Wellness Month for Seniors: Healthy Aging Tips for Shelby Residents
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Did you know that 93% of adults over the age of 65 are dealing with a chronic condition, according to the National Council on Aging?
Fortunately, with some proactive measures, seniors can take control of their health and limit the potential for problems. Best of all, celebrating wellness month in Shelby, North Carolina, is the perfect time to jumpstart your efforts.
Keep reading to learn the best healthy aging tips for Shelby seniors!
Prioritize Preventative Care
When it comes to wellness awareness for seniors, regular checkups are critical. Seniors can't afford to neglect their physical health, and preventative care can catch problems before they snowball into life-altering situations. Seniors should:
- Schedule yearly physicals
- Get recommended immunizations and screenings
- Tap into a medical team with diverse expertise
Annual physicals can detect changes from one year to the next. And working with the same primary care doctor ensures consistency in care and oversight. A good doctor should be able to recommend specialists for more focused issues, like arthritis or heart disease.
A senior should heed their doctor's recommendations for vaccinations, too. Seniors may be advised to get a shingles vaccine or flu shots to prevent severe cases. Likewise, RSV vaccines and pneumococcal vaccines can keep seniors safeguarded against respiratory issues and infections, respectively.
Ultimately, Shelby seniors should ask around to find a medical team or clinic that locals recommend. Great doctors must be excellent communicators and diligent about responding to patients' concerns.
Focus on Nutrition
Healthy routines for aging always include a thoughtful, nutritional diet.A balanced diet will include:
- Ample fruits and vegetables
- Lean proteins
- Whole grains
- Limited refined sugars
Salmon and chicken are healthy choices for protein sources, as are lentils and nuts. Building menus around these proteins and assorted, in-season vegetables can yield tasty and healthy results.
Seniors can use wellness month to inspire a new approach to snacking, too. Celery and hummus would be a better combination than chips and a decadent dip.
Sometimes purging a pantry is the best way to start a nutritional makeover.
In general, it's best to stay away from processed foods. While prepackaged foods offer convenience, they also tend to be loaded with sodium and saturated fat.
Seniors may want to work with a nutritionist to guide them toward smarter menu items or feasible recipes.
Additionally, some seniors may have dietary restrictions related to medications or chronic conditions. For instance, individuals on certain blood pressure medications may need to avoid grapefruit, which can trigger side effects. Seniors living in Shelby should work with their community dining staff to account for any dietary restrictions.
Engage Your Mind
Any senior seeking aging well tips will be directed to keep their minds active, as well.Many seniors are dealing with the loss of loved ones, including a spouse or close friends. To fend off loneliness, seniors should pursue:
- Group classes or activities
- Lectures or seminars on unique topics
- New hobbies
- Counseling opportunities
Many senior communities offer classes on anything from baking to crafting. And many communities will invite noted guest speakers to come deliver lectures or demonstrations.
Searching online for "senior wellness Shelby NC" can yield senior living communities with busy calendars of events. Seniors can view calendars online to see what piques their interest.
Another great option to support wellness is to seek out a new hobby. A hobby could be anything from painting to birding. Or perhaps there's a board game or book that could lend itself to a group get-together.
In some instances, even the best activities are not enough to provide meaning for lonely seniors. Working with a professional counselor can be the best source of comfort and support. Seniors shouldn't feel embarrassed to reach out to a therapist or counselor when grief feels overwhelming.
Maintain an Active Lifestyle
While most seniors will have some limitations, it's still important to stay physically active. Better physical and emotional health can contribute to a more positive outlook and lower the chances of chronic illnesses.Excellent activities include:
- Walking
- Participating in group aerobics
- Doing light resistance training
Walking around an outdoor garden space can be a great way to improve cardiovascular health. Even better, walking with a friend can offer a bonding opportunity or chance to destress. Seniors can expand their social circle by participating in group workout classes within a senior community, too.
Regardless of one's age, consulting with a medical professional prior to starting a new fitness routine is wise. This is especially critical for seniors with ongoing health concerns. Too much activity or improper movements could actually be detrimental to their health.
Keep Your Home Safe
Lastly, Shelby seniors should do whatever is necessary to maintain a safe home. After all, the last thing any senior wants to endure is a fall or other accident within their own living space. In addition to regular housekeeping, it may be necessary to add safety features, such as:
- Grab bars in bathrooms
- Extra light fixtures
- No-slip flooring
Seniors should make sure that every room and hallway is well-lit. Grab bars on walls or showers can be vital if someone's balance becomes shaky. And seniors may want to install or wear call buttons that can reach a nurse or other caregiver as an extra form of precaution.
Further, seniors should remove area rugs that could cause tripping. Bulky furniture or other obstructions can be risky, as well. A senior's apartment should have a manageable floor plan that enables easy movement from one room to the next.
Caregivers or family members can perform safety audits every month or two and address any safety issues. This simple effort can help seniors maintain safe living spaces in Shelby.
Make the Most of Wellness Month
Wellness month in Shelby is an excellent chance to make physical and emotional health a top priority. Seniors can work on building a better approach to nutrition or starting a workout routine. Finding new sources of mental stimulation and attending to medical care are other smart pursuits during wellness month.
With holistic well-being programs and top-flight dining, TerraBella Shelby is the best senior living community in Shelby, North Carolina. Residents can enjoy our robust calendar of live entertainment or relax by walking along our landscaped nature paths or lounging in their spacious apartments. Contact us today for a tour!