Wellness Activities for Seniors in Merced, CA
According to a poll conducted on behalf of the American Osteopathic Association, 71% of Americans rate their overall health as good or excellent. However, when asked what areas of their lives needed improvement, most said physical (42%) or mental health (29%).
With these wellness activities, you can enhance your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Following a healthy lifestyle for seniors can enhance your longevity and quality of life. Improve your routine while living in Merced, CA!
Fitness and Social Activities
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 28% of adults 50 years and older are physically active. Inactivity was 30% higher among seniors with a chronic disease.
Regular exercise may help:
- Improve sleep quality
- Reduce anxiety and depression symptoms
- Reduce blood pressure
- Reduce the risk of depression and dementia
- Lower the risk of heart disease and stroke
- Lower the risk of type 2 diabetes
- You maintain a healthy weight
- Improve balance and coordination
- Improve bone health
- You live independently longer
Try to be physically active every day. This can include 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week. Moderate intensity activity includes:
- Water aerobics
- Walking
- Dancing
- Riding a bike
- Hiking
Schedule time for strength and resistance training activities twice a week. Activities that may help enhance your strength and flexibility include:
- Tai chi
- Pilates
- Yoga
- Weight lifting
- Using resistance bands
- Exercising using your body weight
You can explore your senior living community's fitness program for exercise classes. Consider participating alongside friends. They can hold you accountable and make exercising fun!
Practice Relaxation Techniques
According to the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry, about 10 to 20% of seniors have anxiety. Anxiety and depression can occur together, causing:
- Irritability
- Low energy or motivation
- Disturbed sleep
- Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
- Noticeable restlessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure
- Physical aches and pains
- Weight loss or gain
- Changes in appetite
Chronic anxiety can increase your risk of weakened immunity and cardiovascular problems. Relaxation techniques can relieve feelings of stress and anxiety. Effective relaxation techniques for seniors include:
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Deep breathing exercises
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Mindfulness
- Art and creative therapy
- Pilates
- Nature walks and outdoor activities
Explore your senior living community's events and activities calendar for classes. Learning how to manage your anxiety can benefit your mood and physical health.
Mental Enrichment for Older Adults
Life changes can leave seniors vulnerable to developing mental health issues. Changes like losing a loved one or developing a chronic condition can lead to:
- Grief
- Loneliness
- Isolation
Social isolation may increase your risk of cognitive decline or heart disease. Engaging in meaningful, productive activities, however, could increase your longevity. It could give you a sense of purpose and improve your mood.
Your mental health can impact other facets of your life. It could alter your:
- Thinking
- Behavior
- Relationships
- Feelings
- Decision-making
- Appetite
- Sleep
Taking care of your mind and body can enhance your overall well-being.Here are tips for mental enrichment for older adults.
Join a Support Group
Joining a support group will give you access to other Merced seniors who understand what you're experiencing. You can share stories, offer comfort, and develop meaningful relationships. These groups foster a sense of community, which can combat feelings of loneliness.
During a session, you can:
- Talk about current struggles
- Share personal stories
- Discuss feelings or worries
- Discover coping strategies
You won't have to worry about feeling alone or judged. Instead, you can discuss your feelings honestly and openly with people who understand. Joining a support group could give you a sense of hope or empowerment.
Explore your senior living community to discover support groups in Merced.
Meditate
Meditation and mindfulness practices involve rooting yourself in the present and redirecting thoughts. Developing this skill can increase your self-awareness.
Meditation may benefit your mental, emotional, and physical health by:
- Strengthening your immune system
- Reducing pain symptoms
- Improving balance and flexibility
- Increasing your attention span
- Improving sleep
- Staving off depression and anxiety
- Lowering blood pressure
- Reducing stress
- Enhancing your memory
Explore local senior wellness programs for sessions. Otherwise, use an app for guided meditation.
Socialize
Remember, social isolation could increase your risk of chronic diseases. Explore your senior living community's events and activities calendar. You can discover opportunities to connect with other seniors, such as:
- Book club
- Gardening
- Walking club
- Volunteering
- Exercise classes
Set Boundaries
It's okay to say "no" sometimes. Setting boundaries can help you maintain healthy relationships.If you're feeling overwhelmed, take a break and recharge.
A Healthy Lifestyle for Seniors
Take a holistic approach to maintain a healthy lifestyle for seniors.Here are a few tips for active aging!
Get Enough Sleep
Try to get about seven hours of sleep each night. Getting enough sleep may help:
- Strengthen your immune system
- Reduce stress
- Improve your mood
- You maintain a healthy weight
- Reduce your risk of chronic diseases
- Improve your attention and memory
- Improve your metabolism and heart health
Adjusting your living environment may help you fall and stay asleep. Consider moving into a senior living community.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy, balanced diet can benefit your overall health. Consume whole foods instead of processed foods to receive more vitamins and minerals.
You can discover healthy, nutritious dishes through your senior living community's dining programs. Join your friends for meals to make it a social event.
Discover Activities You Enjoy
Make time for fun! Explore a range of activities to discover new hobbies, such as:
- Dancing
- Drawing
- Painting
- Gardening
- Knitting or crocheting
- Writing
- Reading
Making time for these activities can improve your mood and keep your mind sharp.
Active Aging Merced Seniors
Look for opportunities to connect with other seniors. Join a local senior living community to expand your inner circle. Developing strong, meaningful relationships can enhance your mood and overall well-being.
Explore Wellness Activities in Merced
These wellness activities can benefit your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Improving your overall health can boost your longevity, allowing you to make the most of your retirement.
Remember, moving into a Merced senior living community could make a difference. At The Hampshire, we offer Independent Living with Supportive Services, allowing you to live a maintenance-free, enjoyable life.
Discover our exclusive senior lifestyle programs, including chef-prepared homestyle dining, robust activities, and on-site health and wellness programs. Contact us now to schedule a tour.