Seniors: Improve Mental Health and Stay Sharp as You Age

Aging doesn’t have to mean slowing your mind; with the right habits, you can improve mental health and stay mentally sharp for years to come. In this guide, you’ll find simple daily routines, longer-term strategies, and clear information about REXULTI so you can make informed choices with your care team.

Why mental health matters in later life

About one in five adults over 55 experiences a mental health concern such as depression, anxiety, or cognitive changes, yet many go undiagnosed or untreated. These conditions can worsen other medical issues, affect sleep and appetite, and reduce independence and quality of life (CDC).

The good news: your brain remains adaptable throughout life. Activities that challenge your body and mind, strengthen social ties, and reduce chronic stress can boost mood, protect cognition, and support everyday functioning. Prioritizing mental wellness now can pay dividends in energy, memory, and resilience.

Risk factors for mental health challenges in older age include isolation, bereavement, chronic pain, multiple medications, and unmanaged conditions like diabetes, hearing loss, or sleep apnea. Protective factors include regular movement, purpose-driven activities, social connection, and proactive healthcare.

5 daily habits to improve your mental health

Move your body (20–30 minutes). Aim for a mix of walking, light strength work, and balance exercises most days. Even short bouts help improve mood and reduce anxiety. See the CDC’s activity guidance for older adults.
Challenge your brain. Read for 10 minutes, learn a few words in another language, do a puzzle, or practice a musical instrument. Varied, meaningful tasks support cognitive health (NIA).
Connect with someone. Call a friend, text a family member, or chat with a neighbor. Social ties reduce loneliness and protect both mental and physical health; even brief daily connections matter (U.S. Surgeon General).
Practice a stress reset. Try slow breathing (inhale 4, exhale 6), a short mindfulness session, or a gratitude note. These small resets lower stress hormones and improve focus (NCCIH).
Protect your sleep routine. Keep a consistent schedule, get morning light, and limit late caffeine. Good sleep stabilizes mood and supports memory consolidation (NIA sleep tips).

5 ways to improve your mental health as you age

Schedule regular checkups and screenings. Annual wellness visits help catch depression, anxiety, cognitive changes, thyroid or B12 issues, and sleep problems early. Ask your clinician about brief mood and memory screens.
Review medications and hearing/vision. Some medicines can affect mood or cognition; periodic reviews can simplify regimens and reduce side effects. Treating hearing loss and vision problems supports social connection and cognitive health.
Eat for brain health. Emphasize vegetables, berries, whole grains, beans, nuts, olive oil, and fish—patterns like the MIND diet are linked with slower cognitive decline.
Keep purpose and learning front and center. Volunteer, mentor, join a club, take a class, or start a project. Purposeful activity boosts mood and maintains cognitive engagement.
Build a supportive care team. Combine your primary care clinician with a counselor, psychiatrist (if needed), pharmacist, and community resources (senior center, faith groups). Ask about local programs for exercise, grief support, or caregiver respite.

Understanding REXULTI (brexpiprazole)

What is REXULTI?

REXULTI (brexpiprazole) is a prescription medicine in the atypical antipsychotic class. In adults, it is FDA-approved as an add-on treatment to antidepressants for major depressive disorder (MDD) and for the treatment of schizophrenia. It is also approved to treat agitation associated with dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease—the first medicine with this specific indication (FDA announcement). For full prescribing information, see DailyMed.

How might it help?

Depression (MDD): When symptoms persist despite an adequate trial of an antidepressant, clinicians may add REXULTI to improve mood, energy, and daily functioning.
Agitation in Alzheimer’s dementia: For individuals with significant agitation—restlessness, pacing, verbal or physical aggression—that disrupts care or safety, REXULTI may reduce agitation episodes and caregiver strain.
Schizophrenia: Helps manage symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and social withdrawal.

How does it work?

Brexpiprazole affects dopamine and serotonin signaling in the brain (partial agonist at certain receptors and antagonist at others), which can stabilize mood and reduce agitation or psychotic symptoms over time. Effects are typically gradual; your clinician may start with a low dose and adjust based on response and tolerability.

Important safety considerations

Boxed warnings: Antipsychotics increase the risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis. Antidepressants can increase suicidal thoughts in children, adolescents, and young adults. Discuss risks and benefits for your specific situation.
Common side effects: Weight gain, restlessness/akathisia, dizziness, sleepiness, headache, and gastrointestinal upset. Report bothersome effects to your prescriber.
Metabolic and cardiovascular effects: Possible increases in blood sugar and cholesterol, orthostatic hypotension (blood pressure drops on standing), and increased fall risk—especially in older adults.
Movement symptoms: Tremor, rigidity, or tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movements) may occur with long-term use; regular monitoring is important.
Drug interactions: Certain medications can raise or lower REXULTI levels (for example, strong CYP3A4 or CYP2D6 inhibitors/inducers); dosing adjustments may be needed. Share your full medication and supplement list with your clinician and pharmacist.

For detailed warnings, dosing, and interactions, review the official label on DailyMed and talk with your healthcare professional.

How to know if you might need REXULTI

Persistent depression: Low mood, loss of interest, changes in sleep or appetite, low energy, or poor concentration most days for 2+ weeks despite taking an antidepressant as prescribed. Learn more about symptoms at the NIMH.
Disruptive agitation in Alzheimer’s dementia: Frequent agitation that compromises safety or caregiving, after trying non-drug steps (routine, reassurance, sensory aids, pain treatment). A specialist can help decide if medication is appropriate.
Schizophrenia symptoms: Hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized thinking evaluated by a clinician.

Next steps: If any of the above sound familiar, schedule an appointment with your primary care clinician or psychiatrist. Bring a list of all medications, supplements, and medical conditions; note your top concerns and goals; and ask about benefits, risks, alternatives, and monitoring if REXULTI is considered. Coverage may vary by plan; your pharmacist can check Medicare Part D or other insurance formularies.

When to seek urgent help

If you or a loved one has thoughts of self-harm, severe confusion, new-onset chest pain, stroke symptoms, or sudden behavior changes that threaten safety, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately. In the U.S., you can also call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for 24/7 support.

Bringing it all together

Small daily actions—moving your body, connecting with others, managing stress, challenging your brain, and protecting sleep—can meaningfully improve mental health and keep you mentally sharp. Pair those habits with regular checkups, nutrition, purpose, and a supportive care team. And if symptoms persist, talk with your clinician about whether treatments like REXULTI fit your needs and values.