What to Do If Middle-Aged and Older Adults Feel Down? Try This Method

The emotional states of joy, anger, sadness, fear, and surprise in the human body are closely linked to the five internal organs and six viscera. Therefore, improving mood can be very beneficial for middle‑aged and older adults whose physical condition is gradually declining.

01 The Importance of Improving Mood​

As middle‑aged and older adults experience a decline in bodily functions and changes in brain function, the synthesis and metabolism of neurotransmitters in the central nervous system weaken. This leads to reduced sensory ability, poorer awareness, slower reactions, and difficulty concentrating. Poor mood not only affects internal organs but can also harm skin health, causing pigmentation, wrinkles, and accelerated aging. If it starts to affect the body, it’s even more important to take notice and act promptly.

The impact of mood on physical health is very clear. A relaxed and cheerful state of mind can refresh the spirit, promote whole‑body blood circulation, boost disease resistance, and contribute to overall health. It can also help reduce the risk of sudden onset of common illnesses in middle‑aged and older adults, and maintain a positive attitude toward new experiences.

02 Exercise to Improve Mood​

For middle‑aged and older adults, exercise is an excellent way to lift mood. Moderate‑intensity exercise can stimulate the release of a polypeptide substance — endorphins​ — which gives people feelings of pleasure and excitement.

Exercise also helps shift attention away from negative thoughts, increases neurotransmitter levels to produce a sense of well‑being, allows negative emotions to be released in a timely manner, enhances the sense of achievement, and fosters positive emotions. After exercising, immunity improves and there is more energy for enjoyable activities.

03 Suitable Exercises for Middle‑Aged and Older Adults​

Low mood can be regulated through aerobic exercise, such as running, walking, playing basketball, swimming, etc. On one hand, exercise helps prevent osteoporosis in middle‑aged and older adults; on the other hand, it lets participants enjoy the pleasant sensations that come from being active.

Take running as an example: regular running offers many benefits for health. Running is an aerobic activity that helps improve blood circulation, strengthens cardiorespiratory function, and assists in expelling harmful substances and toxins from the body.

On hot summer days, the most suitable exercise for seniors is swimming. For older adults, swimming is an ideal form of exercise. Thanks to water’s buoyancy, a person’s effective weight in the water is only about 10% of their body weight, so seniors can move without using much force. Swimming not only strengthens core muscles but also avoids injuries caused by falls during land‑based exercise. For elderly people whose balance declines with age, swimming can effectively reduce the risk of falls.

Finally, middle‑aged and older adults must pay attention to safety when swimming.