When people envision their retirement, they often picture scenes that embody relaxation: lounging on the couch with a delicious drink in hand, taking a mid-day nap, watching sports or movies, etc. While you should absolutely bring these daydreams to life in your senior years, it’s also important to move your body, use your mind, and engage with your community. In short, it’s important to learn how to stay active in your sunset years.
Tips for Keeping Active
Move your body every day.
You don’t need us to tell you that regular physical activity is extremely beneficial. It can lower your risk of several health conditions, improve your strength and independence, boost your mood, alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, aid your cognitive health, and so much more. If you aren’t currently physically active, start slowly! Try getting just 5 minutes of physical activity per day, slowly increasing that amount over time. And if you’re struggling to get started, use the following tips:
- Try different forms of exercise to pinpoint activities you enjoy. Maybe you don’t like yoga, but you’d love dancing, tai chi, or water aerobics.
- Pair it with something you love. For example, you could exercise while watching a favorite TV show or listening to fun music.
- Join a class. You’ll make some new friends, and you’ll be more likely to stick with it!
- Ask your doctor for tips and advice.
Never stop learning new things.
Have you ever heard of Cognitively Stimulating Activities (CSAs)? The Global Council on Brain Health defines these as “exercises that challenge a person’s ability to think” and encourages people to incorporate them into their lifestyles ASAP, as they can have a huge impact on brain health. You could take a class, learn a new skill, or have fun with some brain puzzles. The possibilities are truly endless! For example, you could learn to speak French, play the guitar, practice tai chi, or write poetry, but you could also simply play a new-to-you board game or finally figure out how to set up a video chat with your grandkids. Allow yourself to be curious about anything and everything, and then follow your curiosity to form interesting new skills and hobbies.
Strengthen your social connections.
If you want to be an active participant in your life, it’s essential that you form bonds with the people around you. A vibrant social life provides numerous benefits: preventing loneliness and isolation, encouraging joy and laughter, and even stimulating your brain. Nurture the relationships in your life, from your family and close friends to casual acquaintances and new buddies, and reach out to anyone around you who seems like a potential new friend.
Engage with Other Members of Your Community.
Sometimes, people can feel a bit untethered in their senior years, as they’re no longer a member of a school or workplace. Remember that community comes in many different forms: your neighborhood, your senior living community, your family, your spiritual community, or maybe even the regulars you see at your favorite local café. Invest in your community relationships by attending events and reaching out to others. You could also volunteer or start a new project, like an event or club. Never underestimate the joy and contentment that can come from feeling like you’re a part of something bigger than yourself.
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As you can see, learning how to stay active in your senior years involves much more than exercise. How will you keep your brain active? What about your social life? Can you be active in your community? All of these factors should be considered if you want to maintain your health and happiness in your later years. And fortunately, joining a senior living community makes it easy for you to do all of these things!
Are you seeking an assisted living, memory support, or physician-directed nursing community in Kansas City? Check out The Piper. Our team of experienced and compassionate professionals ensures that residents feel secure and comfortable right away. At our warm and welcoming community, which is truly a “home within a home,” we foster social interaction, engagement, and the right amount of care. Our residents always come first. To learn more about our services or to schedule a tour, please give us a call at 913-361-5136 or contact us online.