As we get older, wellness becomes more important. Beyond reducing health risks, it can mean being there for your grandchild, passing down knowledge and traditions, and not becoming a burden to your family. And achieving optimal well-being is easier than you think.
Getting healthier doesn’t require a complete overhaul. It can mean adding low-impact movements to your lifestyle, switching out certain foods, engaging in mental activities, maintaining preventive habits, and connecting with loved ones. This article will outline what you can do to feel better and be there for your family.
Movement That Fits Your Lifestyle
Physical activity doesn’t have to mean big workouts at the gym. Gentle options like swimming, walking, chair yoga, and tai chi are easy on the joints, while also improving brain health, reducing falls, and helping you stay independent longer. Here are some tips to get started:
- Take a 10-minute walk: Choose a level area that offers scenic views. In time, if you feel ready, try moving on to a slightly more impactful hiking activity.
- Chair Yoga: You can even do this while watching TV. Try spinal twists, gentle neck stretches, and shoulder rolls to start.
- Go Swimming: If you are motivated to move on to a more structured workout, swimming or aqua aerobics are recommended, as they target the entire body and provide gentle resistance.
Nourishing the Body
Considering vegetable consumption is more important over the age of 51, eating healthier should be a part of your routine- and it doesn’t have to mean deprivation. Depending on your current intake, switching out certain foods for better alternatives may be all you need. For example, you may:
- Replace high-fat, processed foods with ones that are rich in vitamins and fiber
- Supplement your current diet with vitamins and minerals
- Drink plenty of water, as it boosts satiety and fights dehydration, a common risk in older adults
Protecting Your Mind
Cognitive decline is a real risk for older adults, but you can fight it by engaging in stimulating activities, as follows:
- Visit the Neighbors or Volunteer: In a study of over 7,000 adults 65+, higher social engagement, such as visiting neighbors or volunteering, was linked to better cognitive health later in life.
- Learn a New Skill: Learning a new skill may matter more than passive socializing. According to research from the National Institute on Aging, older adults who took up quilting or digital photography showed greater memory improvement than those who only socialized.
- Sleep Hygiene: Sleep helps the brain clear metabolic waste, moves memories from short-term to long-term memory, and may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Nurturing Connection and Purpose
Wellness isn’t only physical. Staying emotionally connected is just as important and is one of the most researched benefits of grandparenthood. According to Boston College research, close relationships between grandparents and adult children lead to fewer depressive symptoms in both generations, with the amount of emotional support exchanged mattering more than favors or financial help.
The same research found that staying functionally independent, rather than being cared for, was associated with better psychological health among grandparents. In other words, staying well wasn’t just about receiving care; it was about showing up and contributing.
So how can older adults remain involved? Here are some valuable tips:
- Schedule Connections: Put regular visits, including video chats, phone calls, and in-person connections, on your schedule so they don’t get missed. Consistency is more important than duration.
- Say Yes to Being Needed: Whether it’s advice, picking up a grandchild from school, or sharing a favorite recipe, staying useful improves wellbeing.
- Find Low-Pressure Ways to Bond: Sharing hobbies, going on walks, and even buddying up at the gym combine connection with movement, making your time together even more beneficial.
Preventative Care as a Habit
According to a PubMed study, fewer than half of older adults (33% of women and 40% of men) are up to date on all recommended preventative care services. However, screening and checkups can have a meaningful impact on health. It catches conditions early on, saving money and stress in the long run.
Consider building a simple annual checkup calendar that includes:
- Vision: Annual eye exams can catch glaucoma or cataracts before symptoms appear
- Hearing: A yearly hearing check helps address changes early, before they affect communication
- Dental: Twice-yearly cleanings protect against issues linked to heart health and nutrition
- Bone Density: Screenings help assess fracture risk and catch osteoporosis early
Making Wellness Investments Manageable
The treatment gap is a real issue, with various contributing factors. However, cost typically plays a role. Even with Medicaid, VA benefits, or Medicare Advantage stacked together, gaps remain, especially in dental, vision, and hearing, since coverage varies widely by state and plan type.
That’s where a payment plan comes in. It allows you to spread medical payments over time, making them more manageable. And most offer limited-time, interest-free periods so expenses don’t accrue.
Getting started is easy. You can apply online, typically without a hard credit check, for instant approval and get the care you need right away.
Small Habits, Big Impact: A Weekly Starter Plan
While small habits allow you to live healthier with minimal effort, they can fly under the radar and, before you know it, become difficult to maintain. It may be helpful to create a simple checklist with one habit a day. Here’s what it can look like:
- Monday: Walk
- Tuesday: Eat a recommended serving of veggies
- Wednesday: Visit doctor for screening
- Thursday: Visit the neighbors
- Friday: Drink a full bottle of water
If you wish, you can begin hitting larger goals over time. However, consistency should pay off no matter how much you want to push yourself.
Achieving Golden Year Wellness
Achieving wellness as an older adult doesn’t have to mean changing your life. It can start with a series of small, consistent choices that add up over time. And with a payoff like being there for important moments, it’s definitely worth the investment.
What healthy habit will you get started with?
