Did you know that only 23% of seniors (anyone over the age of 65) met the current weekly physical activity guidelines (America’s Health Rankings)? This means that more than 3/4 of seniors aren’t receiving the necessary physical activity needed to stay healthy.
Aside from exercise, older adults benefit from elderly nutrition advice, as diet and exercise are part of any wellness services.
Here are some key senior health tips to stay healthy all year long.
Keep on Top of Routine Vaccines
Since immune systems don’t respond as well in seniors as they do in younger populations, it’s especially important that they keep on top of their vaccines and boosters. As long as their doctor says they can receive specific vaccines, they should consider:
- An annual Influenza vaccine to protect against Flu
- A one-time Zoster vaccine for Shingles
- A one-time Pneumococcal vaccine
- A Tetanus vaccine every 10 years
Vaccines save lives (CDC), and anyone eligible and physically capable of evening them should – seniors included.
Routine Screenings Are Equally Important
Routine screenings are an equally important part of any senior preventative health care program. These routine screenings can look for:
- Breast cancer
- Colon cancer
- Depression
- High blood pressure
- Alcohol use (and subsequent counseling)
- Diabetes
- Lipid disorder and high cholesterol
- Obesity
- Osteoporosis
There is also a screening for an abdominal aortic aneurysm. This is a one-time screening for men between the ages of 65 and 75 who previously smoked in any capacity.
Make Sure To Exercise
Exercise is an essential part of all geriatric wellness programs, and there are a range of options for seniors to choose from. This includes a variety of exercise classes and equipment to choose from, including:
- Treadmills
- Stationary bikes
- Recumbent bikes
Seniors also benefit from swim classes, as this can help with mobility issues and improve flexibility, especially if a person is recovering from an injury.
Other types of exercise classes include:
- Yoga
- Tai Chi
- Pilates
Seniors who enjoy walking can also join (or start!) local walking groups. These groups are ideal for people of various physical ability levels and promote exercise while having fun and socializing.
Seniors can also visit local area attractions. They can walk with friends as they enjoy the community while getting in some steps.
Keep In Touch With Family and Friends
Longevity health strategies include keeping in touch with family and friends, as this can decrease the incidence of loneliness and depression. Seniors with limited mobility (or who live far from friends and family) can use any type of video chat platform to connect with others. They can also call them on the phone, setting aside dedicated time to talk and connect.
Get Creative
There’s no time like the present to learn a new hobby or skill, and completing creative projects is ideal for seniors, including arts and crafts. Some of the benefits of arts and crafts include:
- Improved cognitive function
- Social interactions
- Pain management
- Improved mood
- Enhanced memory
Seniors can learn to knit, crochet, sew, and so much more.
It’s also important for older adults to mentally stay active. Yes, reading is a great way of doing so, but seniors can also play chess both online and in local groups, enjoy sudoku, play bingo, complete crossword puzzles, and play cards, to name a few ideas.
Older adults residing in senior living communities will benefit from available amenities. By participating, they’re taking full advantage of the different activities that are offered.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Seniors need plenty of sleep to ensure their bodies have time to repair, restore, and regulate any damage sustained throughout the day (National Council on Aging).
Sleep can improve a person’s concentration and memory and works to keep them feeling alert.
Nutrition Tips: Eat a Balanced Diet
Older adults also need to eat a balanced diet, complete with foods from each food group. This includes:
- Fruits and vegetables, ensuring all types of eaten so plenty of vitamins and minerals are consumed
- Lean proteins for muscle health, such as fish, chicken, legumes, beans, and more
- Dairy for calcium, including low-fat or fat-free products, as this is necessary for bone health
- Whole grains, including oats, brown rice, and wheat bread, this adds fiber and plenty of necessary nutrients to any diet plan
Drink Plenty of Water
Seniors also need to stay hydrated, drinking plenty of water. Since thirst is greatly reduced with age, it’s more important than ever that seniors drink plenty of water.
By drinking enough water, seniors can keep their bodily functions working at peak optimal performance. This can also reduce the incidence of
- Kidney stones
- Constipation
- Urinary tract infections
On average, 8 glasses of water daily is ideal for older adults. They can also include foods that have a high water content, such as
- Soups
- Watermelon
- Cucumber
Other foods like celery, lettuce, strawberries, tomatoes, and zucchini are also great choices when trying to increase your daily water intake.
Be Mindful of Sugar and Salt
Older adults should limit how much salt and sugar they consume, as these substances can contribute to elevated blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Instead, seniors should eat whole foods instead of processed ones. They should also use herbs and spices to make foods more flavorful, avoiding salt and sugar when possible.
Eat Healthy Fats
Healthy fats include nuts, avocados, seeds, olive oil, and eggs. Seniors should avoid trans and saturated fats, as they’re commonly found in different types of processed foods, including treats, snacks, fried food, pastries, and cookies.
Older adults can also speak with their doctor about supplements to ensure they’re receiving all the vitamins and nutrients they require daily.
Senior Wellness Services For Healthy Living
Senior wellness services ensure older adults maintain a healthy lifestyle, from eating healthy to exercising routinely. Additionally, older adults benefit from learning new skills, playing games, and connecting with loved ones, as this works to promote their mental health.
Here at Conservatory at North Austin, we offer plenty of amenities for our residents to enjoy, each aiding in a healthy lifestyle. This includes culinary services, fitness activities, movie nights, and so much more. Contact a member of our dedicated staff today to learn more about our available floorplans and exclusive programs.
