Nearly a third of all older individuals in the United States currently reside alone, per data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Despite the fact that the elderly population in the United States is rapidly expanding, there is no need for any of these 47 million people to feel alone. Instead, there has been a rapid increase in senior wellness programs organized by senior communities in Long Beach, IN, which promote a happy and healthy way of life that has tangible health advantages for participants.
Why Wellness Matters in Old Age
Maintaining senior health is crucial. This involves not just reducing the severity of some health problems, but also preventing a number of chronic ones. The prevention and treatment of many of these health issues may be aided by the healthy lifestyles emphasized in senior wellness programs.
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Alzheimer’s disease
- High blood pressure
- Mood disorders such as anxiety, depression, others
Benefits of Wellness Programs for Elderlies
- Treat Illness
However, there is much more to what senior wellness programs can provide. Numerous advantages can be gained through participating in activities at one of these communities. One major advantage is that they consider the body as a whole in their treatment of illness. At wellness centers, older adults are encouraged to eat well, exercise regularly, engage in meaningful social activities, and learn to manage stress in order to improve their overall health.
- Increase Activity
The added benefit of more exercise is another perk. Older adults can participate in a wide variety of supervised physical activities at wellness centers. Now more than ever, we know that older adults who exercise reap advantages far beyond those of improved physical health. Those who exercise regularly have lower blood pressure, better blood sugar control, and lower cholesterol, all of which lessen their risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. In addition, physical activity has been shown to increase brain blood flow, nourish brain cells, and reduce the occurrence of dementia.
- Provide Nutrition Advice
However, wellness centers have much more to offer than just exercise. Nutritional counseling is another service they provide. They hold seminars on senior nutrition on a regular basis. Healthy eating plans for the elderly are often created by registered nurses and/or dietitians as part of wellness programs.
- Give Home Safety Tips
They also increase security in the house. Participants in a senior wellness program learn techniques for securing their houses. These programs can help them feel more secure in their homes for longer by providing useful advice such as how to declutter and make all rooms easier to navigate. Some programs will even assist participants put in new fixtures, such as better light bulbs or grab bars in the bathroom.
- Allow Interaction
Participation in a wellness program provides older adults with several advantages, one of the most important being the opportunity to socialize with other people. Dancing, putting together puzzles, joining a book club, playing chess, visiting the park, playing bingo, and having breakfast with friends are all great ways to meet new people and socialize. Depression, isolation, and loneliness are all too common among the elderly, which is why wellness programs work so hard to foster connections amongst participants.
