The National Council on Aging offers several tips for aging well. In their view, aging well is about pursuing a “healthy, balanced lifestyle focused on both the mind and the body.”
Their tips include:
- Eating right
- Staying active
- Preventing falls
- Learning a new skill
- Volunteering
You may be worried that someone in your life isn’t aging well. That may be because they’re not eating right or they’re not staying active or they’re prone to falling. Another source of worry might be that they’re not as mentally or socially active as they used to be.
One way to try to address these issues is to find community supports. This may involve accessing relevant services from nearby agencies (e.g. Meals on Wheels, senior fitness classes, a falls prevention assessment) so that the person can continue to live where they are now.
But sometimes that isn’t enough.
Another option is to consider a move to a senior living community. Senior living communities tend to place a big focus on aging well.
Eating right
Many senior living communities have dining programs that ensure residents eat regular, nutritious meals. These programs can accommodate all sorts of special diets.
Staying active
Activity programs are central to senior living communities, including physical activities that can accommodate people with different abilities. No need to travel to a fitness class. Most programs are offered on site.
Preventing falls
Senior living communities, especially ones built in the last several years, are designed with lots of safety features that prevent falls. Apartments are easy to get around. No need to climb stairs or step stools anymore. Bathrooms have built-in safety features. Common corridors often have handrails.
Learning a new skill
Activity programs at senior living communities not only keep residents physically active. They keep them mentally active as well. Residents can learn all sorts of new skills and stay cognitively sharp.
Volunteering
According to the National Council on Aging, “volunteering has been proven to boost happiness, and is also a great way to bond with friends and meet new people.” Some senior living communities help residents find volunteer opportunities, helping them maintain a sense of purpose in their lives.
Other ways senior living communities support aging well
Many senior living communities do regular wellness checks of their residents. They can also make sure that medications are being taken properly.
Another thing to consider: Living around other people can also stave off loneliness, something that can be a big issue for seniors.
More information
To learn more about how senior living communities promote aging well, check out our free Choosing The Right Community guide.
