How Senior Living Communities Promote Health & Wellness

There are so many great reasons to make the move to a senior living community. One of the most important benefits is their focus on senior health and wellness. Numerous studies extol  the virtues and long-term benefits of maintaining a healthy lifestyle as we age.

In fact, the World Health Organization has stated that 80% of all cases of heart disease, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes could be prevented if we ate healthier, stayed active, and stopped smoking.

Other benefits of senior wellness programs.

Focusing on our health as we age has a direct impact on the quality of our retirement lifestyle. By making or maintaining healthy choices, we can ensure we get the most from the time in life  that’s supposed to be all about relaxation and living for ourselves.

Focusing on senior health can:

– Improve your quality of life

– Prevent the feeling of social isolation

– Boost your cognitive function

– Encourage independence

– Promote emotional health

6 ways senior living communities promote senior health and wellness.

1. Healthy dining options

One of the very first questions most people ask when they start investigating retirement communities is: “How’s the food?” That makes sense. Not only is eating essential to a healthy and happy lifestyle, but it’s also at the center of many of our social interactions. And it doesn’t matter how good the food is for you if it doesn’t taste good.

Speaking of being good for us, though, this is vital. As we age, our nutritional needs change. It’s not just about portion sizes. It’s about balance and variety. A high-quality dining program at a senior living community will offer multiple dining venues from formal to grab-and-go. They’ll also feature a chef and a nutritionist working side by side  to ensure every meal is good and good for you.

2. Fun fitness opportunities

Let’s be real for a moment. Exercise can quickly become a chore. The secret to keeping up with any fitness program is variety and kinship. It’s also important to know your limits. That’s why retirement communities with fitness programs usually employ instructors skilled in senior health.

As our bodies age, our muscle mass decreases, and our abilities change. So it’s important to know how to work those muscles safely. Other key areas include maintaining flexibility, improving balance and decreasing joint stress. Aquatic aerobics, yoga, and tai chi are great low-impact workouts that are fun to enjoy on your own or in a group setting. Most communities also offer outdoor walking paths and recreation areas.

3. Activities for all passions

Staying fit isn’t all about regimented fitness programs and classes. Getting outside, enjoying nature, gardening, and pursuing hobbies (new and old) by yourself or with friends (new and old) can have a profoundly positive impact on your health.

Hobbies keep us mentally and physically engaged. They give us something to look forward to and be proud of. And companionship is a key component of senior health that too many of us overlook.

4. Preventive wellness programs

The wellness program you find at many retirement communities is one of the best senior living amenities to look for. An on-site wellness center offers residents a safe place to schedule time with physical therapists and meet with various visiting specialists, clinicians, and other health care professionals.

5. Opportunities for spiritual fellowship

No matter what faith you practice, or even if you’ve never been involved in organized religion, spiritual well-being becomes more important as we get older. Most senior living communities offer some kind of spiritual services or at least provide transportation to houses of worship in the surrounding area.

Getting in touch with our spiritual side helps us cope with the natural aging process and provides yet another opportunity for friendship and group activities. As with every other aspect of senior health, it’s about achieving balance in our lives. 

6. Lifelong Learning

Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? As far as we’re concerned, you’re never too old to stop being curious about the world around you. Research has shown a strong link between education and higher cognitive function, improved memory, and decision-making ability.

Elevate your senior health with The Elite Collection.

The Élite Collection blends the prized aspects of luxurious rental residential living with  best-in-class hospitality. Our communities provide elevated health and wellness programs with Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care. When you’re ready to start your journey, let’s get in touch.