Retirement can get comfortable. Sometimes, too comfortable. You could stop cooking wholesome recipes and depend on takeout and junk food. You could spend most of your day lounging indoors instead of exercising and getting fresh air. You could zoneout watching reruns of your favourite television shows instead of challenging your mind and learning new things.
If you’re not careful, you could slip into these unhealthy habits and have a hard time getting out of them. That’s why you should pick a retirement home that encourages you to do these three things:
1. Exercise
You should find a retirement home that encourages you to get moving. For instance, All Seniors Care retirement homes and assisted living facilities across the country have exercise rooms and heated swimming pools so that residents can do a long list of physical activities, including Tai Chi, yoga and aqua aerobics. Senior residences have mini-putt courses and ping pong tables so that you can burn some calories while challenging your friends. And if that wasn’t enough, they have a packed schedule of health and wellness programs that you can join to push yourself to be healthy and active.
Why does it matter? Regular exercise can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease with seniors, even if they do low-intensity activities like gardening or walking. It improves balance and bone density, lowering the risk of falls and fall-related injuries. It is also an effective way to get better sleep and stop anxious thoughts from disrupting you the moment that your head hits the pillow.
2. Eat Well
Don’t believe the myth that all nursing homes have terrible food. Many homes have invested in their dining services, making sure that residents enjoy a variety of delicious dishes prepared by a team of professional cooks.
These homes have also prioritized the healthiness of the meals. Since seniors have different dietary needs and limitations than they used to, every dish is dietician-approved before being placed on the menu.
There are lots of benefits that come with eating a wholesome, nutrient-rich diet:
- Lowers the risk of heart disease
- Lowers the risk of developing type 2 diabetes
- Prevents bone and muscle loss
- Boosts immunity
- Increases energy
3. Socialize
Loneliness is a common problem with seniors. You’re retired from work, so you don’t have a community of coworkers to see and talk to. Some of your old friendships have drifted. Your adult children visit, but they’re busy with their own careers, families, and responsibilities. If you don’t have other connections to tie yourself to, you could feel incredibly isolated.
Loneliness has a profound impact on mental health, increasing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses. That’s why you need to find a nursing home that offers lots of opportunities to socialize. Having a bevy of classes, clubs, and special events will make it easy to connect with other residents and make fast friends.
When you’re looking for a nursing home, you want to find more than a facility that will give you a nice bedroom. Pick a home that will help you flourish. There are options out there that will encourage you to be healthier and happier than you’ve been in years.