6 Simple Health Habits for Seniors
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An investment in your health is an investment in your happiness. No matter your age, taking care of your well-being should be a priority. Health-conscious habits provide many benefits; they improve overall health, keep illness at bay, and contribute to a higher quality of life. But this is the best part that’s often forgotten: being healthy doesn’t have to be complicated.
Senior Living Activities and Your Wellness Goals
Our community is designed to take the guesswork out of active and healthy living. Taking care of yourself shouldn’t be a chore! You can take on several goals this year to improve your health, but no matter what you choose, we are here to help. Not sure where to get started? Here are a few simple habits we recommend adding to your ambitions this year:
1. Eat Two Healthy Meals Daily
We all know that eating healthy is vital to overall wellness. Good food has the power to bring us together, build new memories and sustain our bodies.
Now, that doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in a sweet treat or two. However, it does mean that you should make a conscious effort to eat foods that nourish your brain and body a couple times a day. At an independent or assisted living facility, on-site dining makes meal planning and preparation easy. You can also work with staff to plan around specific health goals, allergies, or food restrictions.
2. Stay Social
Social activity may not seem like an obvious part of a healthy lifestyle. However, social involvement is critical to our mental and physical health. When we don’t participate in social activities, we may experience loneliness and isolation, leading to physical health ailments.
When you live in an independent or assisted living community, staying social is easy because there are plenty of activities right outside your door. Make it a habit to participate in these activities, and prioritize spending time with friends, both old and new.
3. Make Walking a Habit
The importance of daily physical activity during retirement cannot be understated. Seniors who exercise daily tend to live longer and healthier lives. Exercise during retirement does not have to include intense activities like lifting heavy weights or hour-long aerobics classes. Going on a leisurely walk every day, though a seemingly small action, can make a big difference.
4. Try Supplements
Sometimes, even your best efforts to eat well can leave you short on the nutrition you need during retirement. Supplements can fill the gap and make a big difference in how your body functions, processes food, and responds to physical activity. There are hundreds of different supplements on the market, so make sure to work with your doctor to get a recommendation and find the regimen that works for you.
5. Stretch Daily
In addition to exercise, stretching is an effective way to keep your body in shape. Daily stretching has been shown to improve mobility and keep joints from stiffening throughout the day.
When it comes to stretching, technique is everything. The proper technique can target specific parts of your body with minimal effort, while the wrong approach can cause injury. Consult a health care professional who can recommend a physical therapist or yoga instructor to help you develop a routine.
6. Don’t Forget About Your Mental Health
Health is not just about physical needs; it should be approached holistically and include attention to your mental health. Without focusing on your mental health, you may develop feelings of anxiety, depression, loneliness, or isolation. When these feelings begin to build, maintaining your physical health can be more difficult.
How can you tackle taking care of your mind? Consider developing regular habits like meditating, reading, learning a new skill, or participating in group senior living activities. In senior living communities, we take care of the small, daily tasks, so you have time to focus on doing things that improve your mood.
Develop Healthy Habits at The Lodge at Magnolia Manor
The Lodge is the perfect community for seniors who want to continue an active lifestyle and plan for whatever the future holds. It’s a lot easier to be healthy when your environment makes it easy! Our state-of-the-art campus is designed with our residents’ needs in mind. You’re the reason why we do what we do!
At The Lodge, residents can engage in healthy senior living activities each day, empowering them to live comfortable physical, cultural, intellectual, creative, and spiritual lives. If you want to learn more about our community, don’t hesitate to reach out today.
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