The new year is always filled with opportunity and promise. With a clean slate and a calendar full of blank spaces to fill in, each new year is full of excitement. There are days, weeks and months ahead to try new foods, visit new places, start new hobbies and make positive lifestyle changes. To help encourage ourselves to fulfill all the promise the new year holds, many people make new year’s resolutions.
One of the most common resolutions for people of all ages is to adopt healthy habits for the new year. For seniors, good habits to start in the new year often include senior fitness and adopting an active lifestyle. Senior communities, like Anthology of Boynton Beach, are perfect places for seniors to get the necessary support to make these resolutions a reality! Anthology of Boynton Beach offers exercise, fitness and wellness programs designed to engage residents.
While new year’s resolutions in general are not always given a lot of commitment, the idea of creating an active lifestyle as a senior is a good one. There are mental, emotional and physical health benefits to an active lifestyle and remaining healthy and engaged are important parts of aging well.
Active Living for Seniors
According to the Centers for Disease Control, adults over the age of 65 should get at least 150 minutes of exercise per week. This includes moderate intensity activity, like taking a brisk walk. It is also recommended that seniors age 65 and older participate in strengthening exercises at least two days per week as part of a healthy, active lifestyle.
Exercises for older adults are a critical part of aging well. Regular exercise and an active lifestyle for seniors provides a variety of health benefits that extend beyond the obvious, including improvements in blood pressure, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and neurocognitive function. At senior communities like Anthology of Tanglewood, residents can take part in exercise classes to improve flexibility and strength, as well as health education seminars to help them plan a healthier future. However, no matter where they live, older adults can gain health advantages through regular exercise and an active lifestyle. The benefits include:
Reduced risk of developing chronic diseases and an improved immune system.
Weight management.
Increased bone health and strength.
Improved cardiovascular health.
Improved mental health.
Improved strength and balance, which reduces risk of falls.
Staying active promotes better sleep.
Exercise improves social wellness.
Exercise reduces hypertension.
Improved energy levels and focus.
Healthy Habits for the New Year
Focusing on healthy behaviors, such as improving eating habits and living an active lifestyle, are very attainable for seniors. At Anthology of Burlington Creek, residents are encouraged to participate in activities they love, while finding support and a sense of belonging through social connections.
Here are some ideas for healthy habits for the new year:
Eat healthy. While aging adults do need fewer calories, they still need just as many or more nutrients. These nutrients can be found in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, seafood, lean meats, poultry, beans, nuts and seeds. At Anthology of Denton, the Entice Dining culinary program offers a healthy selection of menu options, all prepared from scratch by in-house chefs.
Keep moving. As we age, it is easy to slow down. However, active seniors tend to stay healthier. At Anthology of Blue Ash, residents are encouraged to try new hobbies and participate in programs where they can learn and grown.
Avoid falls. One in every three older adults falls each year, and falls are a leading cause of injury or death among the older population.
Make sleep a priority. Seniors typically need at least seven to eight hours of sleep a night. An active lifestyle helps to promote healthy sleep and reduces constant napping during the day.
Focus on friendship. Relationships and social time help to keep the mind sharp.
About Anthology Senior Living
Anthology Senior Living is committed to providing a unique senior living experience with the highest quality of care. Anthology offers memory care, and assisted living at various communities, all with the needs of the resident at the heart of our culture and our values.
Ready to learn more about Anthology Senior Living and its communities? Contact us today! And check our community finder to locate an Anthology community near you!