August is right around the corner, and that means National Wellness Month is here to remind us all to focus on feeling our best.
If you're a senior in Roanoke, VA, looking for ways to age with more energy and joy, this is the perfect time to try some simple tips that put you in the driver's seat of your health.
At TerraBella Pheasant Ridge, we're tucked away off Route 220 in Roanoke, VA, where those stunning Appalachian mountain views can really motivate you to get started on senior wellness.
Ready to dive in? By the end of National Wellness Month, you might just feel like you've unlocked a whole new level of vitality!
For seniors like you in Roanoke, small habits can make a big splash in your energy and mood. A study by Smagula et al. in JAMA Psychiatry found that older adults who stuck to a steady schedule, like getting up early and staying busy, did better on brain tests and felt happier overall.
Aim for 7 to 9 hours each night. Why? Research from the NIH tells us that good rest cuts down on stress and keeps your thinking sharp, which is key to staying independent.
Set a bedtime you can count on, maybe by winding down with a book or soft music.
Don't forget meals on a schedule! Eating at the same time helps steady your energy.
Drink water first thing in the morning and keep sipping throughout the day. Studies mentioned by the Cleveland Clinic link staying hydrated to better focus and fewer health hiccups, especially as we age.
During National Wellness Month, let's get excited about moving in ways that fit your life. As a senior, taking control of your fitness means picking activities that feel good and keep you strong.
The experts at the CDC say older adults who get at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week see perks like:
That's just 30 minutes a day, five days.
Grab your shoes and head out for a stroll in your neighborhood or a nearby park. In Roanoke, those greenways offer flat paths perfect for seniors. Research from the National Institute on Aging backs this up, showing aerobic exercise like walking improves your heart health and even sharpens your mind.
If the weather keeps you inside, try marching in one spot while watching TV.
Use light weights or even soup cans for arm lifts. This keeps muscles firm and helps with balance to prevent falls. Studies from Harvard highlight how these moves cut disease risks and lift your mood.
Add balance exercises, like standing on one foot while brushing your teeth. It's fun and proven to make daily tasks easier.
Gentle stretches in the morning loosen you up. Yoga or tai chi classes online are great starters.
The key? Listen to your body and build slowly.
For seniors, taking the reins on memory care engagement means picking activities that spark joy and keep things sharp. Dr. Achillefs Ntranos from Achilles Neurology Clinic says that joining in things like music or puzzles can lift your quality of life and guard against memory slips.
Crossword or number puzzles work wonders on memory. A big study from UCLA Health found that folks over 50 who do them often have stronger brain function. Start with 15 minutes; apps make it easy on your phone or tablet.
Reading a book or newspaper keeps your mind active, too.
Call a friend or join a group talk. The WHO links these connections to better thinking and less loneliness. In Roanoke, a quick visit to a local spot like a market can inspire stories.
Or learn something new with a friend, like playing a new instrument. Creative stuff, from drawing to cooking, boosts cognitive skills, as Susan W. Lee at Medical News Today suggests.
Reminisce with photos or old tunes, since it stirs good feelings and strengthens recall. One approach, called reminiscence therapy, helps with mood and thinking in early memory challenges.
Do it solo or with family.
The beauty? You control the pace. Mix activities to avoid boredom.
Looking for ways to steer your healthy aging journey? National Wellness Month shines a light on resources that empower you. As seniors, tapping into aging well resources means finding tools that match your needs and keep you proactive.
The National Institute on Aging offers free guides on everything from exercise to brain health, backed by research showing these steps cut risks for common issues. Check online hubs like the CDC's healthy aging page for tips on brain-boosting habits that lower the chances of memory loss. They have easy worksheets and videos.
Local libraries often host free classes on wellness. In Roanoke, look for senior meetups on topics like balance or nutrition.
Community programs are gems. Groups like AARP share toolkits with case studies from around the world on staying active and social.
In National Wellness Month, smart eating is a top way to own your senior wellness in Roanoke, VA. Focus on balanced plates with:
Add colorful produce daily. Berries and leafy greens pack antioxidants that guard memory. In Roanoke, fresh local picks make it tasty.
Lean proteins like chicken or beans build strength; pair with healthy fats from avocados.
As we wrap up these tips for National Wellness Month, remember how small steps like these can add up to big wins in your health. You have the power to take charge! Who wouldn't want to feel that spark every day?
At TerraBella Pheasant Ridge, we make it easier with our person-centered approach that puts you first, complete with chef-made meals to fuel your days and daily recreation to keep things fun and engaging.
Schedule a tour at TerraBella Pheasant Ridge today!