There is only one you, so love yourself!

Research continues to show a link between the mind and the body. Having a negative outlook or feeling badly about yourself can lead to poor health.

Many mature women lead fulfilling lives without suffering major declines in physical or mental health that often come later in life. They cope well with the physical changes that might make them less active and mental changes that might affect memory. For others, however, the physical and mental challenges brought on by aging can make their mature years a lonely, hopeless and difficult time.

Depression and anxiety

Depression and anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health problems in older adults. Depression is a serious concern for older women. When depression develops, it is often played down as a normal part of aging. Older women with generalized anxiety disorder may feel worried almost all of the time. Nervousness and worrying often worsen during stressful situations. Older women often worry about health, safety or money.

Staying connected

Keeping up with friendships and social connections—and making new ones—is key to beating the isolation and loneliness that can lead to later-life depression. Older women who volunteer or participate in community organizations enjoy much higher levels of mental and physical well-being than those who don’t. Helping others also boosts self-esteem. Older women have long felt that volunteering helps them:

• Make an impact on their community
• Learn a new skill
• Expand their social network

Staying active can also boost your physical and mental health.

Keeping your mind sharp

Just as physical activity keeps your body strong, mental activity keeps your mind sharp. One way to do this is to keep challenging yourself by learning new skills. If you do this, your brain will keep growing.

Activities that can help keep your mind sharp include:

• Learning to play a musical instrument
• Playing Scrabble or doing crossword puzzles
• Starting a new hobby such as crafts, painting, biking or bird watching
• Staying informed about what’s going on in the world
• Reading