According to the American Psychological Association, about 92% of older adults will have at least one chronic condition. Heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes cause almost two-thirds of all deaths among seniors.
This Wellness Month, prioritize your health to improve your longevity. A few small changes can improve your mood and extend your life in Burlington, IA.
To improve holistic health for seniors, we need to consider physical, emotional, and mental wellness. Read on for our tips on healthy aging in IA.
Over 85% of US adults aged 65 and older don't get enough exercise. Every week, adults need:
Exercising regularly can benefit your mental, emotional, and physical health. For example, exercising boosts serotonin production. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that's associated with our mood.
Other health benefits of exercising regularly include:
To improve your physical wellness, try exercising, eating healthy, and getting sufficient rest. Here are a few tips for healthy aging in IA.
Aerobic activities will get your heart pumping.These activities include:
As we age, we lose muscle mass. Try improving your strength by lifting weights or using resistance bands. You can also use your body weight to complete sit-ups and push-ups.
When lifting weights, repeat the same exercise eight to 12 times for a set. Complete two or three sets per activity during each session.
Consider working with a physical trainer if you're new to weight-lifting. They'll ensure you use the proper form.
Otherwise, explore your senior living community for workout classes. Ask friends to join you. You can challenge each other and hold one another accountable to attend regularly.
To improve your flexibility and balance, use a wobble board or stand on one leg. Having better balance may reduce your risk of slip-and-fall accidents.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet can ensure your body receives the vitamins and minerals it needs.Good nutrition may help reduce your risk of certain diseases, including:
Consult a doctor to determine if you have a vitamin deficiency. They can help you choose foods based on your dietary needs.
To eat healthy as you age:
If you struggle to follow a healthy diet, ask friends to join you. You can exchange recipes and discover new favorite dishes together.
Consider enjoying meals through your senior living community's dining program. You can discover healthy, balanced dishes that are made with your dietary needs in mind.
Eating healthy may help:
Whole foods, including fruits and vegetables, are rich in vitamins and minerals that can ease inflammation. Processed foods, on the other hand, can trigger inflammation and weight gain. Inflammation is associated with serious health conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
Sleep can rejuvenate the mind and body to enhance your mental, physical, and emotional wellness.Aim for seven hours of sleep each night. Sleep may help:
If you have difficulty falling or staying asleep, consult a doctor. They may determine you have an underlying condition that causes insomnia.
Otherwise, try journaling before bed. Journaling can help you examine and navigate complex emotions. Other potential benefits include:
Seniors are vulnerable to deteriorating emotional health due to:
Here are a few activities you can add to develop an emotional care routine.
Meditation is a practice that involves redirecting your thoughts to improve your self-awareness and focus. Meditating regularly may help:
You can use an app or participate in guided meditation sessions through your senior living community's events and activities.
Hobbies can enhance your enjoyment in life.Explore your senior living community for:
Use these hobbies as a chance to spend time with friends. You can form happy memories together, improving your mood and quality of life.
Prioritizing your cognitive health may help new neural connections form. This may benefit your cognitive health.
To enhance your mental wellness, try:
Improving your neuroplasticity may help reduce your risk of Alzheimer's disease. If you have dementia, consider moving into a senior living community that offers memory care.
This Wellness Month, make changes to develop a holistic wellness routine. These changes can improve your mental, physical, and emotional wellness.
For senior wellness support, consider moving into a senior living community like Addington Place of Burlington. We tailor our programs to meet the needs of each resident to make everyone feel valued.
Discover our exclusive lifestyle programs, including in-room dining, senior fitness programming, and engaging activities. You can feel at home in our warm, friendly community. Contact us now to schedule your tour.