Our lives and bodies change as we age. Seniors have different needs and may need to alter their lifestyles to stay healthy. People who had healthy habits when they were younger tend to be healthier as seniors. However, it is never too late to lead a healthier lifestyle. Maintaining good habits is critical for staying healthy and independent well into your golden years. Change is usually uncomfortable, but you do not have to change your whole life. Even small changes can have a significant impact on senior health and wellness.
At Buckner Villas, we understand the importance of healthy habits for seniors. At our senior living community in Austin, TX, we offer a variety of amenities, services, and activities to enable our residents to remain mentally and physically active and healthy. Call us at 512.580.9882 to learn more about our programs and services.
5 Tips for How Seniors Can Stay Healthy
Today we live longer than ever, and we owe it to ourselves to take the best possible care of our bodies and minds. Especially for seniors who live alone, being physically, mentally, and socially active and engaged is vital to overall wellbeing. Maintaining or adopting the following five healthy habits will ensure that you or your loved one can make the most out of their retirement years:
1. Eat a Healthy Diet
As we age, our digestive system slows down, and appetite decreases. It becomes more important to incorporate foods with high fiber and essential vitamins and minerals. Seniors should focus on whole foods, including fresh fruit, vegetables, and whole grains, and avoid highly processed foods. It is easy to be drawn to the convenience of packaged foods, but most are not healthy. Staying adequately hydrated is a critical part of a healthy diet.
2. Exercise Your Body
Exercise benefits your physical and mental health. Just 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least three times a week has health benefits. Walking, swimming, pilates, dancing, yoga, and gardening are just some of the many ways to keep physically active. Regular exercise can help relieve chronic pain and boost immunity.
3. Exercise Your Mind
Keeping your mind sharp is just as important as being physically active and can help stave off dementia. Learning new skills or hobbies, reading, writing, crossword puzzles, and number puzzles help strengthen cognitive muscles and contribute to improved thinking. Eating foods that contain omega-3s is essential to brain functioning.
4. Socialize
Loneliness and isolation contribute to dementia, depression, low self-esteem, higher levels of stress, and accelerated physical decline. Regular socialization can increase memory and mental ability and decrease stress in seniors. Family visits, book clubs, senior outings, and phone or video chats are just some ways to stay engaged.
5. Practice Prevention
One of the best ways to stay healthy is to see your doctor for preventative care visits that screen for common illnesses, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, colon cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Other preventive measures include vaccinations, vitamins and supplements, taking medications as prescribed, and regular visits to the dentist.
Healthy Activities for Seniors
Today’s seniors are taking advantage of increased longevity. We often read about or see news coverage of seniors running marathons, summiting mountains, graduating from college, or starting second careers.
At Buckner Villas, we believe that retirement should be enriching. We cater to individuals who have a wide range of needs. However, whether you are in independent living or long-term skilled nursing care, you have access to various ways to be engaged in our inclusive and welcoming community. Some of the healthy activities for seniors we offer include:
- Recreational and exercise groups like water volleyball
- Leisure and activity groups like the crafting club
- Game groups, including cards, Mahjong, and Wii
- Volunteer organizations
- Cooking classes and demonstrations
- Educational classes
- Group outings
At Buckner Villas, your options for healthy activities are nearly limitless. Our events coordinator strives to create a calendar that offers a variety of events for all residents. And our location, just ten miles from the capital, provides access to Austin’s best in dining, arts, entertainment, education, recreation, and more.
Discover the Benefits of Healthy Senior Living at Buckner Villas
Buckner Villas is a non-profit, faith-based senior living community in Austin, TX. No matter the level of care needed, we are here to provide support for your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. Our staff, including our chaplain, health and wellness specialists, and life enrichment coordinators, will take the time to get to know each of our residents personally, to ensure they live their best lives. Call 512.580.9882 to discover the benefits of healthy senior living at Buckner Villas.