Taking care of both your mind and body is important for aging well. According to a doctor at Johns Hopkins Medicine, there is not that much difference between an 18-year-old brain and a 100-year-old brain. What does this mean? That it’s never too late to make healthy lifestyle changes.
The key, however, is to implement or continue practicing the elements of a life well lived that can help you avoid or minimize the effects of living with a chronic condition.
Steps You Can Take for Aging Well
- Eating healthy
Choosing the right diet – avoiding refined sugars, unhealthy fats and processed foods – and concentrating on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats is a great way to properly fuel both your body and your mind.
Pay attention to portion sizes. Your metabolism slows down as you grow older and you’ll need fewer calories. - Fitness for the body
The benefits of exercise for aging well reach far beyond keeping your muscles strong. A few hours per week, combining moderate and vigorous intensity exercise can lower your risk of heart disease, some cancers, type 2 diabetes and stress.
Exercise can also improve your mood and emotional health, as well as your strength and balance — lowering your risk of falling. - Exercise for the mind
Keeping your brain stimulated may lead to lowering your risk of developing dementia while improving your focus and concentration.
Options range from playing games to tapping into your artistic side like drawing or painting. Activities that challenge you to problem solve or consider two sides to an issue are examples of a great workout. Social interaction is also beneficial for your brain health. - Engage with others
Research has discovered that connecting with others not only supports good health and aging well but may add to your longevity.
Friendships may help you overcome less healthy habits and support you in choosing a healthier lifestyle. The benefits of relationships can also include improved levels of self-esteem, as well as providing a sense of purpose and joy in life. - Manage your stress
Everyone experiences stress and while it can’t be eliminated completely, the key is knowing how to keep it at a manageable level.
Exercise, meditation, yoga and deep breathing techniques are a few simple ways to get started. Eating well and getting enough restful sleep are good for lowering your stress and overall state of health. If you need help in choosing what’s best for you, talk to your medical team. - Sleep well
Sleep is a necessity for aging well and supporting the health of both your body and mind. It can boost your thinking, memory, emotions and physical abilities. Processes that occur during sleep can also influence your energy and cognitive fitness.
If sleep proves elusive, create a calming and quiet space, turn off all electronics and practice relaxation techniques.
How Senior Living Can Support You in Aging Well
If you’re considering whether senior living might be a great way to promote your efforts to age well, consider the following advantages you’ll find in a community:
- Help to live an independent life
Senior living residences and communities are designed to be accessible and age-friendly. No expensive renovations or stair-climbing is required.
Assisted living can provide help with the tasks of daily living, such as bathing, dressing or medication management – supporting your ability to continue living independently. - Delicious and nutritious dining
Communities understand the role nutrition plays in aging well as it supports the mind and body to function at an optimum level. You’ll be able to eat healthy while no longer being responsible for the shopping and meal preparation. - Fitness centers and classes
Staying in shape has never been easier than when senior living is your home. Most communities offer gyms, exercise equipment or classes to help you build muscle strength, flexibility and balance. - Activities and amenities
Communities plan and provide monthly calendars of activities offered on site - and if off - they include transportation as well. Amenities that you might enjoy can range from spas to swimming pools to pickleball courts. - Opportunities to meet and make new friends
Social events and activities at senior living communities make it easy to begin forming new friendships and contribute to your efforts to age well. - Secure and maintenance-free lifestyle
Older adults often look forward to a lifestyle that is free from the upkeep and worry of home maintenance. Residents find it much more enjoyable to spend this new free time in ways that they enjoy.
The security and safety of the community is also reassuring to residents in knowing that help is available if needed.
Life at Eskaton Communities
The word Eskaton means “dawn of a new day.” In our communities, we see each day as an opportunity to enhance the lives of our residents. We’ve been serving the Sacramento region and Northern California for over 50 years.
The Eskaton Difference starts with our life-enriching programs and collaborative partnerships. With a national reputation for innovation, we focus on creating communities that provide our residents everything they need for purposeful living.
We invite you to visit one of our award-winning communities to discover some of the benefits we offer, such as:
- Private residences
- Delicious and nutritious meals
- Social opportunities to meet and make new friends
- Creative activities and therapies
- Fitness centers and exercise classes
- Housekeeping services
- Transportation services
- 24-hour staffing
- Pet-friendly
- Free Wi-Fi
- And much, much more!
If you’re considering whether senior living could be the best choice for you or a loved one, we’re here to answer any questions you may have. We also invite you to download our complimentary guide, Choosing the Right Senior Living Community: a step-by-step guide.
To schedule a personalized tour, call us at 1-866-ESKATON (1-866-375-2866) or visit eskaton.org.
