Celebrating Wellness Month with Seniors in Lubbock, TX
According to the World Health Organization, population aging is much faster than it was in the past. Between 2015 and 2050, the percentage of people worldwide over age 60 will nearly double from 12% to 22%. These seniors are even living longer.
Making a few small changes to your routine can help you enjoy a healthy, active retirement lifestyle. You could improve your longevity and quality of life.
Not sure how to make improvements for Wellness Month? Read on for our tips for healthy aging in Lubbock, TX!
Explore Community Fitness Programs
Exercising can benefit your emotional and physical wellness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each week, seniors should schedule:
- 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity
- Two days of muscle-strengthening activity
- Activities to improve balance
You can explore senior living community fitness programs to find engaging group classes. Consider asking your friends to join! You can hold each other accountable to exercise regularly.
Attending different classes will help you add variety to your routine. For an active retirement lifestyle, try:
- Water aerobics
- Biking
- Lifting weights
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Dancing
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Kickboxing
Activities like yoga and pilates can improve your strength and balance.This may help reduce your risk of slip-and-fall accidents, which can lead to bone fractures and other injuries.
Lifting weights may help:
- Improve bone strength
- Increase overall strength
- Encourage fat loss
- You appear leaner
- Lower your risk of type 2 diabetes
- Improve your mood
- Decrease your risk of falls
- Boost brain health
- Improve your heart health
Work with a trainer to build a weight-lifting regimen. They'll ensure you use proper form, allowing you to avoid injuries.
Adjust Your Diet
Prioritize eating whole foods like:
- Seeds
- Nuts
- Legumes
- Whole grains
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Lean proteins
- Fish
- Eggs
Whole foods are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They can boost your mood and energy levels, which may improve your functionality.
The DASH, Mediterranean, and MIND diets prioritize whole foods. The MIND diet is a combination of the DASH and Mediterranean diets. According to the National Institutes of Health, it may help reduce your risk of cognitive decline or impairment.
Explore your senior living community's dining program for healthy meal options. You can try new, delicious dishes made with your nutritional needs in mind. Talk to your doctor if you need to add supplements to your routine as well.
Consider asking friends to join you during meals. Their company can make mealtimes more enjoyable, while socializing can boost your mood and mental well-being.
Enjoy Healthy Aging in Lubbock
According to the National Institute on Aging, social isolation and loneliness are associated with cognitive decline and depression. Isolating yourself may increase your risk of:
- High blood pressure
- A weakened immune system
- Anxiety
- Obesity
- Heart disease
- Cognitive decline
- Alzheimer's disease
- Death
Dedicate time to speaking with friends and family members. Engaging in meaningful activities with others can give you a sense of purpose in life.It may improve your mood and extend your longevity.
In fact, socializing can encourage healthy aging in Lubbock by improving your cognitive function and physical well-being. Loneliness may increase proteins associated with inflammation. Inflammation is linked to health conditions like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular function.
The next time you feel lonely, reach out to members of your Lubbock community. Consider engaging in fun activities together to improve your emotional and physical wellness. These can include:
- Group exercises
- Hiking and walking clubs
- Playing games
- Gardening clubs
- Book clubs
- Support groups
- Continuing education classes
- Art classes
- Field trips and excursions
You can discover more opportunities to socialize through your senior living community's events and activities calendar. Explore different activities to enjoy new passions. Socializing and engaging in fun activities can boost your mood and quality of life.
Request Senior Wellness Tips
Instead of applying these senior wellness tips alone, ask for help. You can find helpful resources through your senior living community or health care provider.
Schedule routine checkups with your general physician or a specialist.They can provide personalized wellness tips based on your distinct needs.
Curb Bad Habits
Your doctor may recommend you cut bad habits, such as:
- Consuming added sugars
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol
- Following a sedentary lifestyle
- Eating ultra-processed foods
Work with a nutritionist to make informed changes to your diet. They'll ensure you get the vitamins and minerals you need through delicious whole foods.
Ultra-processed foods are high in added sugars, modified ingredients, and refined carbs. Consider eating more fruits and vegetables the next time you crave a snack. You can discover more healthy food options through your senior living community's dining program.
Smoking can increase your risk of heart attack, lung disease, and other conditions. Quitting may improve your blood circulation and ability to exercise.
Reduce Stress
Chronic stress can cause:
- Heartburn
- High blood pressure
- Headaches
- Weakened immunity
- Increased risk of heart attack or stroke
- Rapid breathing
- Increased risk of type 2 diabetes
Use relaxation techniques to relieve stress. For example, you can meditate or complete deep breathing exercises. Managing your stress may improve your physical and mental health.
Failing to get enough sleep may cause you to feel stressed during the day. Sleep deprivation may increase your risk of:
- Diabetes
- Weakened immunity
- Weight gain
- High blood pressure
- Accidents
- Mood swings
- Poor balance
If you're struggling to get enough sleep, consult your doctor. They may recommend you adjust your living environment or take melatonin before bed.
Consider upgrading your bedding, pillow, and mattress. Wake up and go to bed at the same time to develop a consistent routine. Otherwise, move into a senior living community to maximize your comfort.
Observe Wellness Month in Lubbock
This Wellness Month, take control of your mental, emotional, and physical health. Apply these senior wellness tips to improve your longevity and quality of life. Remember, you don't have to make these changes alone.
Our team at Ventura Place Senior Living is here to help you make the most of your retirement. We offer residents an independent, maintenance-free lifestyle with optional support services when needed.
Enjoy our exclusive senior lifestyle programs, including chef-prepared meals by an executive chef, engaging social events, and senior-specific health and wellness classes. Contact us now to schedule your tour!