In this article by Jason Lewis, you will learn how to ensure your senior years are filled with health and happiness.
Much of what life throws at you is beyond your control, and as you get older it can be challenging to feel like your circumstances aren’t dictating your well-being. Thankfully, there is a lot you can do to stay on top of health and wellness, no matter how old you are. Read on for important information for seniors who want to enjoy health and happiness throughout their golden years.
How to Ensure Your Senior Years Are Filled with Health and Happiness
Grab a Good Workout
Being active is a big part of maintaining wellness throughout life, but it can be especially important for older adults. In fact, the CDC explains exercise can be a key to avoiding many of the issues which we associate with aging, such as reduced stamina and strength. You might be concerned being more active will lead to getting hurt, but some statistics indicate seniors who make exercise part of their lifestyle spend 25 percent less time disabled or injured than seniors who are sedentary.
Find Your Fitness Plan
There are plenty of options available when it comes to seniors and exercise. Walking is a popular choice since you can simply put on some comfortable shoes and go. Some seniors like to use Nordic walking poles since they can help build balance and confidence. Cycling and swimming are also popular options, and they are easy on joints.
Staying In
If the weather isn’t cooperating, plan to enjoy a workout inside. Some experts feel it can be dangerous for seniors to be out in extreme temperatures, so find ways to exercise indoors when temperatures soar or plummet. Recumbent bikes and treadmills are great senior options and don’t be afraid to mix things up with some technology. AgingCare points out a Wii can be particularly entertaining, or you can follow along with videos on YouTube. Alternatively, you can always head to the gym for a class. While a gym membership can be expensive, some senior insurance plans cover the cost. For example, if you have a Medicare Advantage plan through providers like Humana, you’ll have access to Silver Sneakers which has more than 13,000 affiliated fitness centers nationwide. Check your Medicare coverage to see what your policy offers and use this valuable incentive if it’s available!
Let’s Do Lunch
How much time do you normally spend connecting with friends and family? Unfortunately, like A Place for Mom notes, many seniors tend to become isolated, which can lead to a number of concerns. Seniors who aren’t socially active are more inclined to suffer from depression, loneliness, and physical health concerns. On the other hand, socializing appears to offer a number of important benefits, lowering stress and anxiety levels, boosting self-confidence, and potentially lowering your risk for cognitive health issues like Alzheimer’s disease. Consider connecting with a workout buddy, making plans with friends for lunch, taking a class, or joining a club. Having a pet can also help offset isolation, and some statistics indicate seniors with pets are 30 percent less apt to need to see their doctors than those without.
Have You Heard The One About…?
Connecting with friends is a chance to support one another, talk, tell stories, and share a joke or two. In fact, while that might sound inconsequential, laughing actually seems to offer a number of important health benefits.
It can potentially:
- lower your blood pressure,
- reduce stress
- reduce anxiety
- boost your immune system
- help you feel more positive about life
It seems laughing can even help your breathing and promote cardiovascular health. Even just smiling appears to give you a boost! In fact, smiling more often can potentially reduce pain levels and lengthen your life. One more reason to get with your friends and find things to smile and laugh about. If you aren’t one to come up with funny stories and jokes off the top of your head, I have a tip for you. You can sign up for a joke of the day to be sent to your inbox. Then, share the joke with your friends.
Living a full, happy life is possible for everyone, but sometimes circumstances can seem to take away our options. Make sure you stay active, avoid isolation, and laugh it up! You can be healthier and enjoy a better quality of life as a result.
About the Author: Jason Lewis
A huge thank you to Jason Lewis for writing ” Ensure Your Senior Years Are Filled with Health” for www.kitstanwood.com. Jason Lewis, the owner of Strongwell.org, has an impressive background in health working as a certified Personal Trainer and CPR/First Aid Instructor with a BA in Human Performance and Exercise Health Science. In 2002, he became the primary caretaker for his mother after her surgery. He realized, as he helped her with her recovery, there is a special need for trainers that can assist the seniors in their community. He worked with his mother’s doctor, as well as other personal trainers, to create programs that are considerate to the special health needs of those over the age of 65. If you would like to contact him, you can email Jason here and be sure to check out his website Strongwell.org.
Caryn cooper says
Health is not valued till sickness comes…
Vinay says
This is great work.
Love that you mentioned the Wii. I feel it’s a great entertainement platform for anyone regardless of their age.
Cheers!