Senior Living Tips to Improve Longevity & Quality of Life
By the time most people have reached their senior years, they have likely worked hard much of their life, whether at a job or at home raising children. The senior years are often called ‘golden’ because it is finally time to let go of those obligations, relax, and enjoy life. Unfortunately, new challenges can appear in the form of health problems or mobility issues, which could get in the way of your quality of life. With some planning and good choices, seniors can extend their longevity and improve their quality of life.
Utilize the following strategies and techniques to make your senior years as golden as possible:
Being Yourself
You have probably heard it since you were a child—be yourself. That may have been challenging when you were busy with the requirements of a job and family. However, in your golden years, it is truly time to figure out what will make you happiest and live accordingly. It is a time when many people want to give up the responsibilities of their past, such as all those that come with home ownership. This is a prime reason that many older adults move into a senior living community.
As you decide where you will spend your golden years for maximum quality of life, consider today’s approaches to senior living. Modern senior communities offer apartments in a resort-style setting. You can select the floorplan you prefer and enjoy an ease of living, free of yardwork and home maintenance. There are typically plenty of amenities and even opportunities to request special activities that meet your interests. All of this allows you to truly just be yourself during your golden years.
Social Connection
You have likely learned throughout your life that social connection and good friends bring true meaning to otherwise dull moments and can carry you through challenging ones. Social connection is also important to health, well-being, and quality of life. Research has shown a lack of social support can negatively impact health and shorten the lifespan. Yet, making friends is not always easy, nor is it easy to hang on to them. People move away and move apart. Lives diverge and people lose track of each other.
Most friendships are initially forged around proximity—just having the opportunity to interact with one another on a daily basis. Research also shows that having mutual interests can help strengthen the bonds of friendship. Moving into a senior living community can bring older adults right next door to their peers. With planned activities and easily accessed amenities, it is easy to spend time with people and have fun with one another. Some folks even choose to reside with friends as roommates!
Eating Healthy
More than ever before, we know that food and eating habits are inextricably linked to health and wellness. Your diet can have a great impact on both your longevity and quality of life. You may be aware of the old food pyramid, which recommended a daily allotment of fruits, vegetables, proteins, dairy, and carbohydrates. Over time, those recommendations have changed to reflect updated knowledge and understanding for people’s physical needs. No food is necessarily off limits and moderation is key.
Of course, healthy eating must be balanced with actually enjoying your food. Most people will not eat a meal if it is not appetizing. When health and medical demands necessitate adjustments to diet, it can be challenging to make those changes without losing those old familiar flavors you may be craving. Seniors living in assisted living communities often find the on-site dining an invaluable service. Trained chefs prepare meals that are as delicious as they are nutritious, while ensuring unique dietary needs are met.
Staying Active
Along with the techniques above, staying active is key for promoting longevity and quality of life. You likely know you should stay physically active, but there are various types of activity and each are important to your wellness. As already noted, social activity, and staying connected to people is crucial for emotional well-being, which is in turn helpful for successful aging. Staying cognitively active is also valuable for maintaining skills such as critical thinking and processing speed.
Staying physically active can be done by going for walks and engaging in light exercise on daily basis. Staying cognitively active can be done by reading, playing games, and learning new things. If stuck at home, these types of activity may be difficult to engage in. However, many seniors find benefits from living in a community where they can partake in planned events and informal moments with friends. Often, trained staff plan all sorts of activities, like exercise and craft classes, for residents to enjoy.
Final Recommendations
If you are an aging senior looking to age well, consider moving into a senior living community. These settings have been modernized to offer luxury and amenities to residents. Seniors can let go of the responsibilities of home ownership, while having assistance available as needed. Meals and activities are offered for not just enjoyment but also to promote health and wellness. If you are looking for a Senior Living Community, consider Quail Park Communities. Their mission is to promote quality of life, while helping residents to settle in and age in place, with services that adjust to meet their changing needs.