Health agencies like the World Health Organization promote active aging as the best way to grow old. It doesn't mean exercising excessively. At its core, active aging means staying active in mind and body to the best of one's ability.
If you live in a senior living community, it may be time to assess its elderly wellness programs. After all, well-designed programs support active aging. They cover senior fitness classes, wellness checks for seniors, etc.
That said, here's what you need to know about wellness checks and the components of an effective senior fitness and wellness program.
Healthy living for seniors includes routine workouts and nutritious meals. It also means joining social activities and going for regular check-ups.
The last one, in particular, is vital for senior health. Without these appointments, doctors may be too late in spotting potential health issues. Of course, preventive care would be useless at this point.
During wellness checks, physicians take note of their patients' vital signs. These include blood pressure, heart rate, and cholesterol. They also check other health markers like blood sugar and bone density.
Current medications are also reviewed during appointments. This is necessary to prevent drug interactions and adverse effects. You may need this if you take multiple medications.
Routine wellness checks for seniors are also done for their mental health. During these appointments, seniors can discuss their well-being concerns. If needed, specialists can refer them to receive counseling or therapy.
Of course, this takes time. Seniors have to see healthcare providers regularly to build trust. Only then can they feel safe discussing their concerns.
Once trust is established and a patient is open enough to seek help, specialists can start tailoring treatment plans. Part of this covers educating seniors about coping mechanisms.
If medications are prescribed, regular wellness checks help doctors determine the treatment's effectiveness. Healthcare providers can then adjust dosages to optimize outcomes if needed.
Senior living communities have a role in enhancing their residents' well-being. Through well-designed programs, seniors can maintain their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. These are all necessary for improving their quality of life and independence.
You'll know it's a good wellness program based on how senior health activities and initiatives are structured. If there's a variety of offerings, that's a plus point. That means cognitive stimulation activities complement the senior fitness classes well.
It also means residents are free to explore creative pursuits. There should be a variety of activities that help seniors interact with staff and their peers.
Who facilitates these activities is also crucial. They should be trained professionals who are well-versed in senior care. Since wellness isn't a one-size-fits-all thing, experts should help residents choose appropriate activities.
How does each wellness component help residents achieve optimum health? What are the targets for physical, mental, social, and emotional wellness?
Here's how well-rounded programs structure their activities.
Physical wellness activities should accommodate different fitness levels. They should also consider health conditions so that residents can participate safely.
Walking, yoga, water aerobics, and chair exercises are good offerings for beginners. Meanwhile, residents looking to improve their fitness levels should participate in strength training. Balance activities like Tai Chi or Pilates are also important to prevent falls and increase mobility.
Activities that stimulate cognitive function fall under the mental wellness pillar. Memory enhancement and mindfulness exercises also help residents achieve positive mental health.
Some examples of cognitive stimulation activities include brain games, puzzles, and memory exercises. These can help residents sharpen their memory and attention. Such activities can also help enhance problem-solving skills and prevent cognitive decline.
For residents with memory loss or cognitive impairment, memory enhancement training helps a lot. Strategies include face-name recognition, number mnemonics, etc.
Lastly, mindfulness and meditation programs help residents reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. These include guided meditation, breathing exercises, mindful walking, and chair yoga.
Loneliness and social isolation can increase a senior's risk of premature death from all causes. The latter also increases one's risk of dementia by about 50 percent.
Group outings, educational workshops, hobby clubs, and the like help seniors who want to connect with other residents. Hobby clubs can help older adults bond with those who share common interests, such as books, gardening, dancing, etc.
Other than workshops and outings, wellness programs may also offer volunteering opportunities. Through mentoring, seniors can share their skills, knowledge, and life experiences. Beyond social connections, these can help older adults achieve a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Programs that promote emotional wellness focus on counseling and therapy services. Peer support and art therapy also help support emotional well-being.
Counseling and therapy can help seniors overcome emotional challenges. Meanwhile, support groups help residents (especially new ones) feel a sense of belonging. Here, shared experiences and empathy take center stage.
Art therapy, on the other hand, includes painting, sculpture, music, and drawing. Note that seniors can improve their emotional health when they can freely express themselves.
Which activities are best for enhancing your well-being and quality of life? The answer will depend on your personal needs and interests.
Some physical activities, for example, may not be suitable for your current state. You may need clearance from your doctor before joining fitness classes.
Quality and accessibility are also essential factors to consider. How qualified are the instructors or facilitators? Do the schedules fit your lifestyle?
It also helps to look into the costs of the program. Will insurance cover these activities? Weigh all these things first before you decide on which classes or sessions to join.
Don't let old age keep you from being physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally fit. Through wellness checks for seniors, regular exercise, art, and more, you can enjoy the benefits of active aging.
If you're still looking for a wellness program that suits your needs, we can help. Check out our website for more information.