Once you reach retirement age, there’s a good chance you have dedicated a lot of your time and energy to caring for someone else over the course of your life. Perhaps you raised several children, nursed a spouse through an illness, helped your aging parents, or supported a loved one during a difficult time.
In the midst of caring for others, it’s easy to stop taking time to care for ourselves, but self-care is important at every age and stage of life.
Many people may view self-care as an indulgence, picturing bubble baths, chocolate bars, and spa days. While there is nothing wrong with those things, the act of caring for yourself actually goes much deeper than that.
Self-care can be found in the foundation of healthy habits that support wellness.
Adding some self-care practices to your day can lead to better physical, mental and emotional health, and well-being. When we are at our best, we are less prone to burnout, stress, and isolation.
Here are some ideas to help you incorporate self-care into your routine.
Make Time for Meaningful Movement
Adults need 30 minutes of movement each day, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend hours each week on the treadmill. Instead, Fall in Love With Fitness by finding activities that combine physical activity with something you enjoy.
Try joining your community’s gardening group or walking with a friend. If you enjoy a more structured approach to fitness, check out a Senior Star Signature Program like Zumba Gold® or ShapeMaster®. Rock Steady Boxing is an excellent option for those battling Parkinson’s.
The takeaway here is that any type of movement that makes your heart beat faster is beneficial.
Get Better Sleep
A good night’s rest is crucial for maintaining cognitive performance, physical health, and mood. Adults need about 7 hours of sleep every night, but many adults struggle with insomnia as they get older.
Experts believe that aging brings on some changes to sleep. Older adults tend to get sleepy earlier in the evening and tend to sleep less deeply than when they were younger.
Developing good sleep habits can help anyone, but especially those who struggle with sleep.
Healthy Sleep Habits
- Limit screen time before bed.
- Create a relaxing pre-bedtime routine.
- Avoid late meals and caffeine.
- Get active! Add some movement to your day.
- Go to bed around the same time each night.
- Keep your room dark and cool.
Balance Your Plate
Eating better can give you the energy you need to fuel your day and help you live a longer, healthier life.
Consider these ideas:
- Cut your plate in half. Fill half your plate with your favorite fruits or veggies.
- Swap your side. Pick fresh fruits or steamed veggies instead of fries when eating out.
- Dig in on seasonal superfoods. Choose foods that are rich in antioxidants and vitamins.
At Senior Star, our chefs curate menus with our residents’ nutrition and satisfaction in mind. Our full-service dining rooms accommodate a wide variety of dietary needs and our Signature Program, Anytime Dining, gives our residents the flexibility to eat on their schedule.
Just Add Water
If you’ve ever put a fussy baby in a warm bath, you know how transformative water can be. Perhaps a hot shower or a refreshing glass of water is just what you need.
Researchers say that as people age, they need to drink more water to compensate for changes in their body temperature regulation.
Drinking at least six to eight glasses of water daily can help you feel your best, especially when it is hot.
Try adding fruit or herbs to your water to make it even more enjoyable.
Find Connection
Feelings of isolation can have a detrimental effect on physical health and new studies suggest there could be a link between loneliness and dementia.
According to the U.S. Surgeon General, the health effects of loneliness are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes each day.
It stands to reason that the self-care we need the most is time with others! Meaningful connections with friends and family support your mental and physical health.
Seniors who live in a community of peers have the opportunity to take advantage of social outings, easy access to friends, and a caring and supportive network.
Independent living communities give you freedom from the tasks and responsibilities associated with maintaining a home and more time to focus on your health.
Senior Star offers a maintenance-free lifestyle, a rich social environment, and a variety of amenities and activities designed to foster holistic wellness for our residents.
Start Small to Build Healthy Habits
Interested in learning more about Senior Star’s wellness initiatives and signature programs? Check out this guide or download our latest resource: Finding Health and Happiness in a Supportive Community.
Contact us to learn more.