Did you know that loneliness can impact your mental health, according to the research? The latest studies into senior well-being show that staying healthy in old age isn't always down to your genetics.
Lifestyle factors play a significant role. Protective factors can help you live an active and fulfilling retirement in Zanesville, OH. In this guide, we'll share some of the main lifestyle choices that will help you feel well in your later years.
Exercising can protect both your physical and mental health. Low-impact aerobic routines or brisk walking support the cardiovascular system and help strengthen the muscles. And there is growing evidence that exercise can help lower the risk of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
It's also worth thinking about some form of stretching and balance routine, like yoga or tai chi. When you reach your senior years, your balance and flexibility can begin to decline. A stretch-based exercise can help protect you.
The best way to get the most benefits from exercise is to find a routine you enjoy. That way, you are more likely to stick with it.
A healthy diet is crucial as a protective mechanism against chronic disease. Poor diets are associated with conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The good news is that even late in life, a dietary overhaul can have a positive impact on your health.
Aim to balance your diet with plenty of lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats, plus a generous serving of fruit and vegetables. And try to increase the amount of unprocessed foods you eat while limiting highly processed snacks. You'll also need to eat foods rich in nutrients like calcium and vitamin D.
In our senior living community, Clay Gardens Place, we've made it easy for you to eat healthy. Our chef prepares balanced, delicious meals, all cooked from scratch.
One risk factor seniors face is loneliness. Feeling isolated and lonely can impact a person's mental health, and in seniors, it could leave them vulnerable, such as not getting prompt help if they have a fall. That's why there is a clear link between social connections and senior mental health. It boosts well-being.
Aim to keep in regular contact with friends and family. If you are concerned about distance, consider mastering technology like video calls to stay in touch.
If you live in a senior community, consider signing up for events, classes, and other activities. That will help you interact and build a wider social network.
Looking after your brain health in your later years can protect you from memory loss and cognitive decline. So it's a crucial piece of the puzzle when looking after your health and well-being.
Exercising your brain is surprisingly easy to do and certainly not as strenuous as a morning exercise routine. Playing simple card games or chess can be enough to awaken those brain cells. Here are some other ideas:
If you are in a senior living community, you could also look for activities that support brain function and help you socialise at the same time, like quiz nights, painting classes, or music appreciation workshops.
Make sure you attend all routine check-ups with your doctor during your retirement. Screenings like blood pressure, cholesterol, and some cancers can ensure you get early diagnosis and less invasive treatment, so it's crucial for your health and well-being.
Doctors will also ensure you are up to date with all your vaccinations, reducing your risk of viruses like COVID-19 and the flu that can cause complications in the older population. Doctors can also ensure you are on the appropriate level of medication for any conditions you currently have, like diabetes or arthritis.
It's also vital that you attend other health-related screenings as a senior, such as annual eye examinations and hearing checks.
Getting the proper support for your emotional health can prevent you from developing conditions like anxiety and depression.
Mental health is something that should never be overlooked in seniors because major life events, like changes in health or loss of a loved one, can make a person more vulnerable. Simple activities that boost emotional support can be valuable.
Here are some suggestions:
Emotional wellness can also have a positive impact on your physical health. It can boost sleep quality and support your healthy eating goals.
As you get older, muscles weaken, joints can be more painful, and the effect is that it can leave you with more limited mobility or even balance problems. That makes some everyday tasks more challenging, with a higher risk of running into complications like falling or slipping.
Protecting against that risk means making your living environment more accessible. Safety features should include:
You want to give yourself space to move around safely, even if you don't currently have a mobility issue. It will ensure you stay independent for longer.
Having a sense of purpose is vital for mental well-being, but for some seniors, that can be difficult once they say goodbye to a career and family responsibilities.
It's crucial to keep that sense of purpose through daily activities that bring you joy and give you a sense of achievement. That could be learning a new skill, keeping fit, or meeting up with friends.
Make sure each day has something that makes it fun and memorable, as that will boost your mental health.
Health in retirement is too important to leave to chance. By embracing protective factors such as nutrition, exercise, and social connections, you can enjoy a longer and more fulfilling retirement.
Discover how Clay Gardens Place Assisted Living can help you achieve your health and wellness goals by scheduling a tour. You'll see assisted living benefits such as a friendly, close-knit community, generous on-site activities, and compassionate, tailored care.