Wellness Activities for Seniors in Hayward That Encourage Healthy Aging
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According to the National Council on Aging, about 93% of older adults have at least one chronic condition, such as heart disease or diabetes.
Following healthy aging routines could help manage your symptoms or reduce your risk. Improving your health could also ensure security, productivity, and independence as you age.
Not sure how to improve your physical, emotional, and mental wellness? Create your own routine with these wellness activities. Experience enhanced health and happiness while living in Hayward, CA, today!
Active Aging in Hayward, CA
According to the CDC, about 28% of US adults aged 50 and older are physically active. Inactivity is 30% more common among seniors with chronic illnesses. Regular physical activity could help prevent chronic health conditions.
Remaining physically active can enhance your physical, emotional, and mental health by:
- Reducing your risk of heart disease and stroke
- Improving your sleep quality
- Boosting your mood
- Allowing you to live independently longer
- Lowering your risk of type 2 diabetes
- Reducing your risk of dementia
- Improving your bone health
- Lowering your blood pressure
- Reducing anxiety and depression symptoms
- Lowering your risk of slip-and-fall accidents
- Improving your balance and coordination
Choose exercises that improve your balance, strength, and flexibility.You can find group exercise classes through your senior living community's fitness program. Common aerobic, strength training, and balance exercises include:
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Tai chi
- Hiking
- Walking
- Resistance bands
- Weight lifting
- Cycling
- Biking
Lift weights or train using resistance bands twice a week. You may lose muscle mass as you age. Improving your strength may help you maintain your mobility and independence longer.
Engage in aerobic activities for 150 minutes weekly. This can include jogging or biking.
As your friends in Hayward, CA to join you. Working out together can make it more enjoyable. Hold each other accountable to stick with it!
Rest and Recharge
After an intense workout, give yourself the chance to recharge. Try to get seven hours of sleep every night, which supports:
- Memory consolidation
- Immune system function
- Mood regulation
- Hormone regulation
- Cellular repair
- Inflammatory responses
- Energy conservation
- Decision-making and problem-solving
Consult a doctor if you're not getting enough sleep each night. Trouble sleeping is a common symptom of many underlying conditions.
Try improving your sleep hygiene by:
- Lowering the temperature
- Not using electronics before bed
- Getting new sheets and pillows
- Getting a new mattress
- Blocking out light in your bedroom
- Reducing noise
Go to bed at the same time each night and wake at the same time each morning. This can help you maintain a normal circadian rhythm.
If your living environment is uncomfortable, consider moving into a senior living community.
Emotional Wellness Support
For emotional wellness, determine if you:
- Have a sense of belonging
- Have independence and autonomy
- Get enough social interaction
- Have meaning and purpose
- Feel safe
Identifying your needs can help you determine what changes to make to your routine. For example, perhaps you feel lonely. Social isolation and loneliness may leave you vulnerable to:
- Heart disease
- Depression
- Obesity
- A weakened immune system
- Alzheimer's disease
- Cognitive decline
- Anxiety
- High blood pressure
If you experience symptoms of anxiety or depression, reach out for help. Consider joining a support group. You can talk to seniors who understand what you're going through.
Lean on them for emotional support or guidance. They can provide coping skills to help you navigate your emotions. Joining a support group could also ease feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Senior Engagement Tips
Socializing with other seniors can improve your mood and quality of life.It can give you a sense of belonging within your Hayward, CA community.
Maintaining strong friendships could improve your cognitive function. Social interactions can stimulate your brain by prompting you to process information. This could reduce your risk of dementia and cognitive decline.
Having a strong community can help you manage stress. It could improve your cognitive reserve (the brain's ability to respond to age-related damage or changes).
To socialize more, try:
- Volunteering
- Taking classes
- Joining a social club
- Joining an exercise class
- Exploring new hobbies
- Scheduling hangouts
Enjoy Meals
Ask your friends to join you for meals. Eating with others may:
- Strengthen relationships
- Improve your mood
- Encourage laughter
- Encourage mindful eating/healthy decisions
- Help you learn new recipes
- Improve your communication skills
If you're interested in exploring new cuisines, check out your local senior living community's dining program. You can enjoy healthy, chef-prepared meals made with your dietary needs and preferences in mind.
When choosing meals and snacks, prioritize eating whole foods.These foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Antioxidants can reduce inflammation, which is associated with chronic health conditions like diabetes. Try eating the rainbow when choosing colorful fruits and vegetables. Each color indicates the presence of a different nutrient.
Try to avoid snacking on processed foods.These foods are high in refined carbs and added sugars, which may trigger inflammation.
Lifestyle Enrichment Seniors
For lifestyle enrichment, consider adding new hobbies to your routine. You can explore your senior living community's events and activities calendar or our Vibrant Life program. Fun activities include:
- Knitting
- Card games or bingo
- Local trips
- Book or film clubs
- Sports clubs
- Volunteering at a hospital, school, or museum
- Computer classes
- Learning new languages
- Crocheting
- Dancing
- Quilting
- Cooking classes
- Painting and drawing
Ask your friends to join you to turn these opportunities into social events. Engaging with friends will help you form meaningful memories.
Choose activities that stimulate your mind and body. These can enhance critical-thinking skills and problem-solving skills, which may improve your memory. Other memory-boosting games include card games and chess.
As you spend time with friends, try to avoid stretching yourself too thin. It's okay to say no and set boundaries. Give yourself time to relax and recharge.
Explore More Wellness Activities
These wellness activities can enhance your physical, emotional, and mental health as you age in Hayward, CA. Remember, moving into a senior living community could further improve your quality of life.
Look no further than Bellara, where life is a celebration of camaraderie and shared moments. We offer personalized care with customizable services, including our signature Vibrant Life and Elevate dining programs.
Experience unparalleled living. Contact us now to schedule your tour.