditation strives to increase a person’s ability to focus, which means it can positively affect an older adult’s attention span. It doesn’t matter if someone is new to meditation, the results begin to take effect right away.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness works to help older adults stay present and connect them to the world around them. Seniors may face many stressful changes in life, especially if they’re transitioning to assisted living homes.
But meditation – and finding the right senior living community – can make a world of difference.
Memory Care
Meditation can also be extremely helpful for older adults who need assistance with memory care. Since seniors who require memory care may experience stress and anxiety, meditation can work to reduce some of these symptoms.
When meditation is practiced daily, individuals may find a stress reduction. The daily recommended amount of time to meditate is between five and 45 minutes, according to Verywell Mind. It’s best to start with a few minutes a day and build from there. As meditation skills increase, seniors can expand session lengths.
Improved Sleep
According to the National Institute on Aging, older adults need between seven to nine hours of sleep. One excellent way of promoting healthy sleep patterns is by meditating.
It’s not uncommon for age to make it more difficult to fall asleep, but meditation can work to offset this.
Meditation is a great way of helping seniors to regulate their sleep cycles. The result may be constant nightly sleep. Seniors who meditate may find themselves experiencing fewer bouts of:
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
This makes meditation a great way of helping to promote overall sleep health.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain makes it difficult to focus on daily activities, especially for older adults. However, meditation can work to reduce chronic pain, especially for anyone reluctant to take medication.
Although meditation doesn’t treat the root cause of chronic pain, it can work to reduce a senior’s feelings of chronic pain and how they experience it.
Improved Mood
Since meditation can positively impact a senior’s quality of life, their overall mood will increase for the better. When a person incorporates regular meditation into their daily routine, they may feel calmer and have a great sense of self-awareness. This, in turn, makes them feel more accepting of the world and other people.
Tips for Meditating
Although some people may be intimidated by meditating, there are many different methods great for all ability levels. Here are some different meditation techniques to consider. Additionally, seniors may want to consider meditation apps.
The Best Meditation Apps
Certain apps are designed to help seniors meditate. This includes:
- Healthy Minds
- Insight Timer
- Headspace
- Calm
- Ten Percent Happier
Some of these apps are free and others require a subscription. It doesn’t matter where a person’s meditation level is – there are apps for beginners and experienced meditators alike.
Meditation in Bed
Since bedrooms are sanctuaries, meditating in bed is a great idea. One of the best times to meditate in bed is first thing in the morning. Some people prefer to meditate before going to sleep, as it helps with a mindful state of being.
Walking Meditation
Since walking is a type of rhythm, it can create a great environment for meditating. Seniors can focus on the pattern of walks, working to control their thoughts. The combination of walking and meditation may result in decreased stress and improved cardiovascular health.
Meditate in a Comfortable Chair
A comfortable chair can be an excellent place to meditate if it’s an area that brings calm and peace. This can be during any part of the day or work into part of a morning routine. Meditating can be as simple as a few minutes here and there, turning into longer sessions over time.
Music Meditation
Seniors who love music may benefit from meditating with music. Music can make the experience of meditation more calming, aiding in relaxation. Always listen to soothing music that’s not distracting.
Mental Health Wellness in Seniors
Mental health wellness in seniors is a complex topic, but one of the ways to promote senior health and mindfulness is with meditation. There are numerous types of meditation to choose from, so always pick what you’re most comfortable with. Start with a few minutes a day and increase from there.
Rittenhouse Village at Muhlenberg takes pride in its community and the abundance of amenities and events for each senior.
Contact us today to learn more about exclusive programs and ample senior living options.
