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!
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:
Try to be physically active every day. This can include 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week. Moderate intensity activity includes:
Schedule time for strength and resistance training activities twice a week. Activities that may help enhance your strength and flexibility include:
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!
According to the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry, about 10 to 20% of seniors have anxiety. Anxiety and depression can occur together, causing:
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:
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.
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:
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:
Taking care of your mind and body can enhance your overall well-being.Here are tips for mental enrichment for older adults.
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:
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.
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:
Explore local senior wellness programs for sessions. Otherwise, use an app for guided meditation.
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:
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.
Take a holistic approach to maintain a healthy lifestyle for seniors.Here are a few tips for active aging!
Try to get about seven hours of sleep each night. Getting enough sleep may help:
Adjusting your living environment may help you fall and stay asleep. Consider moving into a senior living community.
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.
Make time for fun! Explore a range of activities to discover new hobbies, such as:
Making time for these activities can improve your mood and keep your mind sharp.
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.
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.