According to an AARP Second Half of Life Study, 34% of adults aged 80 and over and 27% in their 70s are “very happy.” Self-reported happiness increases with age as stress, fear, and anxiety decline.

If you want your life satisfaction to increase, consider adding these wellness activities for adults to your routine. With these healthy aging tips, you can improve your physical, mental, and emotional health.

Make a change for the better! Experience adult enrichment in Luling, LA today!

Healthy Aging Tips

According to a poll conducted by the American Osteopathic Association, the majority of Americans (42%) say their physical health needs the most improvement. Improving your physical well-being can improve your mental and emotional health.

For example, remaining physically active may help you get better sleep. Getting adequate sleep can improve your mood and cognitive functioning.

As you make adjustments to improve your physical health, consider:

Exercising
Eating a balanced diet
Drinking water
Managing stress
Resting

Here are a few healthy aging tips to improve your physical health.

Exercise

According to the CDC, about 28% of seniors aged 50 and older are physically inactive. Many don’t meet the recommended amount of physical activity, which includes:

150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity
Balance and flexibility exercises
Two instances of muscle-strengthening activity

Aerobic activity will boost your heart rate and get you breathing faster.Consider walking, dancing, or trying water aerobics. Active forms of yoga, including Vinyasa, are also aerobic activities.

Muscle-strengthening activities can help you maintain muscle mass. As we age, we lose 3 to 8% of our muscle mass per decade after age 30. This rate is even higher after age 60.

These activities involve repeating the same activity (like lifting a weight) eight to 12 times per set. Complete two to three sets per workout to see effects.

Muscle-strengthening activities include lifting weights or using resistance bands. You can use your body weight to complete squats, push-ups, and sit-ups. If you’re new to lifting weights, work with a trainer to ensure you use the right technique.

Explore multiple exercise classes through your senior living community’s fitness program. You can work up a sweat alongside friends. They can hold you accountable to exercise regularly or challenge you to push yourself.

Exercising regularly may help:

Prevent bone loss
Improve sleep quality
Boost immunity
Lower blood pressure
Reduce feelings of anxiety
Ease osteoarthritis pain
Reduce the risk of dementia
Help prevent chronic disease
Reduce risk of weight gain
Lower risk of eight cancers
Improve your mood
Reduce risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s
You live independently longer

Eat Healthy

Eating nutritious whole foods can fuel your mind and body. Whole foods include:

Whole grains
Fruits
Vegetables
Legumes
Nuts and seeds
Healthy fats
Lean proteins and fish
Eggs

As you eat more whole foods, try minimizing your intake of processed foods. They contain added sugars and refined carbs that can trigger inflammation. Chronic inflammation can increase your risk of serious illnesses.

Ask friends in Luling to join you for meals. Their presence may encourage you to make healthy decisions. Socializing can also boost your mood.

Explore your senior living community’s dining program. You can discover healthy, delicious dishes with your dietary needs in mind. Eating healthy may help:

Lower the risk of type 2 diabetes
Lower the risk of heart disease
Improve digestive function
Strengthen bones and muscles
Improve your mood
You achieve and maintain a healthy weight

Rest

Sleeping can help heal the body and recharge the mind. Try to get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. This may help:

Reduce stress
You maintain a healthy weight
Improve memory and attention
Improve your heart health
Lower your risk of chronic conditions

Talk to a doctor if you struggle to fall and stay asleep. Difficulty sleeping is a symptom of many underlying conditions.

Otherwise, make adjustments to your sleep environment. Keep the room at a cool temperature. Try swapping your sheets, pillow, and mattress.

Relieve Stress

Chronic stress can affect your physical and mental health, including your:

Cardiovascular health
Immune system
Digestive system
Mood

To relieve stress, try meditating.Meditation can focus and relax the mind. Other relaxation techniques include journaling and deep breathing.

Senior Engagement Luling

Social isolation and loneliness can increase your risk of chronic conditions like cognitive decline and depression. Before that happens, reach out to your community. Here are a few tips for senior engagement in Luling.

Socialize

As you explore your local wellness options, ask friends to join you. Their presence can make these activities for aging adults more enjoyable.

To make new friends in Luling, try:

Volunteering
Joining a support group
Joining a club
Taking a class
Breaking the ice first
Exploring your senior living community’s activities

Explore Hobbies

Hobbies can add enjoyment and a sense of purpose to your life. Explore your senior living community’s events and activities calendar for:

Knitting circles
Dance classes
Volunteer opportunities
Hiking and walking groups
Gardening groups
Book or movie clubs

Join a Support Group

Turn to people in your community if you’re struggling with grief or a chronic illness. Their support can improve your emotional resilience. Other benefits of joining a support group include:

Ease anxiety and depression symptoms
Gain coping skills
Reduce feelings of social isolation and loneliness
Gain knowledge
Receive emotional support and validation

Brain-Boosting Activities

Challenge yourself with brain-boosting activities to improve your neuroplasticity. These can include:

Trivia games
Card games
Crossword puzzles
Continuing education courses
Sudoku

Choose activities that encourage problem-solving and critical thinking. These activities for aging adults can keep your mind sharp. As new neural pathways form, you could slow the rate of cognitive decline.

Explore Wellness Activities for Adults

Improve your physical, mental, and emotional health this year. Try adding these wellness activities for adults to make a positive change to your routine. With these healthy aging tips, you can boost your longevity and quality of life.

Remember, moving into a senior living community may help. SummerHouse Ashton Manor offers Assisted Living and Memory Care to ensure you receive the assistance you need.

Enjoy our exclusive lifestyle programs, including Celebrations, Activities & Events for enrichment, Dimensions Health & Fitness classes, and Sensations Dining for homestyle meals. Contact us now to schedule your tour.