Aging increases the risk of mental and physical illness and injury. Maintaining your health is key, not just for longevity but for enjoying life! Get to know some of the best health tips for seniors and add them to your daily routine to feel your best.
5 Senior Wellness Tips
The short answer to “how to age healthier” is prioritizing physical activity, smart diet, mental health, social connection and sleep. Here’s guidance for each area of wellness.
1. Be Physically Active
Regular physical activity can help you maintain or improve your strength, flexibility and balance. It also boosts your mood by releasing endorphins. We suggest getting at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. Try these activities:
- Go for a walk or gentle hike, wearing comfortable shoes with good traction.
- Swim or take a water aerobics class.
- Try a round of chair exercises.
- Do tai chi to support your mind-body connection.
- Focus on stretching every day.
- Use light weights (a can of soup works, too!) for strength training while sitting or standing.
Read more: Beginner-Friendly, Low-Impact Exercises for Seniors
2. Eat a Balanced and Nutritious Diet
The right nutrients fuel you to continue doing your favorite things and prevent disease. Balanced eating supports memory, brain health, heart health, and blood flow. A healthy diet for seniors should include:
- Plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains like oats and brown rice
- Lean proteins such as fish, chicken and beans
- Healthy fats from nuts, seeds and olive oil
- Water throughout the day
3. Prioritize Mental Health
Cognitive and emotional well-being are just as important as physical health. Common senior mental health issues include depression, anxiety, dementia, grief and substance misuse. These are often linked to health decline and social isolation.
Keep your mind sharp and spirit high with these ideas:
- Try brain-stimulating activities like puzzles, reading or learning a new hobby.
- Connect with friends, family or community groups.
- Keep a gratitude journal or another writing practice, like poetry.
- Speak with a mental health professional.
Connection is one of the best ways to stay engaged and positive. Check out our next tip to learn more about social isolation in seniors and ways to keep or create social bonds!
4. Stay Socially Connected
Senior isolation can lead to loneliness and depression, due to lack of community and positive social interactions. Feeling a sense of belonging is important for self-esteem and emotional and physical wellbeing. Whether through technology or in person, try these tips to feel connected:
- Join clubs, classes or volunteer programs.
- Schedule regular visits or calls with loved ones.
- Move to or visit a senior living community, and engage in their programs.
- Limit time on social media platforms where you don’t directly interact with others.
- Adopt a pet, like a small dog – this is a great talking point and way to meet others.
- Email, text or write to your friends and family about your day.
5. Sleep Well
Quality sleep is important at every age, as it supports your memory, immune system, mood, heart and much more. Combine these methods to have a great night of sleep:
- Follow a routine – go to bed and wake up at similar times every day.
- Limit daily caffeine intake, especially in the afternoon.
- Limit screen time at night.
- Keep your bedroom cool, quiet and dark.
- Exercise, just not right before bedtime.
- Avoid napping in the evening.
- Eat dinner at least two hours before you go to bed.
How much sleep do seniors need?
The National Institute on Aging recommends seniors get seven to nine hours of sleep every night. It’s a myth that seniors need less sleep. This is a common idea because medications and medical conditions associated with aging can negatively impact sleep. However, a good night’s sleep is still important to stay healthy as you age.
Live Where Your Wellness Comes First
By making proactive choices based on these healthy aging tips, you can enjoy a vibrant life at any age! When you live in a welcoming and engaging community like Cordia, it’s easy to maintain excellent senior health and wellness. Visit our dining room for chef-prepared nutrient-rich meals, participate in our programs and exercise classes and spend time with like-minded peers.
Learn more about wellness at Cordia and our fitness classes when you call (630) 887-7000 or schedule a visit. The wellness of our residents is at the forefront of every decision we make.