Senior Living
6 Ways Seniors Can Improve Their Quality of Life Today
Do you know what is critical to good living? A holistic, balanced lifestyle that is well-rounded - emotionally, physically, socially, and cognitively. And improving your quality of life boasts health benefits too. The CDC reported that over 20% of seniors experience mental health concerns after 55, while over 40% experience physical conditions.
So if you’re ready for a life overhaul, keep reading. Here, Journey with Rani breaks it down.
Healthy Foods Are a Must
A healthy diet is the ticket to an improved quality of life. Eating healthy foods can reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as diabetes or heart disease. It can also help preserve cognitive function and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. This will be very important the further you go along the aging process.
Here’s how to keep your diet healthy. Eat lots of organic fruit and vegetables (of course) and plenty of whole grains. Opt for low-fat dairy products but be sure to get a decent amount of healthy fats from avocados and olive oils. You will also want a diet rich in protein such as lean meat, fish, and poultry. Wrap it all up in controlled portion sizes and tons of water and you’ll be good to go!
2.Keep Your Mind Engaged
According to NPR, there is a growing loneliness epidemic amongst older adults. Feeling alienated and lonely can zap the energy out of you and increase symptoms of depression and anxiety. To counteract this, it will be essential to say mentally fit. How can you do this? Crossword puzzles, sudoku, and other brain games are an excellent place to start. In addition, seek out opportunities to socialize at your local senior center or volunteer at your favorite charity.
Another option to stay busy and increase fulfillment is to start your own business. Entrepreneurship is incredibly rewarding and an excellent fit for seniors with more time on their hands and extra startup capital. Once you’ve decided to get your dream venture going, be sure to do some research online on business operations and proceedings. Setting up a business structure will be critical, too - many first-time entrepreneurs opt for forming a limited liability company or LLC, which is advantageous due to its limited liability, reduced paperwork, and increased flexibility. To make the most of LLC advantages, file it yourself or use a formation service to avoid hefty lawyer’s fees. Different states have different rules regarding LLC formation, so be sure to check out the laws in your state before proceeding.
3.Stay Physically Active
Regular exercise will be a must for every senior. The benefits of exercise are innumerable - from increased energy and strength to helping ward off the chance of illness - movement does it all. No matter how gentle, be sure to get in your 30 minutes a day. By consistently prioritizing activity, you’ll see your sleep quality improve, as well as your heart health, stamina, immune system, and blood pressure. The key to getting regular exercise is to find something you genuinely enjoy. There are options out there for every senior, from tai chi and yoga to high-intensity workouts and spin classes. Just test out a couple of options to find something you love, and you have a healthy habit for life.
4.Talking It Out
Working with a trained professional such as a social worker, psychologist, or physician will be an excellent way to keep up your motivation to reach your goals. Counseling is ideal for treating depression, which is the most common mental health issue among older adults. In addition, it can keep your brain active and your emotions in check, which is therapeutic and excellent for preventing Alzheimer’s.
A similar line of thought is talk therapy or psychotherapy to help guide you through the more difficult periods in life. It is a way to help people deal with a wide range of mental and emotional difficulties to function better and benefit from boosted well-being and healing. The aging process can be challenging to come to terms with, and psychotherapy is the ideal way to grapple with a changing body and new life circumstances.
5.Feel the (Pet Love)
Animals are little bundles of joy that can brighten up every senior’s life. They keep you busy, and active, and their unconditional love will provide much-needed companionship. Numerous studies have proven that the bond between humans and their pets can lower stress and increase happiness. The bond can also decrease blood pressure, feelings of loneliness and increase opportunities for socialization.
If having a pet around at home isn’t an option, volunteering at an animal shelter comes a close second. It’s an excellent way to connect with animals while helping organizations in need. Giving back in this way comes with dual benefits, as you’ll boost feelings of passion and fulfillment. Thus, volunteering is truly an excellent option to improve your overall quality of life.
6.Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a state of mind that is a great asset when navigating the ups and downs of life. Even a few minutes of meditation a day can lower stress and anxiety and help you achieve a blissed-out state of being. Play some calming music, light a candle, and get to know your thoughts more intimately. You might notice some mental patterns you didn’t see earlier - and this can help you focus on the good stuff instead of negative self-talk. Keeping a gratitude journal handy is another excellent option, as it keeps you appreciating small details - which is key to being happy, no matter your circumstances.
Addressing lifestyle conditions is the first way to begin living life on your terms. You’ll notice increased energy, mental clarity, and an unparalleled zest for life. Who doesn’t love that, right? So seize control of your physical and mental health today - it’s worth the effort.
Sometimes you need inspiration to pave the path to your new quality of life. At Journey with Rani, I walk you through my experience in overhauling my life by making radical changes and using innovative strategies. Be sure to check out my blog for more content today!
Guest blog post provided by:
Jason Lewis
Info@strongwell.org