news&views Winter 2022 | Page 53

It is important to understand the early symptoms of mental issues in elderly adults and help them return to a healthy and happy life . Here are some simple actions you can take to help yourself or a loved one .
● Connect . Seniors must connect with others . Try a social hobby , sign up for a class , or try a group workout activity to improve physical health .
● Exercise . Exercise plays an important role in senior care . Seniors should exercise to improve both mind and body , as it can be as effective as medication in alleviating some symptoms of depression . Exercises like tai chi and yoga can help relieve mental stress . Mental exercises like games and puzzles can also help .
● Talk With Your Doctor . If you suspect that you are experiencing a problem with your mental health , then please see your family doctor . They may start you on a course of treatment that will help you recover or put you in touch with specialized professionals or local mental health supports .
● Eat a Healthy Diet . Good nutrition can have powerful and positive effects on our mental health and overall vitality . Focus on eating a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables , lean and high-quality proteins , healthy fats , whole grains , and calcium-rich foods . Avoid sugar , refined carbs , and heavily processed foods .
Be proactive with your mental well-being . And don ’ t be afraid to talk about it . Take an active role in doing whatever you can to feel your best .
ARTACares is included at no additional cost with all ARTA Benefit Plans and is provided by HumanaCare , an Alberta-based health and wellness provider with more than thirty-five years of Canadian health-care experience . For more information on health and wellness topics , webinars , and articles , visit wellness . mylifeexpert . com / login / artacares .
news & views WINTER 2022 | 53