Tips for Staying Active as a Senior

Staying active as a senior, both physically and mentally, is crucial to your happiness. When it becomes hard to keep active and do the things you love, life becomes harder, depression can set in, and health problems increase. Understanding ways to help seniors stay healthy and happy is one of our goals at Senior Helpers in the Des Plains area. 

Hanging Out & Having Fun

You are never too old to hang out with friends and have a good time. Social interaction has so many positive results. Socialization is essential to mental health. It prevents depression, which can bring about, and worsen, a variety of health problems. 

As seniors age, they tend to slow down and may not engage in as many activities as they once did. Having a calendar with planned events can help. A live-in companion can drive to events, provide social interaction at home, and encourage having fun. Play online games, work on crossword puzzles, or consider taking up knitting to keep active both mentally and physically. 

Move It or Lose It

While seniors may not be as agile as they once were, getting physical is crucial. Many gyms or YMCAs offer exercise programs for seniors. YouTube has videos that are free and accessible from your home.  Water aerobics is a great way to stay fit. Keeping up your garden, even if you have to scale down, is another way to keep moving. 

Check out the local yoga center for easy on the body exercises that will help ward off arthritis and keeps joints flexible. Get together with other seniors and choose a time to go for a walk in your neighborhood. Mall walking makes strolling possible in any weather. Aging at home doesn't mean retiring from life. It means learning how to make the most of your golden years. 

Giving Back to the Community

There is no better time in life to give back then when you are older. Everyone wants to feel needed, and you are. Libraries need people to read to children or tutor adults whose first language is not English.  Hospitals and clinics need folks to be greeters and give out information. Political groups need envelope stuffers and other desk jobs done. 

See if your community has an "Adopt A Grandparent" program and connect with children who need love and support. Whenever seniors, or anyone else for that matter, helps someone else it feels good and helps take their minds off their problems. Volunteering is a great way to keep from dwelling on what you can't do and focus on what you can. 

Help Staying Active as a Senior

Senior Helpers is committed to helping seniors age in place while living healthy, happy, and productive lives. We can help with daily activities such as cleaning, leaving you the energy you need to get out and socialize or exercise. We provide senior companionship or around the clock care, depending on what the situation calls for. 

At Senior Helpers, we understand the importance of aging in place and staying active as a senior. Contact us and let us help make that possible.  Contact us and let us help make that possible.