7 Ways to Promote Active Aging
It is a common thing to visit the park in the morning and see several seniors wandering alone and looking sad. Usually, this is because the seniors feel more isolated as their kids go to the job and no one is there to talk to them or care for them. If one of the people you love or care about is also a senior who looks lost all the time, then you should make him or her understand the importance of active aging.
Miranda Richards, Chief Product Officer at Halo Healthcare says “When seniors understand the importance of active aging, they will not only feel more connected with others but their physical and mental health will also improve. All a senior should do is take a few steps, and he or she will get immense support from the community that still feels for them.”
Canadians need to be particularly interested in the concept of active aging because the country’s senior population is estimated to grow by 68 percent over the next 20 years. Though there are many ways to promote active aging in seniors, here are top 7 ways to promote active aging as they are the easiest to follow and won’t cost much.
- Find a Transport Method
The first thing you need to do to promote active aging is to go out and meet new people or explore places that catch your interest. To do that, you need to either have your transport available to you or you should seek a public transport method that allows you to move around on a budget you have. The process of finding the right transport can be a bit frustrating at times, especially if you live in an isolated neighborhood but keep making an effort and you will find success.
- Consider Volunteering
If, as a senior, you have a lot of free time on your hands, you are healthy, and you have no financial constraints that need you to earn a wage, you should consider volunteering for a cause. There are many non-governmental organizations out there who need fit and educated/skilled people to help the underprivileged. In many cases, you might have to give your time and effort for free or a small fee, but the satisfaction you get from seeing others smile and connecting with other volunteers would be worth it.
- Take Up a Hobby
Another way to promote active aging is to take up a hobby or learn something new. You can attend art and craft classes if they attract you or you can learn to code. The hobby you select must be something you want to do and can hold your interest. Don’t sign up for a class just for the sake of it because it is likely that you will lose interest in it.
- Stay Active
Staying active is something that a senior must do for his/her health and well-being. Again, it would be smart to sign up at a gym or join a yoga class near your home rather than exercising alone in the park or at home. When you sign up for a class, you will meet new people there and you will be able to make friends too. If your health allows you, you can also take part in competitions like triathlons to keep up with your fitness, and get a sense of accomplishment. Along with exercising, you should also focus on healthy eating to ensure that you remain fit for years.
- Dine Out
Dining out is another smart way to stay active during the golden years of your life. Many top-quality restaurants and cafes remain packed most of the time. You can walk into one of them after office hours to meet new people and make new friends. You can also meet people who are added to your social media for dinner if you are hesitant to talk to a complete stranger.
- Continue with Health Care Visits
It is a sad fact that about 75-80 percent of seniors have one or more chronic conditions. If you are one of them or you hope to avoid being one of them, then your best bet is to continue with your health care visits. Getting a thorough exam of your overall health at least twice a year is recommended if you want to stay fit till the last day of your life.
- Connect with Family or Friends
Our final bit of advice to you is no matter how many new friends you make, you should never lose contact with the close friends and family members you are blessed with. Make contact with all the people who matter at least on special occasions like holidays, birthdays or anniversaries to stay connected with them and take a genuine interest in their lives so that they consider you a part of theirs.
Image Sources
https://www.nursenextdoor.com/blog/6-easy-and-safe-exercises-for-seniors/
