Mental well-being plays an important role in overall health and quality of life, especially as we age. Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety impact about 1 in 4 older adults. At Bold, we’re here to talk about mental health to reduce stigma and encourage our members to prioritize this important aspect of life.

What is mental health?

Mental health is our psychological and emotional well-being. It involves how we think, feel, and behave, as well as how we manage stress, relate to others, and make choices. Our mental health is influenced by many things, including our upbringing,  life experiences, environment, relationships, diet, and physical activity.

Mental health is often not discussed as we get older. Some people believe that poor mental health is a natural part of getting older, which isn’t true. And other people may be scared to share what’s going on with their friends, loved ones, or a provider due to shame or worries about negative consequences. This stigma is unfortunately very common and makes it harder for people to get help when they need it. 

The fact is that mental health is a very important part of overall health. We can support and even improve our mental health by seeking care and by practicing healthy habits, including regular physical activity.

How does mental health change with age?

As we age, our mental health may change in different ways:

1. Cognitive decline. As we age, it's normal for some types of memory and thinking skills to get worse. For some older adults, this can cause frustration, anxiety, worry, embarrassment, and depression.
2. Neurological changes. Our brains go through structural and chemical changes as we age. This can make us more vulnerable to mental health conditions.
3. Chronic health conditions. Older adults often live with health problems like heart disease, diabetes, chronic pain, and stroke. These conditions can impact brain health and increase the risk of depression and anxiety.

Other factors that can affect mental health in older adults include:

• Major life events like moving, retiring, and loss
• Social isolation
• Financial stressors
• Stigma surrounding aging and mental health issues

The most common mental health conditions in seniors are depression and anxiety. Read more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for depression and anxiety.

The benefits of exercise for mental health

According to the CDC, physical and mental health are both important to our overall health. They are also connected. A study with over 10,000 older adults found that physical and mental health have both direct and indirect effects on each other.

For example, poor mental health can lead to physical health issues like:

• Sleep problems
• A weaker immune system
• Higher risk of health conditions like heart disease and diabetes. 

The opposite is also true. Maintaining good physical health through regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and good sleep can positively impact mental health. Staying active can:

• Reduce stress
• Improve mood
• Improve brain health 
• Improve the symptoms of anxiety and depression
• Help with weight management
• Reduce blood pressure and other risks for diabetes, heart attack and stroke.
• Keep you mobile and independent by maintaining muscle strength, balance, and bone density

How to make movement a part of your routine

Exercise is a powerful tool for improving mental health. Here’s how to make being active part of your daily routine: 

1. Start small. Begin with just 10-15 minutes of exercise per day. This could be taking a gentle Bold yoga class, or even dancing to upbeat music with Bold.
2. Practice mindful movement. Add mindfulness to your daily routine through meditation and yoga. Pay attention to your breath and how your body feels.  Check for shallow breathing and muscle tension. This can help lower your stress levels and improve your focus.
3. Set reasonable goals. Find a routine that fits into your existing daily life, even if it is just 1-2 days of movement per week. Stick to your plan and celebrate small wins along the way.
4. Mix it up. Use different Bold classes to keep things interesting and work different muscle groups. 

The bottom line

Regular exercise can improve both mental and physical well-being, helping you lead a happier, healthier life. Join Bold's online classes today and experience the benefits of fun, guided workouts designed to help you age well. Check if you’re eligible for Bold at no cost through your health plan or provider and feel better with Bold.