Seniors Can Live Their Best Life With These Simple Changes
Growing older can have a monumental effect on our health and well-being, and for many seniors, it can be difficult to find positivity while navigating health issues, stress, or feelings of dissatisfaction or unfulfillment. If you’ve been struggling with these feelings, take heart in knowing that they aren’t permanent. There are many things you can do to get active and social, take control of your health and build your self-confidence as you enter a new and rewarding chapter of your life, including finding support within a ministry. Take a look at IJN Ministries to learn more about this faith-lead community, and use this guide to make some positive changes in your life.
Psalm 46:1-3
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and form and the mountains quake with their surging.
Make some changes to your environment
One of the biggest contributors to the health and well-being of older adults is their environment. If your home requires a lot of work when it comes to cleaning and maintenance, or if it needs costly modifications to ensure your safety and comfort, it may be worthwhile to investigate downsizing. While it can be challenging to move from the home where you’ve built so many memories, it can also facilitate a wonderful new era in your life that allows you more independence and saves both time and money. Look at available homes and apartments for rent in Deerfield and narrow down the options according to how much you want to spend, the number of bedrooms you’ll need, and the neighborhoods you’re interested in.
Learn something new
Changing your living environment can change your perspective, allowing you to alter your priorities a bit. Once you’re in a home that allows you a bit more physical safety and comfort, you might want to focus on your mental health. Picking up an new hobby or learning a new skill can improve your quality of life, reducing stress and allowing for creativity. Whether you want to speak a different language, learn to paint, or take a class in a subject that has always interested you, there’s no time like the present. You can even turn your new skill into a way to earn extra money if that appeals to you.
Work on your social connections
Picking up a new hobby or skill can help you get social, which is beneficial in multiple ways. Taking a local yoga class is just one example of how to use a new interest to your advantage. Taking a local yoga class is just one example of how to use a new interest to your advantage. You can also utilize technology to help you stay connected with friends and family, especially if you live far apart; a smart home assistant is the perfect tool for that since it allows for video chats. Church functions are great places to make new connections and find support. The key is to remain consistent with your social plans since things like illness, seasonal affective disorder, depression, and anxiety can affect your ability to engage with others and create feelings of isolation.
Get active every day
Fitting in activity is another great way to get social, but you can also do it alone. Whether you want to start a walking group with some friends or go for a swim at the local pool, staying active can help keep disease at bay, boost your metabolism, and reduce stress. If you are living with a disability or have mobility issues, there are several ways you can alter an activity to make it safe and comfortable, such as chair/water yoga. Talk to your doctor before taking on a new activity. Remaining active and vital as an older adult does not have to be stressful. By taking steps to boost your health, changing an overwhelming living environment by moving to an apartment, and/or finding support within a ministry, you can make this phase of your life the best yet.
Need to get in touch with the community at IJN Ministries? Use the contact form today.
Guest Contributor:
James Hall