Every August, seniors have an opportunity to evaluate their lifestyle habits during National Wellness Month. And with nearly 40% of older adults dealing with obesity, there’s never been a better time to get moving. After all, the right lifestyle adjustments can translate to trimmer waistlines and a happier outlook.
Seniors in Covington, Louisiana, have natural beauty and big city amenities in their backyard, making it easier than ever to find wellness resources or an excuse to head outdoors. Keep reading to learn some of the best senior wellness ideas to promote stronger well-being!
Enhance Emotional Wellness
Self-care means being proactive about enhancing emotional and physical well-being. And one of the best ways to do this is through mindfulness activities. These activities can help seniors destress and reflect on what’s most important.
Inserting time for self-care doesn’t have to be hard or time-consuming. Seniors should aim to carve out even fifteen minutes each day to try activities like:
- Meditation
- Listening to calming music
- Journaling
- Reading
Setting aside time to read or listen to ambient music can be a relaxing diversion from stressful thoughts. Similarly, music can be a great entryway into relaxation. Covington seniors grieving a lost loved one or navigating a diagnosis can find comfort with the right soundtrack.
Seniors should be patient with themselves, too. While meditation or journaling may work well as a calming strategy for some individuals, it won’t work well for others. Testing different options to see what works best can lead seniors toward self-care solutions.
Build a Better Menu
Even the most rigorous, calorie-burning workout can’t overcome a bad diet. That’s why seniors need to scrutinize what’s on their dinner plates during National Wellness Month.
In an era where convenience is king, seniors may discover that they’re reaching for too many processed foods. They can enact a menu makeover by following a few basic nutritional guidelines. A well-balanced meal will include:
- Protein, like salmon or chicken
- Vegetables and fruits
- Whole-grains
- Dairy
- Plenty of water
Poached salmon or chicken can make an excellent centerpiece to a menu. With some lightly seasoned steamed vegetables and whole-grain pasta, seniors will have a nutritional meal. Whether cooking at home or dining with friends, seniors should steer clear of foods swimming in heavy sauces or batter.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are loaded with fiber and antioxidants, making them ideal for snacks. Peanut butter on celery can power anyone through the afternoon. Or yogurt and a sprinkling of granola can add a touch of sweetness and calcium to an afternoon snack.
When life gets busy, it’s far too easy to forget about hydration. This is particularly true when the temperatures get colder and hydration feels less of a necessity. But seniors need to drink around eight glasses of water each day to support digestion and help avoid overeating.
Find Senior Fitness Support
Aging well tips always include a suggestion to move more. For seniors who’ve let their exercise routines fall to the wayside, National Wellness Month can be a chance to reboot it.Exercise can:
- Improve balance
- Build back muscle
- Contribute to a greater range of motion
- Help with weight control
- Lower the chances of chronic disease
Options like yoga or tai chi can build stability and core strength. Light strength training can increase muscle mass, too, which is especially important for seniors. Stronger muscles and bones can reduce the risk of fractures or falls.
Walking outside on Covington’s charming streets can boost cardiovascular health while providing a feast for the eyes. For seniors more inclined toward group activities, swimming lessons or fitness classes are a fun way to bond with new friends while improving their health.
Do Safety Checks
Where a senior lives can have a significant impact on their overall wellness, a cluttered, dimly lit apartment won’t exactly be a welcoming space to call home. Worse yet, failing to maintain a safe home could elevate the risk for falls and other accidents.
National Wellness Month can serve as a great reminder that safety checks at home should be part of one’s wellness routine. A well-outfitted home will have:
- Ample light sources
- Grab bars in bathrooms and hallways
- No-slip flooring
- Wider entranceways if needed
- Carbon monoxide detector and smoke alarm
Seniors using walkers and wheelchairs may need to enlarge doorways. And seniors living in smaller apartments should clean regularly and pare down their belongings to avoid overcrowding. This is especially true for bulky furniture that can trigger tripping.
It’s best to involve a family member or friend in a living space safety assessment. They can lend another set of eyes to find hazards that should be addressed.
Schedule Medical Care
Covington seniors should make sure they’re established with a local physician.This will be the medical professional they see for checkups and their primary contact for immediate concerns. Seniors need:
- A yearly wellness checkup
- Necessary screenings
- Immunizations for shingles or the flu
- Hearing and vision checks
Seniors will want blood pressure and cholesterol screenings. They may also need screenings for breast or lung cancer. A physician will know the latest recommendations to help seniors stay current with these potentially lifesaving tests.
Since vision and hearing can deteriorate with age, seniors also need annual tests. Hearing aids or supplements to slow the progression of diseases like macular degeneration may be possible interventions.
When in doubt, seniors should consult reputable resources for guidance regarding medical care. Doing a search for healthy aging in Covington online can produce suggestions for anything from exercise classes to physicians.
Make the Most of National Wellness Month
During National Wellness Month, seniors can reroute their lifestyle decisions. Making better nutritional choices and introducing more exercise are two key ways to see improvements. But seniors shouldn’t overlook the importance of mindfulness and safety as they aim for better wellness.
With a full-time activities director and indulgent dining options, The Trace is Covington, Louisiana’s best senior living community. Residents can enjoy walking among the gorgeous live oak trees on our property or join friends for a fitness class. Contact us today to learn why we’re a great fit for you!
