This blog post was inspired by Jason Lewis of Strongwell – an organization with a focus on fitness for Seniors.
The average person now lives to be approximately 77.8 years old. Unfortunately, quality of life tends to decline as age increases for some people.
No one can avoid the aging process; however, seniors can take control of their quality of life by taking steps to improve their physical and mental health.
Below are five ways you can live a happier and more fulfilled life.
1. Get Some Exercise
Regularly working out can help seniors avoid common ailments such as heart disease and diabetes. It can also support mental health through stress reduction and increase feelings of happiness and satisfaction due to the release of endorphins. Studies have shown that exercise can improve sleep, which is a valuable benefit for seniors who deal with insomnia.
Exercise can also lower the risk of falls due to improved strength and flexibility. Group fitness activities, such as an aerobics class or gardening club, can help seniors maintain social ties and avoid loneliness and depression. Finally, regular exercise may lower the risk of dementia and improve cognitive function.
2. Learn To Play a Musical Instrument
If you have always wanted to learn to play an instrument but never had the time, your retirement years may be the perfect time to start. Practicing an instrument can improve memory, literacy, reasoning, and other cognitive functions. It can also be a social activity if you play with other people.
Additionally, playing an instrument may reduce stress and provide a sense of accomplishment.
3. Make Connections
Loneliness can be a problem for many seniors who have lost friends and loved ones. Increasing social interaction may prolong life, improve physical and mental health and lower dementia risk. There are many opportunities for seniors to expand their social networks, such as taking a class, visiting a senior center, working a part-time job, or doing volunteer work.
4. Find a Sense of Purpose
Seniors who no longer have jobs or children to raise may suddenly find themselves wondering what their purpose in life is. Studies have found that seniors with a sense of purpose have a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s, disabilities, heart attacks, or cognitive impairment and also tend to live longer lives.
There are many ways to find a new sense of purpose. Identify a cause you are passionate about and find opportunities through volunteer work or activism to support that cause. You can also find a hobby you are passionate about and pursue it or even take up a second career or side gig.
5. Start a Business
Starting a business as a senior can be a good way to combine several of these tips into one activity. Form a business idea based on something that gives you a sense of purpose. Running your business helps you stay busy and also make connections with new people. If you don’t have the time to search for employees, consider hiring a staffing agency to help you find individuals with the right skills.
Consider hiring other seniors who may be looking for a purpose in their own lives or have difficulty finding employment due to age discrimination.
You can’t turn back the clock; but you don’t have to accept declining physical and mental health as the inevitable result of getting older. Taking control of your physical and mental well-being can help you live a longer, happier, and more fulfilled life.
Explore the blog for more resources and tips to help you live your best life!
