This past decade has seen a dramatic change in what it means to age. Aging used to be a dreaded aspect of life that people would do anything to avoid, and while that fear still exists for some, many older adults have begun to embrace their age and focus on the positive aspects of growing older. In honor of Healthy Aging Month, take some time to reflect on and raise awareness of the joys of aging.
By 2030, all baby boomers will be older than 65. The senior population, while aging, has also gotten younger. Boomers are healthier, more active, and live longer than previous generations. An increased desire and ability to age in place has a majority of seniors living independently and staying active for longer.
Seniors who do move into Life Plan communities now have different standards than the generations before them. To accommodate their more active lifestyles, older adults have begun looking for communities with active amenities such as swimming pools, fitness centers, and walking or hiking trails.
Seniors also prefer communities that have an emphasis on wellness. The increased focus on well-being has led seniors to consider all dimensions of wellness to complete a holistic lifestyle that supports healthy living and aging. Rather than simply providing a place for seniors to live, communities should now focus on giving older adults a place to live purposefully. Each wellness aspect relies on and impacts others, so an emphasis on holistic wellness can give seniors the chance to thrive in their community.
Healthy Aging Month should encourage you to take a second and check on each dimension of wellness in your life and see how you can do better. Here are some suggestions on how to celebrate Health Aging Month:
- Do one thing that makes you smile every day. Keeping a positive attitude and outlook on life decreases stress, improves happiness, and can even help you live longer. Doing at least one thing that makes you happy every day can help foster positivity and make you look forward to each day.
- Spend time with people you love. Engaging in meaningful relationships does more than you think. Participating in authentic social interactions makes you less likely to experience cognitive decline, increases your exposure to physical activity, and gives you a greater sense of purpose in your life.
- Make healthy living exciting. Get 30 minutes of exercise every day by joining a walking group, playing with grandchildren, or dancing. Swap healthy recipes with your neighbors and have a friendly cooking competition. Keep your mind active by playing brain games.
- Don’t act your age. Above all else: have fun! Seniors, on average, feel at least 20 years younger than their actual age. Do something that you haven’t done in years to reflect how you feel on the inside.
Wellzesta
Wellzesta encourages healthy aging and purposeful living and provides our users with the tools they need to make it happen.
Our focus on the eight dimensions of wellness ensures that all aspects of a senior’s life are cared for and stimulated through Events, daily wellness content, and streamlined communication.
Click here to learn more about how Wellzesta can help your community.
