Wellness Month in Austin: Supporting Healthy Senior Living
Our physical and mental wellness is important at any age, but becomes even more so as we age. According to the National Council on Aging, 93% of adults older than 65 are managing one chronic health condition. 79% of seniors are dealing with more than two health conditions.
Establishing healthy routines and staying on top of your medical checkups is an essential component of preventing and controlling health problems. It can be challenging for many seniors to know where to get started when it comes to being proactive about their health. Wellness Month is honored in August in Austin and helps put a spotlight on what the elderly can do to take charge of their health.
This blog will go over the importance of senior wellness in Austin. We'll also talk about some of the wellness events happening in the city and how they can benefit the elderly.
The Importance of Wellness for Seniors
As we get older, our focus shifts from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to improving our well-being and health. Wellness is important for seniors because it has a direct impact on their quality of life and overall longevity.
Maintaining a healthy wellness during the aging process becomes a proactive strategy to:
- Stay socially engaged
- Prevent illness
- Manage chronic conditions
Emotional and Mental Well-Being
Having a healthy mental and emotional well-being reduces seniors' risk of cognitive decline. Staying socially connected can lower a person's risk of certain mental health conditions, like dementia. Participating in some of these activities can help protect your brain health:
- Learning new skills
- Reading
- Puzzles
- Playing games
These activities, especially if they include social interaction, can also help improve mood and combat loneliness. Being engaged in hobbies can help seniors feel a stronger sense of self-worth and belonging.
Physical Health
Proper nutrition and regular physical activity can help reduce a senior's risk of getting certain diseases. This can include some of the following:
- Certain cancers
- Arthritis
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
A healthy lifestyle gives our body's immune system a boost, making it easier to fight off health conditions and infections. Being physically active can also improve a few of these aspects of our bodies:
- Balance
- Mobility
- Muscle strength
- Coordination
- Joint flexibility
Not only do these factors contribute to a healthier body, but they also prevent falls, which are a major cause of injury in older adults.
What Is Wellness Month in Austin?
August is recognized as National Wellness Month in Austin and the rest of the country. It's all too easy to focus on different areas of our lives and let our health and well-being take a backseat. This month is dedicated to promoting:
- Encouraging health routines
- Managing stress
- Promoting self-care
The goal of this month is to raise awareness about the importance of senior fitness and health. It also aims to inspire the elderly to incorporate various habits and health aging programs into their daily routine.
Citywide Wellness Initiatives Supporting Senior Health
Austin is a bustling city, and Wellness Month is no exception. Swift Fit Events, an Austin-based wellness company, has released a calendar of low-cost and free fitness and wellness activities.
What's great about these activities is that many of them are designed for people of all fitness levels. These events are held in different Austin public spaces and parks, making it easy for seniors and their loved ones to participate.
Some of the wellness activities seniors may enjoy include:
- Singles Yoga
- Wellness Wonderland
- Revive and Thrive
- Wags and Wellness
Joining in on some of these activities is a great way to get started in your community and get the momentum going. Once Wellness Month is over, seniors can look into the free classes offered by Healthier Texas. Healthier Texas offers free nutrition and fitness classes to all Texans at every fitness level.
Healthy Habits for Seniors to Adopt
Wellness Month in Austin can give seniors and their caregivers the inspiration they need to create healthy routines. There are some key habits the elderly can adopt to keep their minds and bodies in prime condition.
Eat a Nutritious Diet
Seniors should focus on eating a diet filled with nutrient-dense food. Some of the foods they should focus on eating include:
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Healthy fats
- Whole grains
- Lean proteins
They'll need to prioritize eating foods that are high in certain nutrients they may be deficient in, such as vitamin D and calcium. Seniors should also focus on limiting their intake of foods high in saturated fat and processed foods.
Regular Exercise
Regularly moving their bodies is one of the best ways seniors can stay on top of their health. As we mentioned earlier, staying active can help reduce a person's risk of getting certain chronic health conditions.
Seniors need to pick exercises that are appropriate and safe for their fitness level. Low-impact activities are a great way to stay active while being safe. A few good options include:
- Yoga
- Swimming
- Walking
These exercises are good choices because they can be easily modified. Seniors can also modify the moves to meet their fitness levels. Strength training is important for seniors to maintain their bone density and muscle mass.
Stay Hydrated
Our bodies might not signal to our brains that we're thirsty as effectively as they used to, the older we get, making it easier for seniors to get dehydrated. The elderly should strive to drink around eight glasses of water daily. Seniors can also improve their fluid intake by eating some foods, like soup and fruits.
Learn More About an Active Senior Lifestyle With the Conservatory at North Austin
While Wellness Month in August is a great time to learn about different ways you can improve your health and wellness, it serves as the jumping-off point for the rest of your life. Seniors should prioritize their health every month, not just Wellness Month. Living in a senior living community that prioritizes physical and emotional support for older adults can provide them with the support they need.
The staff at the Conservatory at North Austin is committed to ensuring our residents live fruitful and active lives. Our activities team creates a monthly calendar that's filled with healthy aging programs that promote wellness. Contact our office to learn more and to schedule a tour.