According to AARP, people aged 60 and older are the happiest Americans. However, the US fell eight spots in its overall happiness rank (from 15th to 23rd), according to the latest World Happiness Report. Neglecting your physical, emotional, and mental health could cause your personal ranking to drop as well.
Before that happens, consider adding these wellness activities to your routine. With these tips, you can improve your overall health to enjoy retirement feeling your best. Discover active aging in Fuquay-Varina, NC, today!
According to the CDC, many older Americans don't meet the recommended amount of physical activity. About 28% of US adults aged 50 and older are inactive. Physical activity is higher among adults with one or more chronic conditions.
Exercising, however, could help prevent or manage these conditions. Other potential benefits of regular exercise include:
Try to schedule 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity into your week.These activities include hiking, cycling, and water aerobics.
Improve your strength twice a week. You can lift weights or use resistance bands. If you're a beginner, try using your body weight instead.
Do each exercise eight to 12 times to complete a set. Try to complete one to three sets each session.
While aging, it's normal to lose muscle mass. Improving your strength could help boost your functionality and metabolic rate. This can lead to better mobility, helping you maintain your independence.
You don't have to exercise alone. Instead, explore your senior living community's fitness program. You can find fun physical wellness activities to enjoy alongside friends.
Look for multi-component physical activities. These involve aerobic, balance, and strength training exercises.Examples include:
About 21 million US adults struggle with depression each year. It can cause:
If these symptoms sound familiar, seek help. Here are a few self-care methods for emotional health support.
Instead of bottling your feelings, write them down. Journaling can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. It can help you clarify your thoughts and identify negative behaviors.
Meditation trains the mind to focus on the present. You'll learn to redirect distracting thoughts, allowing you to achieve a state of emotional calm and mental clarity. Potential benefits of meditating include:
If you're new to meditating, consider joining other members of your senior living community. You can explore your community's events and activities calendar for sessions. Otherwise, use a guided meditation app to practice daily.
Social isolation and loneliness in older people can pose mental and physical health risks. Both can increase your risk of:
Enjoying productive, meaningful activities with other seniors can boost your mood and give your life a sense of purpose. Maintaining friendships could enhance your quality of life. Here are a few tips to help you socialize with other seniors.
Check your community's events and activities calendar to pick up a new hobby, such as:
These activities can keep the body and mind engaged. Try challenging yourself! Learning something new can give you a sense of accomplishment.
Developing new skills can encourage the formation of new neural pathways. This could improve your cognitive function, allowing you to maintain your independence.
Whether you're struggling with grief, addiction, or a chronic illness, you're not alone. Consider joining a local support group.You can talk about your situation with other seniors who understand what you're experiencing.
Their support can give you a sense of belonging while reducing feelings of isolation. This may benefit your self-esteem while giving you a new sense of hope.
Take a holistic approach to improving your health. Here are a few healthy lifestyle tips you can apply while living in Fuquay-Varina.
Eating a nutritious, balanced diet that includes:
Reduce your intake of processed foods, which can trigger inflammation. Inflammation is associated with chronic health conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
For help following a healthy diet, consider exploring your senior living community's dining program. You can discover delicious meals made based on your nutritional needs.
Sleeping allows the body and mind to recuperate after a long day. We need seven to nine hours of rest to function at our best. If you're struggling to fall asleep, try:
Try using relaxation methods like journaling, reading, or meditating before bed. Otherwise, consider moving into a senior living community. Changing your environment could help you relax and fall asleep.
Stress can affect your mental and physical health. To relax, try:
Prioritize your physical, mental, and emotional health this year. Use these wellness activities to make positive changes to your routine. Remember, living in a senior living community could help.
Look no further than TerraBella Fuquay-Varina, a community designed to enhance each resident's life as they age. Enjoy our exclusive lifestyle programs, including on-site health and wellness programs, a robust events and activities calendar, and chef-prepared homestyle dining. Contact us now to schedule your tour!