Self-care is one of those buzz phrases of late that actually holds some weight. What used to be a generalized fact that eating well, exercising, and ensuring proper sleep contributed to good health, has evolved into a more holistic view that encompasses mind, body, and spirit.
For seniors, self-care is especially important as a regular routine helps to maintain physical health, cognition, and independence, longer. It follows that if one has built and maintains healthy habits regularly, minor health issues are probably less likes to occur, and if major conditions do crop up, seniors who already practice self-care will be better equipped to handle them.
The Top 3 Benefits of Self-Care for Seniors
1. Stave off depression and anxiety through self-care activities that promote social connection and maintain independence.
2. Social connection! Spending time with others in their community enhances the feeling of autonomy, as well as boosts those endorphins for mental well-being.
3. Most importantly, self-care routines directly improve overall mental and physical health for a better quality of life.
Vitality starts on the inside. Consider the following ideas for seniors to start a healthy self-care routine that will leave you feeling recharged!
8 Self-Care Activities for Seniors
1. A healthy diet nourishes the body to perform at its best, the mind with cognition-boosting essential vitamins and minerals, as well as the spirit; because what better way to enjoy a good meal, than with good friends!
2. A regular exercise routine is paramount to self-care and healthy living. It doesn’t have to be long or intense. Even a daily walk, light stretching and yoga, going for a swim, or practicing Tai Chi; any sort of movement that encourages mobility and strength matters. It all adds up to one healthy life.
3. Journaling is an excellent way to prioritize mental health. Whether it’s a gratitude journal or simply a catch-all for thoughts, journaling is a wonderful way to stimulate the mind and elevate the mood. Read our full inspiring story on why journals are beneficial for seniors.
4. Relax. Sure, when people say it us we usually do anything but! But, take a moment to feel what relaxation means to you—it could be reading a book, doing a puzzle, or light gardening—whatever it is that gets you to disconnect for a little while.
5. Meditation is a proven relaxation technique to reduce stress while improving mental clarity. It promotes deep breathing and mindfulness that grounds one into the present moment. Explore more tips on how to cultivate inner peace and well-being here.
6. Connect with family and friends for positive mental health and physiological benefits! Did you know that socializing can even help lower your risk of dementia by stimulating cognitive functioning? There are a ton of benefits to being social: explore them here.
7. Almost nothing is more important than a good night’s sleep. Sleep allows the body to recharge and supports a healthy immune system. Consider setting a sleep alarm that tells you when it’s time to start settling down—and then put the devices down; a solid two hours before sleeping is recommended.
8. Get back to nature. Whether it’s gardening or trail walking, connecting with the solid earth beneath you while feeling that natural vitamin D from the sun on your skin (with plenty of sunscreen, of course!) is incredibly important to your self-care routine. Getting outside boosts mental health, physical activity, as well as increases social opportunities.
Find what works for you, then getting into a regular self-care routine will start to come naturally. At Verve Senior Living, we strive to create “resident-centric” environments where our seniors are inspired to experience fulfillment every day through our values which are built on the pillars of mind-body-spirit well-being. Explore our Verve Difference and be inspired to achieve better health and life every day to the fullest.
