Mental Wellness Month

Donna Nichols • January 11, 2024
A cartoon drawing of a brain with the words `` mental health and wellness '' written on it.

Did you know that for every four seniors, at least one will experience some form of threat to their mental health? Seniors are susceptible to the risk of the development of mental disorders like dementia or depression. Exactly 15 of those sixty and older have a mental disorder and it is important to realize that you do not have to have a diagnosed mental condition to take interest in your well-being and that is what the month of January is about (ourseniors.net).


What is the cause of stress, anxiety, or depression in our seniors? Isolation is a large factor; being isolated from family and friends can cause severe depression and anxiety in our seniors. When mom or dad passes away and the other is left to live alone it can become very lonely. Most of the time the children live in other states or are too busy with their own lives to visit regularly. This leads to depression and anxiety and can be extremely stressful for an older person.


Depression and anxiety can, in turn, lead to dementia. A key hormone released when you are stressed, cortisol, has been linked to problems with memory. Stress is also linked to conditions such as depression and anxiety. These have also been suggested as factors that could increase the risk of dementia (Alzheimers.org.uk). 


January is mental wellness month, and we all need to be aware of our mental wellness. Dementia used to be only for the older generation, but it has evolved and does not discriminate any longer. What can you do to increase your mental wellness? Start by taking time for yourself, making a play date with yourself, and doing something fun to relieve some stress can make all the difference in the world. You can check in with friends and family to see how things are going and let them know you care about them. A few more suggestions are outlined below:


·        Get an adequate amount of sunlight and fresh air.


·        Add things that you enjoy to your daily or weekly routine.


·        Make physical fitness a part of your wellness plan.


·        Stay up to date with your health screenings.


·        Do not underestimate the power of learning new skills.


·        Take trips just for the sake of it, even if they are just little trips.


·        Make sure you get enough sleep.


Improving your mental health will increase your overall health. Just remember, when your body is telling you that you need to rest and eat properly, please do it, your body does not lie to you.


If you find that you need assistance for yourself, or for a parent, please give us a call at 386-847-2322, we can help. Placing your loved one is not a terrible thing; it is good for their mental health. Assisted living communities offer activities, camaraderie, and interaction with others. They offer peace of mind knowing that you or your loved one is not isolated and alone.


Call us today, our services are FREE.

 

A sign that says `` take care of yourself '' is surrounded by flowers and leaves.

Winter Wellness: Staying Safe and Steady in February

By Donna Nichols • February 5, 2026
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February and the Heart

By Donna Nichols • February 2, 2026
Small Habits That Make a Big Difference February brings a soft reminder to pause and check in with the most loyal companion we have — our heart. It beats for us without asking, carrying us through decades of joy, loss, laughter, and change. American Heart Month invites us to honor that steady work with simple habits that help us feel stronger, more energized, and more connected. The Power of Small Steps Heart health doesn’t require dramatic resolutions or strict routines. In fact, the most meaningful changes are often the smallest ones — the ones we can weave into our day without feeling overwhelmed. A ten‑minute walk after breakfast. Choosing water before coffee. Stretching your arms and shoulders while waiting for the kettle to boil. Turning on a favorite song and letting your body sway a little. These tiny choices add up. They support circulation, boost mood, and remind us that caring for ourselves is still possible at every age. Movement That Meets You Where You Are Not everyone can take long walks or join a fitness class — and that’s okay. Gentle movement counts. • Marching your feet while seated • Rolling your shoulders to release tension • Standing up and sitting down a few times to strengthen your legs • Reaching toward the ceiling to open your chest Every bit of movement helps the heart do its job with less strain. Food That Loves You Back Heart‑healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. Think in terms of adding rather than restricting. • Add a handful of berries to breakfast • Add a few colorful vegetables to lunch • Add a sprinkle of nuts or seeds for healthy fats • Add one extra glass of water during the day Small additions feel doable — and they nourish the body in ways you can feel. Connection Is Heart Medicine, Too Loneliness can weigh on the heart just as much as physical strain. February is a wonderful time to reach out. Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Share a memory with a grandchild. Join a community activity, even if just for an hour. Let someone know you’re thinking of them. Human connection is one of the most powerful heart‑protective habits we have. A Month to Celebrate Your Strength Your heart has carried you through so much — every milestone, every challenge, every moment of joy. This month is not about perfection. It’s about honoring your resilience and choosing one or two small habits that make you feel good. A healthier heart doesn’t happen overnight. It happens in the quiet, steady choices we make each day. And February is the perfect time to begin.

Connection Is the Resolution That Lasts

By Donna Nichols • January 12, 2026
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