National Wellness Month: Healthy Aging Tips for Seniors in Port Townsend

Are you aware that 80% of adults over age 65 are battling two or more chronic conditions, according to the NCOA?

Without intervention, physical and mental health problems can rob seniors of fulfilling life experiences. National Wellness Month, which occurs every August, can be a great time to reset and focus on making healthier living decisions.

With so much natural beauty and a quaint downtown, Port Townsend seniors will have lots of opportunities to be active. And the possibilities don't end there. Stay with us to learn the best healthy aging tips!

Prioritize Healthy Eating

A diet rich in lean proteins and high-fiber selections can set the tone for a healthy lifestyle, regardless of age. For seniors, there are other considerations in making dietary choices. Some seniors may need to lower their salt intake or avoid certain foods given the medications they take.

But for all seniors, reducing overindulgences and sticking with natural food choices can yield big rewards. Healthy eating can improve:

• Weight management
• Symptoms associated with chronic diseases
• Mental focus and functioning
• Sleep patterns

Healthier diets can help seniors keep their daily calorie counts within a normal range. As a result, it's easier to maintain a healthier weight. And seniors can keep their blood pressure and cholesterol under control, as well. 

Foods rich in nutrients and vitamins can lower the risks of certain diseases and even ease the symptoms associated with existing health challenges. Plus, some healthy foods can help prevent memory loss. 

Perhaps most noticeably, foods like leafy greens and nuts are loaded with antioxidants and omega-3s, which can slow cognitive decline and contribute to more robust mental clarity. 

Maintain an Active Lifestyle

Senior health routines always should include daily physical activity. In a stunning setting like Port Townsend, it's not hard for seniors to find ways to get active. Seniors should consider:

• Going for regular walks
• Participating in an aerobics class
• Lifting with light weight
• Joining a swim class

Swimming classes can give seniors a welcome change of scenery while doing a low-impact activity. For seniors with chronic pain or injuries, swimming is a wonderful way to support cardiovascular health without adding physical stress. 

For senior wellness in WA, seniors can take advantage of Port Townsend's scenic pathways and beaches. The simple act of going for a post-lunch walk can burn calories and provide a chance to relax.

Seniors should consider adding light weights to their routine, as well. Weight training can support muscle growth and improve bone density. 

Stay Social

When it comes to healthy habits aging, human connections are critical. Seniors may be dealing with the loss of a spouse or limited mobility. These barriers can get in the way of regular interactions, leading to loneliness and isolation.

Many senior communities offer intentional opportunities for seniors to stay engaged with those around them. And staying social can help seniors:

• Feel supported
• Find meaning in each day
• Expand their network of friends

Seniors can populate a calendar with events like movie viewings or game nights. They can meet new friends playing cards or during a walk around the campus. Emotional support seniors can come in the form of trusted friends or caregivers willing to listen over lunch or tea. 

Most importantly, staying social enriches seniors' lives. They'll be able to find purpose in each day, contributing to a better quality of life and overall wellness.

Find Mental Stimulation

Adding new hobbies or activities can help seniors stay engaged as they age. After decades in a career or familiar pattern,injecting new activities into the daily lineup can add a dose of excitement. Some good options include:

• Attending lectures or demonstrations
• Listening to podcasts
• Trying new games
• Volunteering with non-profits
• Reading and journaling 

Getting involved with Port Townsend community organizations can help seniors connect with others and pursue new passions. That could translate to handing out tickets at a local performance venue or picking up trash with an environmentally-oriented group. 

Seniors don't have to travel far to find new ways of thinking, either. Committing to regular reading or listening to informative podcasts can be a gift for the mind. Writing in a journal or listening to experts speak about unique topics are other options for seniors eager to explore new ideas. 

Seek Preventative Care

No one wants to spend each day navigating medical appointments. But preventative care is one of the best ways for seniors to take control of their health. Seniors should:

• Schedule routine checkups
• Get all recommended immunizations
• Pursue screenings
• See specialists as directed

Annual checkups are a must for individuals at any age. But for seniors, they can help catch health issues or manage chronic conditions. Additionally, developing a good rapport with a primary care doctor ensures that seniors can find the best specialists and other care needs as they age. 

Recommended screenings and immunizations are critical, too. Seniors should get their annual flu shot and ask about vaccines for shingles and other common ailments. 

Keep a Safe Home

Aging well in assisted living means paying attention to the safety of your living quarters. Is your space decluttered? Do you have it outfitted with essential safety features for seniors?

Seniors, in particular, need to be mindful of critical safety features and their home's layout. A safe home will have: 

• Ample lighting
• Grab bars 
• No-slip flooring
• A clean floor plan

Cluttered spaces elevate the likelihood of tripping and falling. Grab bars and no-slip flooring can help reduce that risk. But seniors and those around them should make a point of removing bulky items and tripping hazards, like area rugs. 

Dimly lit spaces also can make it harder for seniors with diminished eyesight to see where they're going. Adding floor lamps or replacing dim bulbs can help. 

Make the Most of National Wellness Month

National Wellness Month is the perfect time for seniors to take stock of their physical and mental health. Seniors should audit their home for safety features and make sure they're current with immunizations and appointments. They also should upgrade their diet and add more physical movement to their daily agendas.

Victoria Place's exquisite setting on the Olympic Peninsula and top amenities, like wellness programs, make our senior community the area's best. Seniors will have access to round-the-clock care and spacious apartments in our pet-friendly spaces. Contact us today for a tour!