National Wellness Month: Promoting Healthy Aging in Menomonee Falls
With 30% of seniors affected by obesity, it's never been more critical to make health a priority. During National Wellness Month, seniors can start taking control of their physical and mental wellness with some focused changes. From nutrition to socialization, the right moves can lead to a better quality of life for seniors in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.
Stay with us to learn the best senior health tips and wellness habits!
Focus on Physical Health for Seniors
When it comes to aging well tips, staying active is a big one. Maintaining physical fitness can reduce the risks of chronic diseases and promote better sleep.Seniors can:
- Take walks in their community
- Try light strength training
- Go swimming
Walking is an excellent and accessible way for seniors to be active. Going for a walk with family or friends at Menomonee Park, for instance, can burn calories and provide exposure to beautiful scenery.
Swimming or cycling are other great options to improve cardiovascular health. These activities get the heart pumping and can keep blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control.
Seniors may not think of strength training as a viable fitness option, but it is. Lifting light weights even twice per week can improve muscle mass and bone density. Seniors can gain more stability, too, reducing the risk of falls.
Make Nutritional Adjustments
As seniors learn to navigate metabolic shifts and other health conditions, they can't overlook the value of good nutrition. Reaching for a bag of chips or a prepackaged meal may be easy, but the ill effects of those choices can worsen with age. Seniors should use National Wellness Month to refine their nutritional choices.
It might not be necessary to overhaul the refrigerator or pantry. But some intentional changes can help seniors look and feel better. A good diet starts with:
- Ample vegetables and fruits
- Whole-grain breads
- Limited refined sugars
- Plenty of water
Staying hydrated can help seniors feel more alert while also feeling fuller. Drinking a glass or two of water before a meal may prevent overeating.
Fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamins and nutrients, like Vitamin C, that can support a healthy immune system. Leafy greens can improve bone health and help digest fiber.
Seniors should stock up on snacks like celery and hummus rather than chips and cookies. Too much refined sugar can contribute to weight gain and elevate the risk of stroke.
Get Regular Checkups
As seniors age, health risks rise. From diminished hearing to chronic diseases, seniors must be attentive to health changes and seek regular medical assistance. Seniors should:
- Have a dedicated physician
- Get recommended screenings and immunizations
- Check their hearing and vision
- See a dentist
A primary care physician in Menomonee Falls can serve as a senior's main point of contact for health needs. They will be able to direct seniors towards specialists as needed. And they can ensure that seniors get bloodwork and screenings to stay ahead of potential health challenges.
With one-third of older individuals experiencing hearing loss, it's important for seniors to get their ears checked regularly. Failing to address hearing loss can cause seniors to miss out on conversations or hear essential warning signs.
Additionally, seniors should see a dentist twice a year for cleanings and assessments. With age comes the loss of tooth enamel, making seniors more susceptible to cavities.
Prioritize Emotional Wellness
While a senior's physical well-being is critical, emotional wellness matters, too. Seniors can approach each day with greater vigor when they're in the right mindset. Many seniors, however, are dealing with grief due to anything from health diagnoses to lost loved ones.
Practicing emotional wellness activities can provide a path toward recovery in Menomonee Falls. And it can help seniors feel gratitude for what they can do. Senior wellness ideas related to emotional health can include:
- Meditating
- Journaling
- Doing yoga or tai chi
Taking time to meditate each morning can lay the foundation for a better day. Meditation can help seniors feel more present and engaged with each moment. Likewise, journaling enables seniors to reflect on the high and low points they experience.
Physical exercises like yoga or tai chi can simultaneously strengthen muscles while putting one's mind at ease. Seniors can manage pain and reduce stress while holding poses or focusing on breathing.
Look for New Activities
Finding new hobbies in Menomonee Falls can invigorate a senior's life. It's easy for seniors to feel restricted by their age or mobility. But introducing even one or two new activities a week can help seniors find more meaning and independence.
Activities don't have to be a huge time investment, either. Seniors can try:
- Volunteering at a nonprofit
- Joining a book group
- Attending lectures from local experts
- Taking art or cooking classes
Looking up healthy aging WI on search engines can yield options for seniors seeking ways to get involved in the community. Seniors should also browse their community's calendar to see what events are on the horizon. Maybe a weekly cooking class or bingo night could be a fun venture to add to their agenda.
Evaluate Home Safety Features
Finally, seniors should remember that their home is tied to their wellness. In other words, seniors need safe living spaces with features like:
- Grab bars in hallways
- Alert buttons that can reach medical care
- Better lighting
- Non-slip flooring
A home equipped with essential safety features can help lower the likelihood of falls and other dangerous situations. Decluttering rooms can remove tripping hazards. And investing in non-slip flooring and upgraded lighting can make living spaces safer.
Seniors may struggle with balance and mobility, making grab bars a must, as well. Additionally, alert buttons or necklaces can give seniors peace of mind in case they encounter an emergency situation.
Celebrate National Wellness Month
National Wellness Month gives seniors a great opportunity to make positive changes to their physical and emotional wellness. Seniors should use the month to schedule wellness checkups and assess their living quarters for safety features. They also should audit their diet and commit to more physical exercise.
LakeHouse Menomonee is the premier senior living community in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. With round-the-clock care and an activity calendar bursting with possibilities, like bingo games and live music, our residents can thrive. Contact us today for a tour!