Senior wellness is a popular topic for discussion these days and for good reason: people are living longer and healthier lives, and are eager to stay as sharp, active, and involved as possible for as long as possible. A holistic approach to senior whole health might just be the best prescription.
What is a holistic approach to senior wellness?
The term “holistic” refers to understanding how all the parts of something are interconnected. In medicine, it is the treatment of the whole person; incorporating all the dimensions of wellness for an overall picture of a person’s mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health.
In other words, mind, body and spirit. And this holistic approach helps seniors thrive in every stage of life, from building a career, caring for a family, nurturing relationships, and ultimately, achieving the retirement lifestyle they have long wished to enjoy.
Here are some of the components of a holistic approach for senior wellness
Physical health
Exercise, movement, nutrition…all are important for senior whole health. It can be as simple as a brisk walk around the block or as focused as a workout that includes balance, strength training, and agility. If you are like many seniors, you have led an active life for many years that called for sound physical health—keeping up with energetic children, taking care of a house and yard, running for a bus or a cab on a business trip, and much more.
So, knowing the importance of senior exercise may not be a new topic, but it could be one that might need to be revisited now that you have more leisure time. And a holistic approach is a smart way to go about it.
Nutrition also plays a major role in physical health. You’ll quicky notice the difference that getting the proper vitamins and minerals can make as you set out to achieve new fitness goals.
And if you’re just not a fan of senior exercise, there’s good news: you can actually get the workout you need and still have fun and make new friends. For example, at St. Mark Village, you’ll find a lively group of residents who find line dancing gives them the exercise and companionship they desire!
Related: Dance for Older Adults: Yes, You can Dance Away Depression
Mental and emotional health
Understanding the impact of feelings can help a person stay in balance as life’s challenges come along. Being able to share those feelings with others, whether through counseling or simply by building a trusted network of friends and connections, makes a huge difference in maintaining a positive, healthy mental outlook. Senior mental health is a vital component of an overall wellness program; one that shines light on the importance of socializing with others and not feeling isolated or left out.
Related: Spending Quality Time with Family While in Senior Living
Intellectual health
It’s important to keep that noggin sharp! The old saying about if you don’t use it, you could lose it, certainly can apply here. When you challenge your brain, you create new neural pathways. You build your cognitive resilience and your self-esteem. And you can start anytime.
Solve a tough crossword puzzle. Read a book you’ve always wanted to tackle. Take lessons for conversing in a new language. Keep learning, keep asking questions, keep exercising your brain—all keys to positive senior mental health.
Environmental health
A green thumb is good for you! Getting out in nature holds many positive benefits for senior mental health as well as senior whole health. These include a boost in creativity, improved focus and concentration, and enhanced memory. So, if the conditions are right, walk a garden path, plant some seeds, or sit under a tree and feel its peaceful energy. Studies have even found that senior wellness can be enhanced by just having some indoor plants, which may actually help you heal faster.
Spiritual health
A life of meaning and purpose can play a major role in senior whole health and senior wellness. For some, it includes participating in religious services and events or seeking solace in practices such as yoga or tai chi. Nature is another way many seniors connect with their spiritual side.
Having a strong foundation in spiritual health is very helpful for anyone dealing with difficult experiences no matter their age. One very simple tool is meditation, something you can do just about anywhere that has been proven to offer many benefits.
Boost Your Mood Naturally: The Power of Meditation Over Medication
Holistic is the way to go
At St. Mark Village, we believe so strongly in focusing on the whole person that we have created a special program, Wellness Matters, to help residents achieve their wellness goals in mind, body, and spirit. Our community is based on the belief that living in an environment that fulfills your every need—body, mind, and spirit—inspires you to embrace your independence as never before.
Related: Aging Well in Senior Living
Take our Lifestyle Quiz to help discover what matters most to you in senior living or contact us. We’d love to hear from you, learn about your interests and passions, and share about our community which offers seamless access to future health care options.
