What Is Senior Wellness?
WHAT IS SENIOR WELLNESS?
Wellness is more than being in good health. It is a holistic philosophy that encompasses the body, mind, and spirit. For seniors, wellness means practicing daily habits that help them thrive. It’s about making choices that make every day more successful and improve their overall quality of life.
WHAT IS WELLNESS IN AGING?
Seniors are prone to a long list of common health conditions, including:
- Hearing and vision loss
- Osteoarthritis
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Respiratory disease
- Depression
- Dementia
These conditions and the common symptoms of aging often cause seniors to slow down. They no longer have the energy or motivation to exercise, eat a healthy diet, or engage in an active social life. Yet, these are some of the things that they can do to promote wellness and help alleviate symptoms of their condition. In some cases, all it takes is to allow them to start making better choices.
Four tips to promote senior wellness
Some older adults don’t feel like they have the energy or stamina to do what it takes to achieve wellness. Others know but don’t have the motivation needed to get started. It’s better to start small than it is not to start at all. Chances are that once they begin following better practices, they will feel like doing even more. Some ways to promote wellness include:
Exercise Regularly
Whether it’s a walk around the neighborhood or a dip in the pool, just twenty minutes a day has both physical and mental therapeutic benefits.
Socialize
Loneliness is a serious issue in the lives of seniors. Aging adults are often alone more than when they were younger, sometimes leading to depression and other health problems. Conversely, people who engage in meaningful activities with other people are shown to live longer lives, have improved moods, and feel a sense of self-purpose.
Eat a Healthy Diet
As we age, we can lose our sense of smell and taste. In addition, conditions like dementia, depression, or insomnia can cause a loss of appetite. While a lower metabolism means fewer calories are needed, seniors often turn to the wrong types of foods.
Healthy food might not appeal to them since they can no longer smell or taste them the same. If they can’t prepare healthy meals themselves, they may opt for fast alternatives such as processed foods or junk food.
Take Time to Relax
Caring for your mental health is just as important as your physical wellbeing. Everyone handles anxiety in their own way. Maybe it’s reading a book, watching nature, or playing a board game with friends. Whatever it is, you should make it a part of your wellness plan.
What Services Do Seniors Need Most?
Town Square’s adult day services offer many programs that contribute to a senior’s mental, physical, and spiritual wellness.
Seniors are well-served by getting guidance to motivate them to participate in a variety of activities. They can benefit much more from engaging in community-based activities instead of doing them alone.
How Town Square Promotes Senior Wellness
Town Square uses a community-based model where members can enjoy immersive reminiscence therapy. To support physical and mental wellness, we also offer additional clinical and non-clinical services such as physical and occupational therapy, support groups and educational presentations.
The themed areas, called storefronts, at Town Square represent a town in the 50s. The setting takes seniors back to a time when they have cherished memories. Each storefront offers a different experience.
For example, Rosie’s Diner, members can enjoy favorite snacks and meals in a classic diner while chatting with friends. They can engage in group exercises at the Health Club, swap road trip stories in front of a restored classic car at the Garage, and enjoy socialization, remembrance, and learning new things in so many other ways.
For more information on how Town Square can help you or your loved one reach greater levels of wellness, contact us today.
