National Wellness Month: Healthy Aging Tips for Seniors
Did you know that over half of all seniors have high cholesterol? And that's just one of the many chronic conditions impacting the health of older adults. Fortunately, seniors can improve their health by making some changes during National Wellness Month in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Committing to better aging health habits can translate to a much better quality of life.
Keep reading to discover some of the best healthy aging tips for seniors in Kalamazoo!
Schedule Routine Medical Care
Seniors may not want to think about the implications of aging, but they need to be mindful of their health. Getting routine medical care and screenings can catch small problems before they escalate.
Seniors need a reliable physician in Kalamazoo, and they may want to ask around for recommendations. Simply having a designated primary care doctor is not enough, however. Seniors should:
- Get annual checkups with their medical provider
- Seek out necessary specialists for chronic conditions
- Visit a dentist twice each year
- Get their hearing and vision checked
A physician can be a senior's main medical contact. And they should guide seniors toward other providers in Kalamazoo as needed. Holistic aging support means finding a medical team that can address all aspects of a senior's health.
Seniors should get their hearing checked annually, too. Poor hearing can cause seniors to retreat from conversations, and they may miss hearing important warnings. Likewise, seniors should have their vision evaluated, especially with the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
Commit to Better Physical Fitness
Pursuing wellness routines seniors will actually stick with is most important. Searching online for senior wellness Kalamazoo can present options to nurture more active habits. Joining a community walking group or tai chi class, for instance, could be a fun way to improve physical health.
By focusing on fitness, seniors can enhance their cardiovascular health and muscle strength. The benefits don't end there, either. A regular fitness regimen can:
- Help seniors maintain a full range of movement
- Contribute to stability
- Reduce the risk of some chronic diseases
- Keep blood pressure in check
- Improve sleep
- Elevate one's mood
Exercise helps release endorphins, which can minimize stress and stimulate a better mood. Exercise can also lower blood pressure and help seniors maintain better balance.
Seniors can pursue exercise alone, but it can be easier to stick with a plan when exercising with others. Joining friends for a post-lunch walk or aerobics class can be an excellent way to stay fit and enjoy some laughs.
Improve Your Nutrition
Yes, prepackaged meals offer convenience. But they also serve up a lot of sodium and sugar. Seniors wanting to improve their waistlines and overall health should audit their pantries and refrigerators.
Processed foods, like chips and frozen meals, can be loaded with calories. Seniors should replace these options with meals centered on lean proteins and whole grains. Leafy greens and fresh fruits can round out a dinner plate nicely with nourishing nutrients and vitamins.
By opting for a healthier diet, seniors can reap significant benefits. Healthier meals and snacks can:
- Stimulate strong brain health
- Help with digestion
- Keep weight management under control
- Provide more energy
Lean meats with omega-3s can reduce blood pressure and contribute to better brain function. Vegetables with antioxidants and fiber can promote better digestion. And by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, seniors will stay hydrated and feel less inclined to overeat.
Find New Friends
For many seniors, the aging process can bring unwelcome changes, like the loss of loved ones. Further, seniors may be limited by declining vision or mobility problems. In these challenging moments, one of the best solutions is to pursue new friendships through socialization opportunities.
Even seniors with established friend groups can benefit from adding new friends to their roster. New friendships can:
- Reduce loneliness
- Keep stress at bay
- Offer supportive social outlets
- Stimulate a stronger immune system
Interacting with others can give seniors moments of human connection and spark new ways of thinking. Friendships can help ease stressful situations, offering support and encouragement while coping with difficult news. Further, having a few close friends can help seniors have something to look forward to and reduce feelings of loneliness.
Seniors can meet new friends by getting more involved. Assisted living enrichment options may include lectures from distinguished speakers or movie nights. These informal gatherings can spark new conversations that can blossom into long-lasting connections.
Invest in the Latest Safety Features
When it comes to wellness, the focus is usually on physical and mental health. But for seniors, where they live has a direct impact on both of those wellness components. In other words, seniors should use National Wellness Month as a springboard for safety improvements within their homes.
Sometimes even small changes can make a big difference. For instance, decluttering a room or downsizing furniture can open up more walking lanes. Investing in new lights can alert seniors to potential tripping hazards while making an apartment more inviting.
While widening doorways to accommodate walkers or changing to a no-slip floor takes time, it's worth it. Making the effort to complete safety upgrades can:
- Lower the risk of falls
- Create more space within the living quarters
- Provide peace of mind
Adding a call button to a bathroom wall can help seniors feel secure if they slip or need help right away. And by removing area rugs or other physical obstructions, seniors can gain extra space and lower the chances of falling. Ultimately, these changes offer peace of mind to both seniors and their family members.
Make the Most of National Wellness Month
During National Wellness Month, seniors can find the motivation and support to pursue healthier lives. Introducing regular fitness activities or joining new community groups can jumpstart a better approach to wellness. Seniors should make a point of scheduling wellness checkups and assessing their nutritional intake to set themselves up for a healthier future.
LakeHouse Kalamazoo's personalized, round-the-clock care and spacious apartments make us the top senior living community in Kalamazoo. Residents can enjoy bingo or live entertainment, or relax in our private courtyard. Reach out today to learn more about what we offer!