National Wellness Month: Celebrating Healthy Aging in Hockessin
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August is soon upon us, and that means one thing: National Wellness Month. It might sound like a really long time to focus on one particular thing, but truth be told, it's not enough.
In today's busy world, we often don't take good care of ourselves. And while there's more downtime after we retire, you'd be surprised at just how many seniors aren't living optimal lives.
This month is the perfect opportunity to make small changes to get lasting benefits. And you shouldn't focus on just physical health either; other aspects (such as mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness) are essential too.
Here's what you can do for healthy aging support in Hockessin, DE.
Set Wellness Goals for the Month
Start off the month by setting personalized and realistic goals across several wellness dimensions. The best way to do this is to use the SMART method, which stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound.
Need some help? Here are some ideas to help you get started:
- Walk for 30 minutes each day, five days a week
- Drink eight glasses of water daily
- Practice meditation for 10 minutes every morning
- Call or visit one friend or family member each week
- Eat three servings of vegetables per day
You can use a wellness journal or app to track your progress! It's great for reflecting and improving in the future.
Embrace Physical Wellness
People of all ages need to keep up with physical wellness to ensure they lead long and healthy lives. However, the fact is that most Americans don't get enough physical activity, especially seniors.
This August, focus on physical activity, as it boosts:
- Strength
- Flexibility
- Agility
This can prevent falls and age-related decline.
If you have a pet, taking it out for walks and cleaning its living quarters is a great start. Other ideas to try include:
- Gentle yoga
- Tai chi
- Walking clubs
- Strength training
- Dance classes
Don't forget to stay hydrated and sleep well. Creating a new, relaxing nighttime routine can provide better quality sleep.
Prioritize Nutritional Wellness
Eating well is part of living healthy too. Nutrition is a cornerstone of healthy aging, as it can impact your energy levels. It can also help with:
- Immune strength
- Bone health
- Mental clarity
To make things fun, you can have healthy cooking workshops. You can learn how to prepare easy, senior-friendly meals with plenty of fiber, protein, and hydration.
You can also have a smoothie bar day. Try nutrient-packed smoothie recipes that have delicious and wholesome ingredients like spinach, berries, and Greek yogurt.
In your everyday life, you should practice mindful eating. Eat without distractions and savor each bite!
If you need more help, schedule a visit with a registered dietitian for personalized advice.
Support Mental and Emotional Wellness
According to Ipsos's latest Health Service Report, 45% of countries say that mental health is one of the main health issues in their nations. The state of your emotional health will impact how you handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. So emotional and physical wellness go hand-in-hand.
You can promote inner peace by doing daily meditation or prayer. Or do art therapy to relax and express emotions. Ideas here include:
- Paint
- Draw
- Adult coloring
Gratitude journaling can help immensely too. Every day, write down three things you're grateful for, and you'll see a huge difference in your attitude towards life.
You can also have mental health check-ins with others. Discuss your concerns with a counselor, social worker, or trusted friend.
Boost Cognitive Wellness
Memory care initiatives are excellent for cognitive wellness. Staying mentally active helps keep the brain sharp, and it may delay cognitive decline.
Be proactive in challenging your brain. For example, you can do brain games, such as crosswords, sudoku, memory puzzles, or brain-training apps. Other ideas are:
- Joining book clubs
- Learning new skills
- Participating in trivia nights
- Doing lifelong learning
Encourage Social Wellness
Social interactions (such as joining July 4th events) can help combat senior loneliness. This is linked to depression and even physical illness, so it's essential that you stay socially engaged.
One way to connect with others is to host a wellness luncheon or potluck. Invite family members, friends, or neighbors to come have a meal with you!
You can also participate in community events, such as local concerts, art fairs, or worship services. Game nights are fun too, where you play card games, bingo, or dominoes with peers.
If in-person activities aren't possible, then have virtual meetups or participate in a pen pal program.
Explore Spiritual Wellness
The American Institute of Stress says that 51% of American adults engage in prayer when faced with a challenge or stressful situation. This means that spirituality can be a source of hope, belonging, and purpose. It's an outstanding way to get enrichment for older adults.
While services can be beneficial, that doesn't necessarily mean it has to all be religious. You can do:
- Nature walks
- Meditation or mindfulness practice
- Group discussions
- Legacy projects
Schedule Preventive Health Screenings
A major part of wellness is staying proactive about healthcare. Many senior wellness programs can help with this, but if you're alone, you can still be proactive.
Use this month to:
- Book annual physical exams
- Schedule eye, hearing, and dental checkups
- Get recommended vaccines
- Review medications with a doctor or pharmacist
- Screen for memory, mobility, and bone health
While you're at it, organize your health documents. Updating your emergency contacts can be good too.
Celebrate National Wellness Month Effectively
It may just seem like a campaign, but National Wellness Month is so much more than that. It's a movement that empowers older adults to age with dignity, resulting in a more vibrant and intentional lifestyle.
What you need to do is integrate physical, mental, social, and spiritual activities to experience holistic wellness. By doing this, it'll enrich your life, as you'll be taking care of all aspects of your health. So take all the above advice into consideration, and you'll get outstanding long-term well-being.
Get in touch with us today if you're interested in senior living in Hockessin, DE. The Summit has three fully-stocked libraries with comfortable seating.