Maintaining health and wellness isn't just a critical step as you age — it's something that's very possible with the right mindset and support. Even if you face a chronic disease, you can take action to keep your mind and body as healthy as possible.
August is National Wellness Month, so let's celebrate with easy tips to maintain wellness as you enjoy your time at Autumn View Gardens in Creve Coeur, MO.
Keep Active
To promote heart health, Parentgiving recommends daily activity to maintain balance, strength and flexibility. Physical activity helps you:
Take advantage of our senior community exercise classes to stay fit.
Eat Well
Eating nutritious foods with correct portioning helps you stay healthy. Many illnesses can be prevented or controlled with dietary changes and exercise, including:
Take advantage of nutritious meals and snacks served at our assisted living community, and consider adding calcium and vitamin D supplements to slow down bone loss.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Extra weight puts you at risk for heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. Work with our staff or use an online calculator to measure your Body Mass Index (BMI) to find out your healthy weight. Make it your goal weight and eat right and stay active to achieve it.
Replace sugary drinks with no-calorie water at mealtime to easily reduce calories.
Prevent Falls
If you're already prone to falls, age doesn't help. Here are some tips to prevent falls in your Autumn View Gardens apartment.
Tip: People who walk barefoot may fall more frequently, so keep your shoes on and make sure they have good support.
Live Longer
The National Institutes of Health suggest the following steps to promote longevity.
Protect Your Skin
Skin gets thinner, drier and less elastic with age. Wrinkles appear, and cuts and bruises don't heal right away. Wear long pants and sleeves to protect yourself during activities that might involve slight bumps, and protect your skin with sunblock when outdoors to prevent exposure to cancer-causing UV rays.
Keep Your Appointments
Get regular dental, vision and hearing checkups.
By age 50, vision often starts to gradually decline, impacting your ability to read small print or focus on close objects. Regular eye checkups help detect vision impairments, such as cataracts and glaucoma, so they can be treated early for better potential outcomes.
Hearing loss is also common with age. Don't be too embarrassed to wear your hearing aid. This lets you enjoy group activities and conversations with staff without struggling to hear.
Manage Stress
Exercise and relaxation help reduce stress, so take a walk around the grounds with a staff member or try some easy yoga poses in your suite. Make sure someone is nearby to help in case of a misstep. Meditation and reading books also help many residents relax and enjoy the day.
Tip: Attend worship services on site as a way to boost spiritual health and relieve stress.
Get Out More
Enjoy the best that Creve Coeur and St. Louis, MO, have to offer on day trips with other residents or time apart with the family. Many attractions are ADA-compliant and senior-friendly.
Join staff and other residents for activities that promote your overall health and wellness for a long and happy life. Remember to always consult your healthcare provider before changing your exercise or diet routines.
