It is common to experience a decline in mental health as one age. Decreased mobility and activity levels in old age can result in a lack of stimulation and lower self-esteem. This is especially true for seniors in care facilities if they do not feel empowered to choose their preferred daily activities and social engagements. #SeniorCare #Technology #StayActive #Werkdone #Solutions #Revolutinize #SeniorCare #MentalHealth

1. Revolutionizing Senior Care
Providing Choice:
How It Supports
Seniors' Mental Health

2. Senior care is multi-faceted. If certain aspects
are overlooked, seniors are more vulnerable to
negative impacts on their health and well-
being. One aspect of senior care that is often
overlooked is mental health.
It is common to experience a decline in mental
health as one age. Decreased mobility and
activity levels in old age can result in a lack of
stimulation and lower self-esteem. This is
especially true for seniors in care facilities if
they do not feel empowered to choose their
preferred daily activities and social
engagements.
References
Tang, M., Wang, D., & Guerrien, A. (2021). The Contribution of Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction to Psychological Well-Being via Autonomous Motivation
Among Older Adults: A Cross-Cultural Study in China and France. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 734461. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.734461
Hillcoat-Nallétamby, S. (2014). The Meaning of “Independence” for Older People in Different Residential Settings. The Journals of Gerontology: Series B,
69(3), 419-430. https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbu008

3. Over time, seniors in care facilities may develop
maladaptive beliefs about themselves. They
may feel that their life is restricted to a schedule
determined by others, which can lead to learned
helplessness or other forms of psychological
distress. They may experience symptoms like
fatigue, irritability, social avoidance, or anxiety.
It is, therefore, essential that senior care
providers allow seniors to make choices for
themselves. This can come as a choice in
preferred daily activities or socialisation.
Empowering seniors with choice is a powerful
tool to help them make the most of their golden
years! References
Couture, M., Larivière, N., & Lefrançois, R. (2005). Psychological distress in older adults with low functional independence: A multidimensional perspective.
Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 41(1), 101-111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2004.12.004

4. To achieve this, technological tools like a Senior Care
Management System can significantly assist senior care
facilities. The system automates the collecting, processing, and
storing large amounts of data (e.g. senior profiles, health data,
and daily activities). This data can then be used to advise a
personalised approach to care, such as tailoring each senior's
treatment plans and activity schedules based on their individual
needs and preferences.
Another way to encourage and facilitate proactive choice is
through applications built with senior-friendly designs and
user pathways. Seniors can select or indicate their preferred
activities, track personal progress, or utilise social functions to
communicate with loved ones.