senior living community

4 Ways Seniors Can Improve Their Well-Being

Simple Methods That Will Help You Feel Great

For seniors that want to remain healthy and active, the name of the game is prevention. Ask any healthcare provider and they’ll tell you it’s much easier to prevent a healthcare issue than it is to resolve one after the fact. Here at McCrite Plaza, we have the benefit of working with some of the most experienced healthcare professionals in the industry. This has enabled us to cater our community offerings to promote a healthy lifestyle among our residents. However, achieving good health and well-being isn’t the result of luck. It’s a combination of exercising healthy habits while carving out the bad ones. To break this down, we’re offering up the top four things seniors can do that will help them achieve a better sense of wellness.

#1 – Get Physical Activity

We’re putting physical activity at the top of our list because it pays off big dividends in the health benefits department. For seniors living in retirement communities or active adult communities, you should aim to get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise. A walk at a brisk pace or a bicycle ride should cover it, but activities such as weightlifting, yoga, and swimming are beneficial as well. Ideally, your exercise of choice will get your heart rate up and challenge your muscles. The benefits of engaging in regular physical activity include
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Improved cognitive performance
  • Reduced risk of anxiety and depression
  • Improved sleep
  • Reduced risk of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and some cancers
  • Improved strength of bones and muscles
  • Improved ability to do daily activities
Additionally, according to the CDC, people who are physically active for 150 minutes per week or more have a 33% lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to those who aren’t physically active. If you want to give yourself the best chances to avoid health issues while also feeling better physically and mentally, active adult living with regular exercise is the way to go.

#2 – Eating Healthy

A bad diet can sneak up on you if you’re not careful. Having a cookie here and there isn’t the worst thing in the world. It’s when you find yourself consistently eating junk and fast food that the effects of a bad diet will have immediate and long-term consequences. Obesity, tooth decay, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are just a few risks you take on when making poor eating choices. If you’re a senior aiming to improve your well-being, it all starts with giving your body the fuel it needs in the form of a healthy and balanced diet. The benefits of regularly eating healthy include
  • Boosting the immune system
  • Supporting skin, muscle, teeth, and bone health
  • Aids in digestive function
  • Helps maintain a healthy weight
  • Lowers the risk of conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers
Because good dietary choices generally help individuals avoid health issues, eating right often equates to living longer. We keep this in mind here at McCrite Plaza, offering up some of the most delicious and well-balanced meals made with the freshest ingredients.

#3 – Getting Good Sleep

Sleep is a bit of an unsung hero when it comes to achieving a sense of well-being. You get so much out of it by, literally, doing nothing but resting. And if you happen to be one of those individuals that is getting a regular amount of physical activity, you’ll notice that the quality of your sleep significantly improves. People that get a full night’s rest see the following health benefits
  • Decreased chance of getting sick
  • Decreased chance of getting a serious illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes
  • Helps maintain a healthy weight
  • Boost in mood, memory, and cognitive function
  • Improved physical performance
Don’t think of sleep as time wasted. When it comes to increasing productivity and achieving a sense of well-being, a good night’s sleep is just what the doctor ordered.

#4 – Employ Health-Conscious Habits and Good Hygiene

As the past couple of years have taught us, we all need to be especially diligent about keeping ourselves safe from COVID-19 and other airborne illnesses. Yet again, prevention is the best way to stay healthy. According to the CDC, you can greatly reduce the chances of getting sick by employing the following methods
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick
  • Regularly wash hands and/or use hand sanitizer
  • Regularly disinfect the surfaces in your home
  • Stay up-to-date on vaccinations
  • Take supplements and vitamins that will boost your immune system
  • Wear a mask in public places with lots of people

We Value Healthy Living Here at McCrite

The beauty of life at McCrite is that it’s more than just a place to live – it’s a community that encourages our residents to live life to the fullest. That means giving them every option available that supports a health-positive lifestyle. Here at McCrite, we provide our residents with plenty of ways to get physical activity. They enjoy regularly scheduled exercise classes in the fitness center and scenic walks on the nearby trails. We also offer delicious and healthy cuisine options that will please even the most discerning of pallets. If you’ve been searching “senior living community near me” or “independent living near me” trying to find the perfect place for you or your loved one, then look no further than McCrite Plaza. Our retirement homes are luxurious and promote independent living, and we’re one of the few senior living communities that offer a full continuum of care. The best way to see McCrite is by taking a personal guided tour. You can contact McCrite Plaza Topeka or McCrite Plaza at Briarcliff using the contact form. Feel free to schedule a tour at either location so we can show you how McCrite enables seniors to get the most out of their retirement.