How can senior citizens enrich their lives

Between and , the average U. That statistic addresses quantity, but what about the quality of those extra years? How we as family members and friends perceive and value our senior loved ones, and how they perceive and value themselves, has a major impact on their physical and emotional health.

Studies have shown that seniors with a sense of purpose are less susceptible to cognitive impairment, heart attacks, and strokes, and they are more likely to live longer.

Because they are more physically active , take better care of themselves, and are less susceptible to stress. Learning new things improves brain health. Physical activity slows and sometimes reverses physical incapacity. So what can we do to help improve quality of life for seniors and our older loved ones? Senior adults are often dismissed as no longer having as much to offer as they did when they were younger, and unfortunately, this attitude becomes adopted by the seniors themselves.

Seniors have a lot to give in terms of knowledge, love, and creativity , but they have to feel they are respected and involved to share with others. Seniors are particularly susceptible to depression. It can be caused by the loss of their child-caring role, loss of employment through retirement, a move from home to a retirement community, chronic illness or pain, death of a spouse or close friends, loss of independence, medications, disease, or cognitive impairment.

It has been proven that wisdom and old age go hand in hand, and it has been scientifically documented that wisdom comes from a balance of activity in brain regions, with life experience. Younger people benefit a lot from learning from the elders, and caring for them can be an enriching experience when seen from the perspective of other cultures.

Monika Ardelt, an associate professor of sociology at the University of Florida, have begun to study whether older really is wiser. In surveys of people in nursing homes and hospices, she found out that wisdom was positively related to their sense of well-being, even after the researchers controlled for factors like physical health, financial status and social engagement.

The frailer or closer to death people became, the greater the role wisdom played in their feelings of well-being. In African culture, there is less fear around aging, and the older generations usually live with the younger ones similar to Latins all under one roof as a big happy family. Keeping yourself intellectually active is as vital as keeping physically active.

It is a good idea to plan regular trips to the local science centers, museums, and art galleries to see what you would recall and learn new, exciting things. If your mobility is limited, you can still turn on the computer and visit different cultural institutions or watch movies and music online. Look for member of your senior center, local church or your neighbors who are interested in playing games such as poker, bridge, or billiard.

Use your free time to take care of your grandchildren or help other families in the local can also make your life more meaningful. More importantly, it could bring in extra cash if you are in need. Another way to keep you intellectually active is to use professional skills.

For example, if you used to be a teacher, it is great to read or record books for visually impaired people. He's a self-confessed tea and coffee geek who spends his free time in the garden and with his horses. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Continue your pastimes What were your favorite hobbies before getting retired — playing golf, dancing, gardening, or reading? Skip to content. Physical Activities for Seniors Physical activities provide the foundation for all other forms of senior wellness.

Here are a few guidelines to follow for senior physical activities: Seniors should participate in approximately minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week, with each session lasting about 10 minutes. For additional benefits, the total time of moderate aerobic activity can be increased to minutes per week. Seniors who experience mobility problems should engage in physical activity at least 3 times a week to improve balance and prevent falls.

Seniors should engage in muscle strengthening exercises at least 2 times per week. Elderly Activities With a Social Focus Elderly activities with a social focus are also crucial to overall wellness, especially for the maintenance of a meaningful and satisfying life.

Mental Activities For Seniors The third and final category are activities with a mental focus. The Importance of Senior Activities at American Orchards in AZ As you can see from the research cited above, participation in physical, social, and mental activities is of paramount importance to overall senior health and wellness.

Here is a brief summary of how we put this commitment into action on a daily basis at American Orchards: The physical environment of our residential facilities.

Our residents live in spaces that are designed with a perfect blend of charm, convenience, and safety. Our Heartwood Memory Care Building. This is a specialized protocol that focuses on all aspects of senior well-being, including a variety of activities for seniors with dementia. Our Soul Purpose Program.