According to the National Council on Aging, around 93% of seniors in America have some form of chronic health condition, underscoring the importance of putting health and wellness at the heart of any senior lifestyle. That's particularly crucial if you envisage an active and fulfilling retirement in the beautiful surroundings of Greer, SC.
In this article, we'll share some of the protective factors that support senior wellness, alongside practical tips on how you can make health and wellness part of your daily lifestyle as you get older.
One of the most important protective factors for senior wellness is maintaining social connections. For some seniors, that might be having a close and supportive relationship with family members, whereas others will thrive in more vibrant social gatherings, like:
What's crucial is taking small steps each day to keep in contact with others, even if it's something as simple as a quick conversation over a coffee. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the latest technology, as tools like video calls can be central to staying connected with others in the modern world.
Take charge of your health in your senior years by choosing a trusted healthcare provider who will focus on check-ups, preventative screening, and lifestyle support that will help you stay well.
Some senior healthcare providers can also give you access to specific wellness services like therapy, to help you manage ongoing health conditions or manage mental health symptoms like stress and anxiety.
If you live in a senior living community in Greer, SC, like ours at TerraBella Thornblade, you can also speak to trusted care staff for support in connecting to the best healthcare provider for your needs.
Staying active is vital for feeling well in an aging body, so focus on ways you can incorporate exercise into your daily routine. That doesn't have to mean an hour at the gym; if you enjoy fitness, you can continue with strength and cardiovascular workouts.
Nevertheless, you can get many health benefits from more low-impact activities such as:
If you are in a senior living community, find out what fitness activities are offered on-site. You can also try some home-based workouts by using free videos on sites like YouTube. Whatever you do, be consistent and choose an activity you enjoy.
What you eat has a direct impact on how you feel, so make nutrition part of your mission to protect your health and wellness. Focus on eating a balanced diet that's rich in nutrients. That means:
A balanced diet protects you from health conditions as you age and gives you the energy you need to enjoy each day to the fullest. If you're considering a move to a senior living community, ensure that it offers a varied, healthy menu to residents.
That's one of our standout features at TerraBella Thornblade, and our Sensations dining means residents enjoy chef-prepared meals using the highest quality ingredients.
Creative activities are great for the brain and support positive mental health, so they are a simple step you can take to protect your wellness in your senior years. Here are some ideas:
Choose activities that will help you connect with others and are ones that you'll enjoy trying every week. You could pick up an old, forgotten talent or learn something completely new. Both will give you a sense of accomplishment.
Creative activities also help with memory care engagement and boosting cognitive skills.
Creative activities can be an excellent way to support your emotional health, but there are also tailored activities designed to improve your mental wellness. Take mindfulness, for example.
A guided mindfulness or meditation session can help you find techniques to stay calm, protect against stress and worry, and reduce your risk of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
Find out if there are senior-friendly mindfulness sessions in your area or speak to staff in your senior living community. You may also find that your healthcare provider can recommend some classes to support your mental and emotional wellness.
Where you live and your surroundings can impact your physical, mental, and emotional health. Therefore, it's a crucial factor to consider when focused on your overall wellness in your senior years.
Aim for a living environment that's practical, accessible, and pleasant. Here are some simple ways to achieve that:
If you are moving to a senior living community, take the time to tour apartments to find a good fit for your needs. At TerraBella Thornblade, we offer a range of suites and apartments, designed with the unique needs of seniors in mind, including an emergency response system in all private living quarters.
Don't leave your health and wellness to chance when you reach your senior years. Take a proactive approach. Protective factors and activities that support your well-being can ensure you stay energized and feel good, mentally and physically.
Being in an environment that puts wellness first is crucial, so take some time now to book a tour of TerraBella Thornblade. Discover our welcoming environment, well-appointed private rooms, on-site beauty salon, and tranquil setting in Greer, SC.