Wellness Month: Supporting Senior Health in Cedarburg, WI
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Did you know that getting more exercise can help slow cognitive decline? Physical and mental abilities can decline with age. But with the right lifestyle changes, seniors can boost their brain and body, helping them stay engaged with the world around them.
Every August, National Wellness Month represents an ideal time to kickstart healthier habits. Read on to learn the best tips to support better senior health in Cedarburg, Wisconsin!
Focus on Food
Seniors should start their wellness journey by looking critically at their diet. Are there enough fruits and vegetables included in each meal? Is drinking enough water part of the daily routine?
A senior's metabolism will slow over time, making it more important than ever to stay on top of weight management.Having the right blend of foods on their dinner plate can help seniors stay trim. Meals and snacks should be composed of:
- Whole-grain starches
- Nutrient-dense vegetables and fruits
- Dairy, like milk or yogurt
- Lean proteins
Regardless of age, staying away from sugary snacks and sodium-filled foods is a good idea. But for Cedarburg seniors at a higher risk of chronic diseases, like diabetes, it's very important to watch salt and sugar intake. Seniors should avoid relying on too many prepackaged meals and portion out their snacks.
Searching for senior wellness tips WI can yield great suggestions to build a healthier menu. Seniors may be able to get nutritional resource recommendations from their senior living community staff or physician, as well.
Start Moving
Exercise is one of the best ways for Cedarburg seniors to improve their overall wellness. The benefits of exercise include:
- Better balance and stability
- A lower risk of chronic diseases
- Stronger muscles
- Enhanced cardiovascular health
- A higher quality of life
Additionally, a fitness regimen can help seniors manage their weight. In partnership with a healthy diet, aerobic exercise, and strength training can help seniors maintain a trim waistline and find more energy each day.
Physical wellness seniors can pursue includes going for walks or joining a swimming class. Low-impact exercises are an excellent option for seniors grappling with knee issues or joint pain. Further, introducing some light strength training can help build bone density and muscle mass.
Making a point of moving can contribute to better heart health. And exercise can be a great mood booster, giving seniors a more positive outlook and confidence.
Schedule Preventative Care
Scheduling medical care may not be the most exciting activity, but it's one that can shape a senior's wellness routine.Seniors should stay on top of getting:
- An annual physical
- Biannual dental appointments
- Hearing and vision checks
A strong medical team can help provide holistic aging care that meets changing needs. Cedarburg seniors need a primary care physician who is thorough and clear with communication. This person can act as the primary point of contact and direct seniors to other specialists.
Most seniors experience declining hearing and vision with the aging process. Consequently, they need to get annual hearing and vision tests. Failing to do this could keep seniors from hearing valuable conversations or seeing obstacles.
Routine dental cleanings should be lined up, as well. As tooth enamel thins, seniors can be more susceptible to cavities and other expensive dental work. Getting regular x-rays and evaluations can help dentists intervene sooner.
Join New Activities
Cedarburg seniors can find healthy aging support through new friendships.Best of all, intentional senior living communities make it easy to nurture new connections. Making new friends can be as simple as joining a group for lunch in the cafeteria.
For seniors coping with the loss of a spouse or declining mobility, friends are even more vital. They can:
- Offer support
- Provide a source of laughter
- Add purpose to each day
Seniors can join a club in the community or lend their skills as a volunteer. Or seniors could visit the Cedarburg Art Museum or attend an outdoor summer concert with new friends. With Cedarburg's quaint downtown and natural beauty, there's always a reason to be involved.
Set Aside Time for Mindfulness
National Wellness Month can be thought of as emotional wellness month, particularly for seniors who've neglected their mental health.Seniors can use this opportunity to carve out time each day to be more present with their thoughts and feelings.
Even just ten minutes of mindfulness can be a difference maker. Some of the best mindfulness practices are:
- Journaling
- Meditating
- Listening to ambient music
- Doing yoga
These are activities that seniors can practice alone in their apartments. Bookending the day with meditation can help seniors cleanse their minds. Taking the time to decompress and focus on being present can result in a better frame of mind during the day, and a better night of sleep.
Exercises like yoga allow seniors to combine exercise with mindfulness. The intentional breathing that comes with yoga or meditation can be helpful, particularly at stressful times.
Evaluate Your Living Quarters
Yes, making changes to food intake and physical exertion are obvious ways to enhance wellness. But seniors should look at their living situation, too. A safe and welcoming home is one that can promote a healthier lifestyle.
Seniors can invite a family member or trusted friend to help them evaluate their space. They should have safety features like grab bars in hallways and reliable lighting throughout their home. Investing in some safety upgrades and decluttering sessions can:
- Reduce the likelihood of tripping
- Make a space feel bigger
- Give seniors peace of mind
Removing area rugs that are prone to bunching can remove the potential for tripping. Similarly, big pieces of furniture or stacks of belongings can become unwanted barricades when seniors are trying to move from one room to another. Doing a safety check every month should be a priority.
Celebrate Wellness Month
During wellness month, seniors can take stock of their lifestyle and initiate positive changes. Injecting each day with more movement and healthier meals is a good first step. Seniors should follow up by scheduling doctor's appointments and activities to ensure they're putting their wellness first.
At LakeHouse Cedarburg, our pet-friendly community and top-flight staff set us apart as the best senior living option in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. Residents can garden in our groomed outdoor spaces or take part in educational programming or exercise classes. Contact us today to learn more!