Did you know that August is National Wellness Month? An article by UC Davis reports that National Wellness Month emphasizes building habits for better health and well-being, focusing on all aspects of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health.
How does National Wellness Month affect seniors in Marietta, GA? If you have been wondering about wellness programs for seniors and how they contribute to healthy aging routines, consider getting involved with National Wellness Month.
Read on to learn about various senior engagement activities and enrichment for older adults that contribute to emotional and physical health.
There's nothing quite like experiencing the great outdoors, and the wonder doesn't fade as you age. In your senior years, moments in nature can have an even greater impact.
Connecting with nature is good for your mental health,especially if you find yourself indoors for more of the day than you would like. Sunlight exposure increases vitamin D absorption, as well.
If you would like to get outdoors more often but do not know where to start, here are some ideas:
The City of Marietta, GA, boasts 18 unique parks and recreational areas. Some of the standout parks include:
In southern states like Georgia, there is no shortage of nature to explore. When you picture hiking, you may think of climbing mountains or navigating complex terrain. Hiking can simply involve walking along a designated trail with a local hiking group or exploring nearby natural areas.
Walking is one of the best and easiest forms of exercise.There's no equipment required except for a good pair of shoes, and the route options are nearly limitless.
Activities such as walking are more enjoyable with a good group of friends. Consider starting a walking club in your assisted living community. Meet at a designated time and walk together while chatting about shared interests.
Thanks to Georgia's hot and humid climate, gardening in late summer and expecting blooms in the autumn months is completely feasible. If you find gardening enjoyable, you can also use these months to plan what to plant during spring.
Here are some flowers to plant in August that will thrive during the fall months:
If you're unsure about which options will fit in best with your lifestyle and the Marietta climate, ask a nursery expert. You might also explore online forums and chat rooms to see if others in your area have experience planting in late summer.
According to the American Heart Association, over 90 percent of adults do not consume their daily recommended amount of fiber. While protein seems to be all the rage in food culture right now, fiber is just as important to have a functioning digestive system.
Some of the main benefits of fiber include:
Add more fiber-rich foods into your dietary rotation, such as:
Talk to your doctor or nutritionist before incorporating more fiber into your diet. They may be able to provide a tailored intake recommendation or a list of foods to avoid based on existing health conditions.
Even as you age, sleep hygiene is vital for maintaining a healthy and functioning body. Since you spend up to one-third of your life sleeping, it's crucial to dedicate this time to achieving the best quality rest possible.
Scrolling through social media before bed can be detrimental. Smartphone and tablet screens emit blue light, which can disrupt your circadian rhythm and keep you awake for longer.
Try to put down your phone before you commence your bedtime routine. If you need entertainment to fall asleep, try picking up a physical book or magazine and reading a few pages every night.
If you're still struggling to break the habit, consider investing in a physical alarm clock instead of using your phone. Put your phone in another room, or even just out of direct reach, so you will not be tempted to use it when you're winding down for the night.
As a senior, a lack of a structured routine may seem appealing to you. After all, you most likely spent decades waking up at the same time every day, raising children or going to a job, and going to bed at the same time every night. Retirement can bring freedom and flexibility, but these may work against you if your sleep suffers.
Try to go to bed at the same time every night and wake up around the same time in the morning. Intentionally setting your body clock allows you to get better quality sleep and feel more rested when you wake up in the morning.
Aromatherapy can be a great solution if you have trouble falling and staying asleep. Use a wall plugin or pillow spray to introduce calming scents, such as:
You do not have to celebrate National Wellness Month only in August. At Greenwood Place, you can prioritize your health and well-being all year long.
Known as the "Best Assisted Living Community in Marietta, GA," Greenwood Place Assisted Living & Memory Care offers our residents a thriving and fulfilling lifestyle. With various floor plans to choose from and room for pets, you'll fit right in at Greenwood Place.
Are you ready to transition to senior living or assisted living? Reach out to us today to learn more, or visit our vibrant community in person to see it for yourself. We can't wait to meet you!