How to Age Gracefully: Tips for Seniors at Addington Place

Aging is natural, but it often comes with the deterioration of various bodily functions, and chronic conditions become more common. However, adopting healthy habits and following a great diet can help you live independently and even prolong your lifespan.

According to the United States Census Bureau, one in six individuals in the country is 65 or older as of 2020. Aging well in senior living requires the right environment and support. That's where the Addington Place of Shoal Creek in Kansas City comes in.

Let's explore how to age gracefully.

Engage in Physical Activity

Getting old often means taking a break and resting. However, maintaining your physical fitness helps improve mobility and overall well-being. It also enhances healthy aging in the following ways:

Improves quality of sleep
Reduces anxiety
Enhances blood pressure regulation
It lowers the risk of heart disease and enhances weight management

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that physical activity lowers the risk of cancer. Engaging in intense physical exercises becomes more difficult as you age. Nevertheless, you can get the physical workout you need for healthy aging by doing simple exercises such as walking and hiking.

At least half an hour of moderate physical activity can improve strength, flexibility, and balance. Shoal Creek Senior Care encourages seniors to participate in physical activity by including rousing activities and games in the calendar.

Residents attend educational classes and visit local landmarks and restaurants. The communal nature of the activities ensures that the residents have peer support, which is vital for encouraging participation.

Follow a Nutrient-Rich Diet

The right diet can enhance your physical well-being, preserve bone health, and improve your mental health. One of the best healthy aging tips is ensuring you get the nutrients your body needs.

Aging is often associated with a decreased metabolic rate. Nevertheless, the right food choices can help preserve strength and muscle mass. The foods you should eat for healthy aging include:

Lean protein from fish, eggs, and dairy products
Complex carbohydrates such as legumes and whole grains
Omega-3 fatty acids
Fruits and leafy green vegetables

Switching to a meal plan rich in a variety of nutrients is the best way to ensure you're meeting your dietary needs. While, food preparation can be burdensome for seniors, an assisted living community offers nutritious meals served at different times.

Meal times are also an opportunity to socialize and interact with peers. This helps build an appetite and encourages seniors to follow a healthy diet.

Maintain an Active Social Life

Social isolation often leads to loneliness, which is a major risk factor for depression and poor mental health. Cultivating social relationships, even in old age, can help you gain the social support systems needed to cope with the uncertainties of life.

Being socially active also stimulates cognitive activity, which is crucial for seniors with dementia. The Addington Place of Shoal Creek offers the perfect environment for seniors to forge connections. The structured programs and activity calendar are all designed to make it easy for seniors to interact.

Seniors also interact with other community members through organized outings to local attractions. Assisted living communities allow visitation, making it easy for seniors to stay in touch with their relatives.

Other avenues for socializing include:

Gardening groups
Book, art, and writing club
Educational classes for language acquisition

One of the myths of senior living communities is that residents experience isolation. However, the truth is that seniors are more socially active in a community of their peers. Furthermore, seniors aging in place may experience isolation and are at a greater risk of falls.

Focus on Preventive and Responsive Healthcare

The National Council on Aging found that most seniors have at least one chronic condition. Aging well in senior living involves getting preventive and responsive healthcare services. Regular medical checkups can help detect and diagnose various conditions early.

Responsive healthcare is necessary for the effective management of different health conditions. However, this is often difficult for seniors living at home.

An assisted living community has trained professionals who can respond to different needs. The staff also develops personalized care plans that respond to your unique needs.

Medication management is a core service provided by assisted living communities. It ensures the residents are taking their medications as directed by the physician. Opting for at-home care costs can spiral out of control and plunge your family into financial ruin.

An assisted living community can help meet your needs and provide assistance such as:

Help with daily activities
Housekeeping services
Concierge services
Communal amenities such as Wi-Fi and cable

Tips for Aging Well for Seniors

Aging with dignity is all about adjusting your lifestyle to make it healthier. First, you need to become mentally prepared for the transition to life post-retirement. Find healthy coping mechanisms for life's challenges, such as developing new hobbies.

Moreover, cut down on alcohol consumption and quit smoking. Drug use can accelerate aging and be a contributory risk factor for various chronic conditions. Join a support group if you're having trouble quitting your addiction.

Take care of your mental health by avoiding stress. This measure involves planning out your future, especially the financial aspect. Other tips include:

Getting adequate sleep
Drinking a lot of water
Taking care of your skin

Move to an environment that prioritizes wellness for older adults. Assisted living communities are the best environments for aging with dignity. They not only provide you with personalized care but also give you the space you need to maintain your independence.

How to Age Gracefully: Learn Tips for Healthy Aging Today

Learning how to age gracefully is a continuous process. But you need the right support and environment to succeed. Choose a community that implements healthy routines and has a structured environment to suit physical and mental well-being.

Located in Kansas City, Missouri, Addington Place of Shoal Creek is a nurturing retirement community where seniors can age with dignity while enjoying a fulfilling lifestyle. We center all our services around the individual needs of our residents and offer various care programs, such as medication management, tailored to improve their quality of life.