No matter what stage of life we are in, we all want to feel good and incorporate things into our lives that will help increase our overall health, wellness, and joy. There are several activities that seniors can implement into their daily lives that will help them physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally. Below are some tips that will help increase overall health and wellness, especially as one resides in assisted living or memory care.
- Join in Social Activities
As humans, we are social creatures and although each person varies in their desired level of engagement with others, it is important that we are not isolated and take the opportunity to interact with those around us. Socialization is important for our overall health and well-being. Socialization can help lessen feeling of loneliness, increase a sense of belonging and enhances memory and cognitive skills. Socialization has even been correlated with living longer and improved morale. If a person is not able to participate as readily in in-person activities, then even connecting with others via technology helps. Either way, it is important to understand that even if you aren’t feeling social, a little bit of socialization will go a long way.
- Participate In Daily Movement
Exercise and daily movement are vital for one’s overall health and wellness. Daily exercise has been associated with:
- Reducing stress, anxiety, and depression
- Better sleeping patterns
- Improved self-esteem
- Enhanced cognitive function
- Reduced risk of a heart attack
- Better weight management
- Lowered blood cholesterol levels
- Lower risk of type 2 diabetes and some cancers
- Lower blood pressure
- Stronger bones, muscles, joints, and lower risk of developing osteoporosis
- Lower risk of falls
These and many other benefits are linked with daily exercise. Whether it is a walk around the neighborhood, a jog on the treadmill, or participating in the physical activities that are offered at the Senior Living home, it is important to take the opportunity to engage in daily movement.
- Breath in the Fresh Air
Not only does breathing in fresh air just make you feel better mentally and physically, but there are known health benefits to it. Taking a moment to step outside and breath in the air gives you higher levels of oxygen. Exposure to more oxygen and fresh air has the following benefits:
- Increased mental clarity and focus
- Blood vessels in your lungs open, improving tissue and cleansing repair
- Boosted energy
- Lowered blood pressure and heart rate
- Improved digestion
So, take the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful outdoors and even if it is only for a few minutes, breath in some fresh air.
- Meditate
Research has shown that meditation is very beneficial for one’s overall health and wellness. Often, individuals who have never tried meditating before are not sure where to start or how to engage in it. There are several ways that a person can participate in meditation. These can include:
- Yoga
- Relaxed breathing
- Focused attention
- Appreciating a quiet setting
- Walking and enjoying the surroundings
- Prayer
- Mindfulness
- Guided meditation
- Focusing on things one is grateful for
- Reading and reflecting
Whether a person has engaged in meditation several times or is just beginning, it is worth continuing. Several health benefits are associated with meditation including enhanced self-awareness, focusing on the present, decreased negative emotions and stress levels, increased imagination and creativity, improved management of anxiety, asthma, depression, sleeping problems, headaches, and chronic pain.
Start Increasing Overall Health & Wellness Today
As a person engages in social activities, daily movement, breathing in the fresh air, and meditation, multiple mental, physical, emotional, and social benefits will result. It may seem overwhelming to engage in each of these all at once. However, picking one thing such as daily movement, then building from there will result in improved health and wellness.
Choose The Cottages Assisted Living and Memory Care
The Cottages Senior Living will provide the best environment for your loved one. Their small, home-like atmosphere and high staff-to-resident ratio helps ensure that the residents are well cared for, and their needs are addressed. The Cottages Assisted Living and Memory Care homes have a maximum of only 16 residents per home, which enables our staff to give more personalized care. The home-cooked meals follow dietary guidelines and are delicious and nutritious. The activities are tailored to the residents’ wants and desires, creating life-enriching moments. Bus rides and fun outings are a regular occurrence. The administrator has an open-door policy and is never too busy to meet with family or answer questions. The atmosphere feels calm, happy, and looks like a home. The Cottages are secure but never feel like an institution or hotel. The staff receive consistent and updated dementia training. The team members are continuously recognized and rewarded for providing excellent care. A positive company culture is vital to the leadership, and they are consistently working on this. The Cottages Assisted Living and Memory Care has received numerous national and state quality awards for their well-run homes, exuding superior care.
If you are looking for an exceptional assisted living or memory care home, look no further. Call The Cottages today to schedule a tour or speak with one of our experts! (208) 475-1805.
References
Mayo Clinic Minute: The benefits of being socially connected. (2019). Retrieved from Here
Better Health Channel: Physical activity – its important. (2022). Retrieved from Here
Long Island Institute: Surprising health benefits of fresh air. (2020. Retrieved from Here
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