It's especially important for seniors to have clear and attainable goals for mental health as they go through changes that come with getting older. Setting simple behavioral goals, like planning to go to a social event or do an activity, makes it easier to see progress over time.
According to Ritika Mishra, the prefrontal cortex acts as the brain's CEO. While this part of the brain doesn't make you take action directly, instead, it manages your work, enabling planning and persistence. Neurological conditions like ADHD weaken the prefrontal cortex, making it difficult to multitask or stick to a goal.
Seniors here in West Windsor Township may also experience similar difficulties. That's because aging causes natural thinning of the prefrontal cortex. A huge part of emotional resilience in aging involves setting goals for mental health, but, because of the neurological changes described above, this can be challenging.
There's a key difference between wishes and goals. When seniors account for the difference, they achieve better mental health outcomes. While wishes are vague, goals involve setting a clear target.
For seniors with diminishing executive functioning, setting clear goals can be an effective way to inspire action and break through procrastination and distraction. For example, instead of wishing they managed to get out more, seniors should think in clear, goal-based terms.
In this case, they could say, "I'll make sure I join in with at least one outdoor group activity this week". See the difference? Wishes are vague and abstract; it's too difficult to gauge success.
On the other hand, the goal is clear and measurable. It's obvious how to achieve it, and it's possible to quantify the results. This is why a key part of mental wellness support is helping seniors to consider their goals for mental health.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, older adults face stressors such as:
But, appropriate treatment and support can significantly improve the quality of life and daily functions.
By setting an angle with clear conditions for success, you avoid getting stuck in an endless loop of "I'll do it later." "In senior living communities, planning is considered one of the essential assisted living mindset tools.
What are some good goals for mental health? According to the World Health Organization, mental health is a state of well-being that allows people to cope with the normal stresses of life.
Setting varied goals that offer a challenge while still being attainable is one of the most effective ways to improve mental health.
Here are some of the main goal categories seniors can focus on:
Being happy all the time isn't realistic. Real life inevitably means facing grief and worry. Seniors should aim for the more modest objective of savoring the small moments in daily life instead.
For instance, taking part in a community event or enjoying your favorite show while sipping a strong cup of coffee in the morning. Or, taking part in a community event. Search for moments that help you connect with yourself or your peers.
Good mental health also means developing resilience. This is particularly important for seniors who want to live as fully as possible, even while suffering from health issues.
Simply put, behavior goals are specific actions that you can realistically commit to doing in the near future. They don't have to be profound or difficult. A behavioral goal could be something as simple as joining in on a social activity or going on a short walk.
Here's how these goals can help seniors achieve better mental health outcomes:
These goals make mental health support feel less abstract by providing concrete goals with clear indicators for success.
Whether it's thinking about casual New Year reflection for seniors, or more systematic memory care and emotional care, having clear goals for mental health helps seniors get into the right mindset.
Instead of vague wishes and hopes of feeling better, goal-based assisted living mindset tools support good executive functioning and help seniors build resilience and confidence.
Are you interested in seeing how concrete mental health goals help residents here at Bear Creek Assisted Living flourish?
Our On-Site Health & Wellness Programs give seniors a practical way to turn mental health goals into daily action. At Bear Creek Assisted Living, our team uses these programs to help each resident set clear, achievable targets
The best way to understand the Bear Creek Assisted Living lifestyle is to come see it for yourself. Contact us today to schedule a tour. We'll be delighted to show you what the Bear Creek Assisted Living lifestyle is all about.