Did you know that 34% of older adults feel isolated from other people? For seniors, finding intentional ways to stay connected is critical to creating a healthier, more social lifestyle. And during National Wellness Month, seniors have an opportunity to take action.
With its stunning river views and quaint downtown streets, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, offers seniors the perfect setting to be more social and active. Whether walking through a state park with friends or volunteering, seniors can find plenty to do. Stay with us to learn the best tips to support healthy aging!
To make healthy aging WI a priority, it's smart to start with a nutritional audit. Seniors should make sure they're eating a well-rounded diet that provides nutrients and limits the presence of processed ingredients.
Main meals should incorporate lean proteins, like salmon or chicken breasts. Vegetables, like broccoli, provide fiber and nutrients that can aid in digestion and improve immunity. Whole-grain sides, like quinoa or brown rice, add valuable antioxidants and minerals.
Why reach for leafy greens and lean proteins? Some of the benefits of transitioning to a healthier diet are:
In general, it's best to avoid prepackaged foods that tend to be loaded with sodium and preservatives. Natural foods that are prepared simply offer a healthier alternative.
Seniors should drink plenty of water throughout the day, as well. Water can improve skin elasticity and mental clarity. It can also help seniors feel full, which can prevent overeating.
National Wellness Month is the perfect time for seniors to commit to a more active lifestyle. Whether hiking through Lake Wissota State Park or walking down a Chippewa Falls street, seniors don't have to go far to be active outdoors among Wisconsin's gorgeous scenery.
But hiking or walking aren't the only ways to approach an exercise regimen. Seniors can also consider:
Seniors may want to consult with their medical team before making significant changes to their level of exertion. But, in general, seniors should be getting at least 150 minutes of moderately vigorous activity each week.
Activities like swimming and tai chi are ideal options for low-impact exercises. Aerobics classes offer the bonus benefit of getting to be among others. Seniors eager to increase their socialization can do so in a fitness class and find some solidarity in the process.
Light strength training should enter the exercise mix, as well. Lifting light weights during two weekly sessions can increase muscle mass and improve bone density, which declines with age. Seniors can feel greater stability and confidence as they approach each day.
Loneliness can be crippling for seniors living alone or far from family. And for Chippewa Falls seniors who've lost a spouse of close friends, it can be hard to know how to nurture new friendships. One of the best ways to combat loneliness and find purpose is by getting involved in activities.
Seniors don't need to overload their calendars. But they should add a few assisted living engagement activities to their weekly agenda. Getting involved can take many forms, including:
Healthy aging WI can mean volunteering at a local nonprofit. Seniors can help package meals or act as ushers at a performance venue. They can prepare mailers or reach out on behalf of an organization to seek donations.
Seniors may want to pursue a new hobby, like birding. Or maybe they want to meet fellow board game enthusiasts at a weekly game night.
Seniors can pick a recurring activity that piques their interest or make plans to dine with friends on a regular basis. Committing to plans adds structure to each day and gives seniors an enjoyable reason to venture out of their apartment.
When searching online for emotional wellness seniors, a search engine will yield resources related to self-care. While being social and physically active are important components of wellness, seniors should find small moments to focus on themselves. Stepping away from others to pause and reflect can:
Seniors can try meditating, for instance, to begin their day. Even 15 minutes of focused breathing and solitude can help ease stress.
Other popular self-care options include journaling or reading. Listening to calming music is another great way to relax and refocus. And walking on a beautiful path by the river in Chippewa Falls can be an excellent way to seek mindfulness.
Lastly, when it comes to senior wellness tips, safety is crucial. Seniors need to make sure that they're living in a space with appropriate safety features.
Older adults in Chippewa Falls senior living communities may already have some built-in supports, like smoke detectors and illuminated entryways. But they should check for other safety features, such as:
Call buttons, either on walls or necklaces, can reach staff in a senior living community and offer peace of mind. Similarly, grab bars provide help as seniors are moving through spaces prone to getting wet. And non-slip flooring can offer better traction.
Further, seniors should make a point of decluttering their homes regularly. A messy apartment can be loaded with tripping hazards that could cause falls. Reaching out to a family member or caregiver for help doing this can ensure that no significant problems are missed.
National Wellness Month can jumpstart active aging support for seniors. Seniors should refine their dietary choices and make plans to be more active, both physically and socially. They should also conduct safety audits in their living spaces and make time for self-care.
Our individual care plans and modern apartments make LakeHouse Chippewa Falls the area's best choice for senior living. Residents can relax outside in our beautiful gardens, knowing that round-the-clock assistance from caring staff is always available. Contact us today to learn more!