National Wellness Month: Healthy Aging Ideas for Aurora Seniors

According to the CDC, about 24.3% of seniors aged 65 and older are in poor or fair health. Neglecting your physical, emotional, and mental wellness can cause your overall health to decline. You may notice changes to your mobility, leading to lost independence.

Before that happens, consider making healthy changes to your routine for National Wellness Month. With these tips, you can improve your health and quality of life. Take control of your health while living in Aurora, CO!

Healthy Aging Colorado

According to the Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, the majority of Americans (42%) say their top concern is their physical health. Lifestyle factors that can affect your physical well-being include:

• Exercise
• Diet and hydration
• Stress management
• Sleep schedule

Improving your physical health can benefit your mental and emotional well-being. Here are some tips for healthy aging in Colorado.

Senior Fitness Tips

According to the American Heart Association, older adults need 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity weekly. This can include cycling, swimming, or walking. Aerobic activities can improve your:

• Strength
• Balance
• Flexibility

Try adding muscle-strengthening and balance activities to your fitness routine. We naturally lose muscle mass and strength as we age.

Muscle mass decreases by as much as 8% per decade. The rate of decline increases after you turn 60. Decreased muscle mass can leave you vulnerable to disability or accidents.

To improve your strength, lift weights or use resistance bands. Consider working with a personal trainer. They'll help you discover exercises that suit your capabilities.

You can find more fun exercise classes through your senior living community's fitness program. Ask friends to join you.

You can challenge one another. Attending classes with friends may make them more fun. 

Exercising regularly may help:

• Strengthen your immune system
• Improve sleep quality
• Lower blood pressure
• Reduce the risk of weight gain
• Relieve osteoarthritis pain
• Reduce the risk of Alzheimer's and dementia
• Lower your risk of eight cancers
• Prevent chronic diseases
• Boost your mood
• Prevent bone loss
• Ease depression and anxiety symptoms
• Help you live independently longer

Eat Nutritious Meals

Eating a well-balanced diet may improve your physical and mental health.It could help lower your risk of chronic health conditions. Unfortunately, about one in four older Americans has poor nutrition, leaving them vulnerable to diseases.

You need fewer calories to maintain a healthy weight as you age. Avoid overeating.

You may experience changes to your appetite. Avoid undereating, which can lead to malnutrition.

To maintain a healthy diet, try:

• Eating nutritious whole foods
• Getting enough fiber
• Minimizing your intake of processed foods
• Taking supplements
• Drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily

Consult a doctor to determine if you have a vitamin deficiency. They'll help you choose foods based on your nutritional needs.

To discover healthy, nutritious, delicious dishes, explore your senior living community's dining program. You can work with the team to develop a meal plan based on your needs and food preferences.

Ask friends to join you for meals. Eating together can ease feelings of loneliness.

Recharge

Getting adequate sleep recharges the mind and body for the day ahead. Aim for seven hours of sleep each night. Being well-rested may help:

• Increase tissue repair and muscle recovery rates
• Balance your appetite and metabolism
• Reduce the risk of chronic diseases
• Increase daytime alertness and energy levels
• Strengthen your immune system
• Improve your mood

Try adjusting your sleep environment if you struggle to fall and stay asleep. You can move into a senior living community for comfortable accommodations. Otherwise, try to:

• Avoid alcohol and caffeine before bed
• Minimize naps
• Follow a consistent sleep schedule
• Avoid devices 30 minutes before bed
• Keep the bedroom cool
• Minimize noise
• Block out light

Emotional Aging Well Guide

Chronic illnesses and social isolation can increase your risk for depression as you age. According to the NCOA, about 21 million American adults have depression, which can cause:

• A sense of hopelessness
• Insomnia
• Slower speech or movement
• Irritability
• Persistent sadness
• Digestive problems
• Insomnia or oversleeping
• Loss of interest in activities
• Physical pains
• Trouble concentrating/cognitive changes
• Fatigue and low energy
• Feelings of worthlessness and guilt

Consult a doctor if you experience these symptoms. Many seniors don't seek treatment due to mental health stigma. Here are some tips that can benefit your emotional health.

Support Groups

Joining a support group will give you a safe space to discuss your thoughts and feelings.Other seniors can provide you with helpful coping techniques as you navigate grief or a chronic illness.

Their support can help you cope with challenges and stay motivated. Joining a group may ease feelings of depression and anxiety. You can find local support groups through your senior living community. 

Meditation

Meditation can train your mind to focus on the present. This practice can ease stress and improve your emotional resilience. Other potential benefits include:

• Reduced anxiety
• Fewer negative thoughts
• Improved depression symptoms
• Improved mood
• Lengthened attention span
• Reduced age-related memory loss
• Improved sleep
• Controlled pain
• Lower blood pressure

Meditation is accessible anywhere. You can find guided sessions through your senior living community's wellness program.

Journaling

Journaling can help you examine your thoughts and feelings. Try filling a page a day. You can develop a gratitude practice, which can boost your mood and outlook on life. 

Wellness Activities in Aurora

Add sources of joy to your routine. For example, you can explore new hobbies. Check your senior living community's events and activities calendar for:

• Book and film club
• Photography
• Painting and drawing
• Exercise classes
• Walking groups
• Yoga
• Pilates
• Tai chi
• Volunteering opportunities
• Birdwatching
• Arts and crafts

These activities can help relieve stress while giving you a sense of accomplishment. 

Senior Self-Care Month

To prioritize your self-care, try:

• Connecting with friends and family
• Learning something new
• Getting enough sleep
• Having a spa day
• Reading
• Journaling

Changes for National Wellness Month

This National Wellness Month, take a holistic approach to improving your health. Explore these tips for aging well in Aurora, CO. Remember, moving into a senior living community may help. 

St. Andrew's Village is a warm, welcoming environment where seniors can age while maintaining their independence. We can offer an exceptional senior living lifestyle designed with you in mind.

Discover our exclusive lifestyle programs, including a robust events and activities calendar, chef-prepared meals, and on-site exercise classes. Contact us today to schedule your tour.