How to Stay Well as a Senior Citizen
Mar 02, 2023
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Staying both physically and mentally well can be challenging across a person’s lifetime. In recent years, the world’s population has had to contend with some extremely challenging situations. For example, the recent covid-19 pandemic caused misery for millions of people as there was uncertainty in their employment (especially for the self-employed), and national or regional lockdowns meant that group social activities could no longer take place. In addition, there is currently rising inflation and an emerging cost of living crisis that is making lives increasingly hard in many western countries.
As people enter into the later stages of life, there can be some unique challenges that make it harder to stay well as a senior citizen.
This article explores some key ways in which older people can stay both physically and mentally well and live an enjoyable existence in later life.
Consider supportive living
When people enter the later stages of life, they may begin to suffer from increasingly poor health and mobility issues. In addition, they may also begin to feel isolated if they live alone and are at a long distance from close friends or other family members. These types of situations can lead to older people struggling to stay both mentally well and in physically good health. Often, it can be highly beneficial to consider moving to a supported living facility. If you live in the American state of Illinois, consider searching for supportive living in Effingham IL to find a list of suitable premises. These types of professionally run establishments will have on-site staff that can help with a resident’s daily routines. In addition, these supportive living premises will have a ready-made community of other senior citizens at the site. This means that group and social activities can be enjoyed together, and residents benefit from a true sense of community and shared friendships.
Enjoy your free time
As an older adult, it can be incredibly important to make the most of your free time. The average age of retirement in the US is 59.88 years old, and after this time, many people will start to enter their senior years with far more free time at their disposal. There will no longer be the need to get up early to prepare for work and experience the stresses and strains of modern employment. However, this abundance of free time can actually be damaging to senior citizens’ well-being if they do not use it effectively. If the day is spent doing nothing more than sitting in front of the television, it will soon lead to feelings of boredom. A lack of suitable stimulation can also mean that cognitive skills start to degenerate faster than expected. In short, it is vital that meaningful activities take place in the senior years of life to keep a person feeling well with a positive mentality.
Learn a new skill or hobby
Senior citizens can use their free time effectively by learning a new skill or hobby. Arts and crafts are a popular choice as they allow people to create something and take pride in the final item or object. It is a common misconception that people can’t learn new skills effectively in later life, and it is entirely untrue. For example, many older people find that they have time to learn to play a musical instrument in later life and can become extremely proficient. This type of hobby can be incredibly satisfying, especially if the person reaches a level where they can compose their own music.