As the age increases, people in the late stage of adulthood may experience a decline in mental health. This is due to the increasing number of stress factors inherent in the later period of life. It is in this connection that it is necessary to consider psychological practices that can respond positively to the needs of late adults. The communicative aspect is perhaps the main factor that can affect the mental well-being of maturing people and strengthen their mental health.
The main reason, in addition to a variety of individual stressful situations affecting the decline in the quality of cognitive functions, is loneliness and social isolation. In this regard, various community-based programs and seminars on socialization are gaining popularity (Hwang et al., 2019). Late adults have the opportunity to be in a group of people with similar characteristics and a range of problems, while collectively discussing them allows them to overcome their own individual unhappiness. Participation in conscientious, communicative experiences reduces the feeling of loneliness and gives the motivation to live and act. Public collective practices can give a person a sense of social belonging, make them understand that they are not excluded from a permanent active life.
Another noteworthy way to take care of mental health in later life is to take care of a pet. This type of care is directly related to healthy aging as it is mostly a positive experience. The role of a pet in a person’s life can be significant and bring psychological well-being. Lonelier people get a sense of company in this way, removing the feeling of isolation (Hui Gan et al., 2019). Caring for an animal is a social and altruistic act, and by participating in it, a person also feels a sense of belonging. The comfort and sense of security that a pet brings also have a profoundly positive effect on the mental health of the late adult.
References
Hui Gan, G. Z., Hill, A.-M., Yeung, P., Keesing, S., & Netto, J. (2019). Pet ownership and its influence on mental health in older adults. Aging & Mental Health, 24(10), 1605-1612. Web.
Hwang, J., Wang, L., Siever, J., Del Medico, T., & Jones, S. A. (2019). Loneliness and social isolation among older adults in a community exercise program: A qualitative study. Aging & Mental Health, 23(6), 736-742. Web.