Adopting a Healthy Self Care Routine for Seniors

It is common for older adults to prioritize caring for other people—their children, grandkids, etc. As we age, we tend to want to give our attention to the needs of family and friends. It can be fulfilling and worthwhile to care for others, but it’s important to leave room to care for ourselves too, especially as we age. According to a study by Birchbox, only 39% of men say they consistently make time for self-care while only 32% of women do. There are many benefits to adopting a healthy self care routine.

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Self care is not just having a spa day occasionally or treating yourself to ice cream every once in a while. It encompasses taking the time to do things every day that benefit us physically, mentally, and emotionally. There are many benefits of engaging in a self care routine such as reducing stress and anxiety, improving sleep, increasing happiness and improving energy.

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Here’s how you can incorporate self care into your daily routine:

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Exercise
Engaging in regular exercise is extremely important and comes with plenty of physical and mental benefits. Even one 20-30 minute walk a day can increase energy levels and enhance sleep and concentration. Also, getting fresh air outside and vitamin D from the sun has many advantages for our immune system and our mental health.

‍Pick up a Hobby
‍Once we retire, our schedules begin to open up. Spending free time pursuing a hobby is a great way to practice self care. It may not seem like it, but hobbies can have a substantial positive impact on your mental health. Join a book club, sign up for a yoga class, grow a garden, learn how to make jewelry, you name it. The options to relax and give your life a sense of purpose are endless.Practice MeditationTaking as little as 5-10 minutes a day to meditate is an incredible way to deal with stress, increase patience and manage negative emotions. Clearing your mind and focusing on the present can lower the risk of depression and give you a productivity boost.

‍Take Care of Your Skin
‍It’s important to continue a skincare routine as you age. Washing and moisturizing your face every day keeps it healthy and glowing. Keeping up the sun protection and wearing sunscreen every day is also key to healthy and happy skin.

‍Eat Healthily
‍Something as simple as eating healthy is a big act of self care. An unhealthy diet can be detrimental to both your physical and mental health. Getting plenty of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats from foods like fruits and vegetables can provide energy and strength. Don’t forget to hydrate, too. Seniors should drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water a day.

‍Spend Time with Loved Ones
‍When we get older, it can be easy for feelings of loneliness to creep up. This can take away energy and motivation to take care of yourself. Taking time out of your week to spend time with family and friends—even if it’s just a simple call—can really boost your mood. At Shannondale, we prioritize our residents’ physical, mental, and emotional health by providing tools they can use when adopting a health self care routine. Shannondale Independent Living offers fitness programs, an indoor pool and a full slate of social events. Residents of Assisted Living have access to activity rooms, scheduled social events and a sunroom for reading, socializing or relaxing. The Health Care Center has social activities and a beauty salon. Lastly, The Lodge has a library of books for reading, a fitness center and an indoor pool and jacuzzi. Our residents love taking advantage of all these amenities that assist them in their self care routines.

Check out what else Shannondale has to offer here.