What is Holistic Health for Seniors?
According to the American Holistic Health Association, holistic health is an approach to life that emphasizes the connection of the mind, body and spirit, with the goal of having everything functioning at its very best so you achieve maximum well-being. A key component to a holistic approach is taking responsibility for your well-being and making everyday choices that put you in charge of your health.
It’s less about illness and symptoms, and more about integrating healthy practices into the fabric of your everyday life. This kind of approach can be key to longevity, as well as maintaining independence and overall wellness as you age.
Research continues to show physical activity, mental stimulation and social connections reduce risks of disease and depression, and can help you live longer. A National Institute on Aging report found that older adults experience the highest levels of well-being when they are socializing, working or volunteering, and exercising.
Put them all together in a holistic way and it can lead to a healthier, happier life. What does that look like?
Your best chance of successfully incorporating wellness into your routine is to start small. Here are a few starter ideas:
One reason many people are attracted to senior living communities today is the focus on holistic wellness. Residents find it easy to be proactive about their health and well-being. Your well-being and your health have a lot to do with the choices you make. The good news is that it’s never too late to start making better choices for a better life. To improve your living and overall health contact Villas by Doctor Roya today at 949-877-9070 to explore holistic options to benefit you.
- Mind your brain: Doing challenging activities such as learning a new skill can improve memory function and help your brain become more adaptable in some functions. This can help compensate for age-related changes in the brain.
- Bodies in motion: Exercise can give you the strength to keep doing activities that you love. Strength exercises in particular let your body move better, which makes it easier to climb stairs or pick up your groceries.
- Spirited living: Finding purpose, having a healthy emotional life and maintaining social connections not only make life more enjoyable, they make it healthier. Religious or spiritual activity is associated with lower rates of hypertension and less pain from illness. And an active social life reduces depression and can help extend life.
Your best chance of successfully incorporating wellness into your routine is to start small. Here are a few starter ideas:
- Sign up to volunteer where you can use your experience or expertise to help others.
- Take a class at a local arts center or community college.
- Go for a walk, try a fitness or tai chi class, or use soup cans as hand weights to build strength.
- Join a book club, or just talk about your favorite book with a friend over coffee.
One reason many people are attracted to senior living communities today is the focus on holistic wellness. Residents find it easy to be proactive about their health and well-being. Your well-being and your health have a lot to do with the choices you make. The good news is that it’s never too late to start making better choices for a better life. To improve your living and overall health contact Villas by Doctor Roya today at 949-877-9070 to explore holistic options to benefit you.