At times it can seem like the world revolves around diet and exercise. It’s become so common that it’s often referred to as the “diet industry”. At every age and stage of life we’re inundated with things about new diets, workouts, and medications that all claim to solve our problems. But health and fitness is about more than diet or exercise. Health and fitness for older adults is a way of life. It’s about finding ways to support overall wellbeing. It’s not the number on the scale or inches around the waist. It’s a healthy mind, body, and spirit.
Importance of Health and Fitness for Older Adults
There’s never a wrong time to focus on health and fitness. However, for older adults it can be extra important. As we age, many things about our bodies and overall health and wellbeing change. While health and fitness can’t reverse or stop aging, they can support a positive aging experience. That’s why every year the last Wednesday in May is National Senior Health and Fitness Day. A chance to focus on the importance of health and fitness for older adults. It’s only fitting that the day falls during Older Americans Month. May, and especially the last Wednesday of May, are a great time to celebrate older adults and their health and fitness.
Why Health and Fitness is Important for Older Adults
A lot changes as we age. For starters, it’s not uncommon to have more or new medical conditions. Sometimes a doctor may recommend certain dietary changes, such as eating less salt or sugar or increasing the amount of protein. They may also recommend avoiding some foods because of interactions with medications. Mobility is another big change related to aging as older adults may be less flexible, have worse balance, or struggle getting around. Done right, health and fitness can help maintain and improve mobility. For older adults, health and fitness can also have a positive impact on memory and cognitive function. An added bonus, health and fitness can support social, mental, and emotional wellbeing for older adults.
5 Ways to Improve Health and Fitness for Older Adults
Improving health and fitness is about more than going on a diet or working out. These are 5 lifestyle changes anyone can make that will help improve health and fitness.
1. Eat more fruits and vegetables.
With sayings like “you are what you eat” and “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” it’s no surprise that food is an important part of health and fitness. There’s more to it, though. It’s not just trying the latest fad diet or counting calories. It’s prioritizing a balanced, nutritious diet. Older adults should eat at least 2 servings of fruit and 3 servings of vegetables every day. Most people eat way less than this on an average day. Eating enough fruits and vegetables can help with things like blood pressure and blood sugar, digestion, eye health, and more. Feeling good physically can help older adults stay more active and feel better mentally.
2. Drink more water.
Did you know the brain is approximately 75% water? In general, more than half of an older adult’s body is made up of water. It’s the most important nutrient. Because our bodies change as we age, older adults are also more likely to become dehydrated. This can lead to many symptoms, including confusion. Drinking more water can promote better memory, digestion, energy, and even joint movement. Older adults should aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. Drink extra water when being more active or spending time outdoors.
3. Improve sleep.
Sleep is important to every aspect of wellbeing. The first thing that comes to mind may be mood. If we don’t get enough sleep, we may wake up in a bad mood or be grouchy. The amount of sleep someone needs each night changes throughout life. From birth through life the amount of sleep needed each night slowly decreases. Many adults over 65 may sleep 5-9 hours each night. But it isn’t just about how much sleep someone is getting. The quality of sleep is also important. Getting the right amount of high quality sleep can boost the immune system, improve heart health, lower the risk of some medical conditions, and improve attention and memory. Some of the ways to improve sleep quality include keeping a consistent schedule, having a nighttime routine, avoiding electronics before bed, and sleeping somewhere that is dark, quiet, and cool.
4. Walk more.
It may sound simple, but walking is one of the best things we can do for our health. It can help with heart health, weight, stress, and memory. It can also support muscle, bones, and the immune system. Walking can even help improve sleep. For older adults, it may be more difficult to walk long distances. But distance isn’t the goal. All walking is good for health and wellbeing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that older adults get 30 minutes of physical activity, like walking, 5 times per week to support their health and fitness.
5. Try a fitness class or group.
Health and fitness aren’t a solo job. They aren’t things that have to be done alone. Doing them with others can even make them more fun and make it easier to form new habits. Fitness classes and groups are a great way to focus on health and wellness with others. Not only are there they physical benefits, but there are also many benefits from being more social and engaged. It doesn’t need to be intense workout routines or classes. Many places offer programs specifically for older adults or those with certain health conditions like diabetes or cancer. With Silver Sneakers, many older adults are eligible for free fitness classes, designed for older adults, through Medicare.
Health and Fitness for Older Adults with Senior Living
A great way for older adults to improve their health and fitness is senior living. With onsite dining and activities, many of these 5 tips for improving health and fitness for older adults become easier.
Health and Fitness for Older Adults at The Ohio Masonic Communities
The Ohio Masonic Communities makes it easy for residents to improve their health and fitness. With chef-prepared meals in restaurant-style dining rooms, it’s never been easier to get the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables. Residents also have access to outdoor walking paths, fitness centers, trainers, and exercise classes. There are even classes dedicated to exercises for residents with arthritis.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from some of our campus health professionals about their tips and tricks for older adults and what they do for the residents at our communities!
At The Ohio Masonic Communities, we want to support everyone’s health and fitness. If you want to learn more about health and fitness at our campuses, we’d love to hear from you. Give us a call at 1 (877) 881-1623 or contact us here. We have three senior living communities across the state of Ohio – Browning Masonic Community in Waterville, Ohio, Springfield Masonic Community in Springfield, Ohio, and Western Reserve Masonic Community in Medina, Ohio.