National Wellness Month: Healthy Aging Tips for Seniors in Altoona

Written By: Discovery Senior Living
National Wellness Month: Healthy Aging Tips for Seniors in Altoona

While self-care may be a familiar topic for younger generations, 25% of older adults are unfamiliar with the concept. And, unfortunately, with limited awareness, it's easy for seniors to neglect both their physical and mental wellness. Fortunately, National Wellness Month, which occurs every August, is an opportune time to build awareness and healthier routines. 

With outdoor spaces like River Prairie Park and small-town charm, Altoona, Wisconsin is an idyllic setting for seniors seeking a wellness reset. Seniors can build a better foundation for healthier emotional and physical well-being with the help of Altoona's many amenities. Read on to find the best healthy aging tips for seniors!

Make Preventative Care a Priority

Most seniors would probably prefer to avoid visits to the doctor's office. But these wellness checks can be lifesaving. During National Wellness Month, Altoona seniors should make sure they've booked necessary medical and dental appointments for the year. 

In particular, annual checkups are a must for seniors. These appointments with a trusted primary care physician can detect health problems and give seniors a chance to voice any concerns. At the appointment, a doctor will:

  • Check vital signs
  • Complete a physical exam
  • Evaluate for potential cognitive issues
  • Discuss immunizations and screenings

A cognitive assessment could catch signs of memory loss early, for example, enabling seniors to take action. Similarly, a physical exam and bloodwork will show whether there are concerns related to blood pressure or cholesterol. 

Seniors may want to consider aging care ideas, too, and discuss them with their doctor. Working with family and trusted friends, seniors can map out a caregiving plan that supports them as their needs shift with age.

Find Emotional Wellness Support

Many seniors are grappling with sadness as they age. They may be mourning the loss of a spouse. Or perhaps their children and grandchildren no longer live nearby. 

Seniors can combat feelings of loneliness or depression by engaging more actively with those around them. One of the best antidotes to grief is a full and enriching lifestyle. 

In senior living communities, it's easy to join neighbors for meals or sign up for the latest class. Taking the plunge into these social outings can be highly rewarding for Altoona seniors seeking more support and new friendships. Making friends can:

  • Provide a greater sense of purpose
  • Ease stress
  • Offer mental stimulation
  • Lower the risk of depression

Seniors can search for healthy aging WI online to find resources that support self-care practices. Whether seniors are seeking a new outlet for friendship connections or a professional counselor, they can find Altoona-focused recommendations.

Other methods of finding emotional support can be more personal. Seniors may feel a release by journaling or meditating each day. Sometimes mixing solitary activities among more social ones can offer the right blend for seniors hoping to move forward. 

Get Active During National Wellness Month

The best wellness routines for seniors are ones that they will continue doing. And that's especially true for physical activities. Seniors can maintain a healthier weight and feel more energized by committing to a fitness regimen. 

Best of all, senior lifestyle enrichment can come in many forms. Seniors could try:

  • Going for walks around their community
  • Doing tai chi or yoga
  • Swimming classes
  • Light strength training

Group activities, like swimming or yoga, offer the extra benefit of socialization. These low-impact activities are also easier on joints, making them ideal for seniors with chronic pain or injuries. 

Seniors can schedule walks in the morning or sign up for an aerobics class in their community. Introducing some light strength training can help counteract the muscle loss that comes with aging, as well. Even just 30 minutes of vigorous exercise each day can help improve cardiovascular health and bone density. 

Turn to Nutrient-Rich Foods

How seniors fill their dinner plates can have a big impact on their wellness. Consequently, Altoona seniors should consider National Wellness Month a chance to upgrade their approach to nutrition.

Even a few small changes to snacking habits or hydration can be helpful. Seniors should:

  • Stock their refrigerator with fruits and vegetables
  • Make lean proteins the centerpiece of each meal
  • Avoid consuming too many refined sugars
  • Drink more water throughout the day

Seniors should purge their pantries of processed snacks and avoid reaching for too many prepackaged meals. Steamed vegetables and brown rice can create a nutritious complement to salmon. Celery and hummus make a more nutritious pairing than chips and dip.  

Additionally, seniors should increase their water intake. Staying hydrated can contribute to better skin and a more alert mind. This action can also help seniors feel fuller, meaning they will be less likely to overeat at meals or snack during the day.

Prioritize Personal Safety

Wellness routines may typically center on physical and mental health practices. But wellness routines also should include regular safety audits within senior living spaces.After all, the condition of one's living space can impact their personal wellness. 

Altoona seniors may want to have a friend or family member help with the audit. They should make sure an apartment design has:

  • Adequate lighting
  • Grab bars in bathrooms
  • Wide entryways
  • Walkways that are free of obstructions

Seniors using walkers or wheelchairs may need additional clearance to enter and exit rooms. And for all seniors, it's important to ensure that floors are free of common tripping hazards. Bunched area rugs or cords can be hard to see and lead to falls. 

Further, some seniors may choose to add emergency call buttons to places like bathrooms and kitchens. If a senior slips on a wet floor and needs emergency help, they can hit a button on the wall. Alternatively, call button necklaces make help even more accessible. 

Invest in New Wellness Routines for Seniors

During National Wellness Month, seniors have an opportunity to take steps toward building a healthier lifestyle. From revising diet plans to getting involved in the community, seniors can rewrite their future with some intentional choices. They'll find new friends and feel better as they move toward an active lifestyle. 

At Oak Gardens Place Assisted Living in Altoona, we offer the top senior living community thanks our well-equipped apartments and lush outdoor spaces. Seniors can participate in anything from art classes to outdoor musical performances in our welcoming setting. Contact us today for a tour!

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