Many seniors have spent a large portion of their adult lives caring for others, working, or adhering to someone else’s schedule. Read through our top 4 self-care tips for seniors to help make sure you’re living your best life every day.
Tip #1: Exercise
Exercise is one of the most important things you can do as a senior to take care of yourself. Regular exercise has been shown to not only help you live longer, but help you live better, too. Regular exercise also has tons of health benefits.
Even if you’ve never been into exercise before now, it’s not too late to start. If you’re concerned about starting a new exercise program, be sure to talk to your doctor first. Then, get out and start reaping the benefits of getting your body moving. Regular exercise in your senior years helps in the following ways:
- Aids in weight loss or weight maintenance.
- Lowers your risk of developing Alzheimer’s, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, osteoporosis, and certain types of cancer.
- Improves your immune system, your digestive function, and your blood pressure.
- Helps with balance and coordination, lowering your fall risk.
- Contributes to more restful sleep as well as better quality sleep.
- Boosts your mood and self-confidence.
- Keeps your brain healthy and helps prevent cognitive decline.
- Gives you more energy and improves your focus.
Tip #2: Do Activities You Enjoy
Much of your life may have been spent doing things for other people. While many of those activities were fulfilling and rewarding, now is the time to focus on doing what really makes you feel happy.
Regular engagement in activities or hobbies will help relieve stress, keep your mind sharp, ward off boredom, and bring meaning to your life. Don’t yet have a hobby or activity you enjoy? Consider the following list and try something new today:
- Gardening
- Crafting, like painting or pottery
- Reading, including joining a book club
- Participating in senior fitness classes
- Woodworking
- Organizing a game night or walking group
- Getting involved with your church
- Volunteering
Tip # 3: Socialize
During your senior years and especially after you retire, you may find yourself missing the regular social interaction that came with your career. But don’t let your lack of a 9 to 5 be the reason you miss out on socializing.
Regular, consistent socialization is very important for seniors. Without the emotional connections that come from socializing with friends and family, seniors can experience loneliness and isolation. In addition, lack of socialization in your senior years can lead to the following:
- Faster cognitive decline and an increased likelihood of developing diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.
- Higher risk of developing depression, which also often includes anxiety, poor sleep, lack of energy, and more.
- Greater chance that you won’t take good care of your physical health, making your health deteriorate more rapidly.
Tip # 4: Go Outside
There’s nothing quite like being outside and experiencing nature, even if it’s only from your own yard. Fresh air and sunshine has rejuvenating effects and will help you feel happier overall. It’s also great for your physical and psychological health to spend time outdoors.
The benefits of spending time outside for seniors include:
- Makes you happier, less stressed, and improves your focus.
- Helps you sleep better at night.
- Encourages both your mind and body to be active, improving physical and mental health.
- Boosts your vitamin D levels as you soak up the sun, helping prevent osteoporosis and heart disease.
- Boosts your overall health by strengthening your immune system and helping you resist illness.
- Helps you heal or recover faster if you’re sick or injured.
One Final Self-Care Tip: Tie Up Loose Ends
One final aspect of self-care for seniors is making sure you have a plan for your future. To alleviate stress, make sure you tie up any loose ends. This includes finally getting around to drawing up a will, putting together an advance directive, and purchasing a whole life insurance policy to cover your end-of-life expenses.
Whole Life Insurance from Americo Senior Life
Americo Senior Life can help you make the right choice for your life insurance needs. You can visit our FAQ section if you have questions, or our team of professionals will answer all your questions so you can make a confident choice when it comes to your whole life insurance policy. Our application process is fast and easy. You can get a quote online in minutes. We also have a 30-day money back guarantee in case you change your mind. Apply online today!