It is important to remember that ageing well requires a holistic approach and we need to look at encouraging both healthy bodies and healthy minds. Mindfulness for older adults can be a useful tool and support people age well.
In this month’s Ageing Well blog, we’ll look at questions like, what is mindfulness? Can mindfulness help us age well and how to practice mindfulness.
What is mindfulness?
The NHS says “mindfulness is about living more in the present moment, appreciating the here and now, and not dwelling too much on the past or future.”
We cannot change the past and we do not always have the ability to control future events as much as we would like. This means we can spend time and energy worrying rather than focussing on and enjoying the present.
Mindfulness is about training your mind to slow down, notice your thoughts and let them pass. This can help you feel calmer, reduce stress and anxiety and help you cope better with difficult situations.
Can mindfulness help us age well?
Life changes as we grow older and you might find you face new challenges such as:
- Adjusting to retirement or a change in routine.
- Coping with health issues.
- Managing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Mindfulness for older adults can help you navigate these changes by:
- Reducing stress: practising mindfulness has been shown to lower stress levels and help you feel calmer.
- Improving focus: staying in the moment can sharpen your concentration and memory.
- Enhancing emotional wellbeing: mindfulness can help you manage difficult emotions and find more joy in everyday life.
- Supporting physical health: experts say it can even improve sleep and lower blood pressure.
These benefits are why mindfulness for the elderly is such a valuable practice in ageing well.
How to practise mindfulness
Mindfulness is free and does not require any special equipment to get started. Here are some simple ways to get started.
- Take a mindful breath: Pause for a moment and take a deep breath in through your nose. Hold it for a second, then slowly breathe out through your mouth. Focus on the sensation of your breath coming in and going out.
- Try mindful walking: Take a short walk and pay attention to how your feet feel as they touch the ground. Notice the sounds, sights, and smells around you.
- Use guided meditations: Apps like Calm offer beginner-friendly sessions. Or try free videos on YouTube – there are plenty to choose from.
- Focus on your senses: Pick an everyday activity, like having a cup of tea. Notice the warmth of the mug, the aroma of the tea, and the taste with each sip.
To find out more about mindfulness for the elderly and how to make mindfulness part of your routine you can visit the resources section of our website.
Why choose Bright Care
Bright Care can support your loved one to live their life with joy and purpose. We offer hourly, overnight and live-in care options and our carers can help with a variety of domiciliary care services including shopping, preparing and cooking healthy meals and snacks as well as helping them to get out and about and keep doing the things they love.
If you would like to know more about the companionship care services we offer to those in their later years, please get in touch with our team today.
We are recruiting exceptional Care Assistants in the South East of England and Scotland. If you are interested in a rewarding career in care, please apply now.
