May is Mental Health Month and to promote awareness Salem Township Hospital Senior Behavioral Health Director Mary Hammond, MS, LCPC discussed “Aging with Confidence” at the May Lunch & Learn. Members of the community enjoyed lunch, dessert, and coffee while hearing tips about boosting mental health & well-being.
Mary’s presentation discussed that aging can be a time of strength, joy, and continued growth. Aging with confidence includes self-compassion (being kind to yourself), adaptability (looking at things from a different mindset), and intentional living. Five of the tips provided by Mary were practicing mindfulness for mental clarity, promoting physical health, engaging in social connections/relationships, and participating in purposeful activities. Mindfulness, being in the moment, can improve focus, reduce stress, and help improve memory. Promoting physical health can be small activities based on an individual’s mobility. Social connections are important to mental health and can include keeping in contact through a text message, attending a local church, or community events, like the monthly Lunch & Learn. A purposeful activity can be different things for different people – something to keep a person motivated.
Mary also demonstrated a deep breathing activity called “4 square breathing”, which helps calm the mind, reduce stress, and improve one’s mindset.
Salem Township Hospital Senior Behavioral Health Director Mary Hammond, MS, LCPC, offers the New Beginnings program. The program focuses on the mental health needs of individuals 65 and older, providing group and individual therapy. For more information on the program, visit: https://salemtownhosp.com/senior-care/
