Did you know that around 93% of older adults have some form of chronic condition? Although this may seem worrying, there are several steps you can take to manage your health and wellness and reduce the risks associated with aging. That approach can be vital if you plan to have an active and enriching retirement in the friendly community of Cedar Park, Texas.
August marks Wellness Month in the US, so to mark the occasion, we've put together this guide on how to look after your mental and physical health in your senior years.
During Wellness Month, it's a good idea to consider how to take care of your physical health.When your body is well and you have energy, your mind and emotions often follow.
At Highland Estates in Cedar Park, you'll find lots of fitness classes and workshops that are designed for seniors, such as:
There are healthy aging activities for everyone, no matter your strength, mobility, or flexibility. Consistently engaging in fitness classes can help you maintain a strong body as you age and boost your energy levels, setting you up to enjoy the rest of your senior life in our community.
Being well in your body also means providing it with the proper nutrition, so use Wellness Month to review your diet and consider ways to make it more balanced and nutrient-rich.Here are some suggestions:
It's also worth consulting your healthcare provider if you're concerned about your diet, for example, if you've experienced recent weight gain or loss. They will be able to provide some tips, but also check that your weight changes aren't due to any other underlying health issue.
Caring for your emotions and cognitive health is crucial in your senior years, and you should place as much importance on it as you do on your physical health.
During Wellness Month, take some time to journal your thoughts and feelings, as this can often be a good way to catch feelings like stress, anxiety, and low moods. You should also consider taking part in an activity to support your emotional well-being, such as:
If you are concerned about your mental health, book an appointment with your physician or consider booking a one-to-one counseling session. Early treatment is the best way to manage emerging mental health conditions.
One of the building blocks of any senior's well-being is staying connected with friends and family.
Participating in activities that foster social connection will leave you feeling happier, more positive, and more energized. When you live in a senior community like ours at Highland Estate, you'll find that there are activities to suit all tastes. Perhaps that's:
These activities provide an opportunity to see friendly, familiar faces and enjoy conversation and laughter. It helps protect against health and wellness risks in old age, like loneliness and isolation.
Feeling well means adopting an approach that takes care of your mind, body, and spirit. This is at the heart of holistic wellness, which moves beyond traditional healthcare and focuses on activities and routines that help you emotionally and physically stay in the best of shape.
For seniors, the best way to embrace holistic wellness is to try activities that support your whole self. That includes:
When you take this multi-pronged approach to wellness, that's when you'll start to see and feel the benefits. Your body is a delicate ecosystem, and providing the right support will help you maintain balance and overall health.
Taking charge of your health starts with knowledge, so use Wellness Month to discover what you need to maintain your well-being.
You could attend some educational talks and seminars in Cedar Park or within our Highland Estates senior living community. Alternatively, use the internet to discover topics on wellness that interest you. That could be a YouTube series about healthy eating in your senior years, or you could use the internet to sign up for an online fitness program.
Educational talks and video series can help you take preventive steps for your health, which is crucial for staying fit and well as you age.
You can prioritize your long-term health during Wellness Month by booking a preventive health screening. These are opportunities for you to get basic measurements checked, like your cholesterol and vision.
Plus, it's a time to talk to your physician about any concerns you have, such as whether you are feeling down or having problems with your balance.
Prevention helps you take charge of your health, and with the support of a community, you can take simple steps to improve your health markers, like eating well and staying active.
Wellness Month is a timely reminder about the importance of putting your health first as you get older. That means stepping into an environment where you can take a proactive approach.
That's what we offer at our fantastic senior living community at Highland Estates, Cedar Park, Texas. Here, you'll find a fitness center, landscaped walking routes, a social events calendar, and many more exciting features. Discover more by booking a tour today.