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The Word: Self-Help For Older Adults
BY TIFFANY E. DIPANNI WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/SOCIALSAVVYSENIORS @TIFDIP
JUPITER – PALM BEACH COUNTY RESIDENT & BUSINESS OWNER FOUNDER OF SOCIAL SAVVY SENIORS & DIPANNI DYNAMIX
The last 18 months have been a whirlwind – especially for older adults. Long periods of isolation and interrupted daily activities have stifled their independence and affected their overall health. We learned over the past year how important it is for parents, business owners, and professionals to focus on health – body, mind, and spirit. We must also recognize the importance of self-care in our older adults, retirees, and senior citizens. Communities depend on the wisdom, knowledge, and experience of older adults.
The World Healthcare Organization (WHO) defines self-care as “what people do for themselves to establish and maintain health and prevent and deal with illness.” The WHO recognizes selfcare as a broad concept encompassing hygiene, nutrition, lifestyle, environmental factors, socio-economic factors, and more. Assure older adults that self-care is not selfish! To perform at their best, they need to feel their best. We rely on our Palm Beach County seniors to give their best while working, volunteering, caring for loved ones, or babysitting grandchildren. Let’s remind them they are worthwhile, important, valued, and needed.
Tiffany DiPanni assists older adults with self-help routines.
TIPS FOR OLDER ADULTS
One of the simplest ways to start a self-care routine is participating in a safe recreational activity connected to nature. Take a beach walk, enjoy coffee outside at sunrise, or find a local park with peaceful sounds and sights.
Regular exercise is essential and will increase your physical health and provide peace of mind. Join a local gym or virtual workout group specifically geared towards your age group to keep your mind and body stimulated. The physically better you feel, the better you will feel emotionally and mentally!
Proper nutrition is also part of self-care. The food you consume will be the fuel to keep your body going every day and can substantially impact whether you feel sluggish or energetic.
HERE ARE A FEW MORE IDEAS
Empower Your Mind – Follow your curiosity and learn a new skill, read a book, or sign up for a local continuing education class.
Connect With Others - Stay connected with friends and family – virtually or in person. It’s the best medicine for the soul. Reminisce With a Smile – Remember the good times with old photo albums and videos. Go through them by yourself or with others to warm your heart and bring you joy.
Write a Book - You have a story to tell. Why not start by writing it? Your family will appreciate your insights, thoughts, and past tales.
The only person who can take the best care of you is YOU!
Practice Mindfulness and Gratitude -Evidence shows gratitude, mindfulness, and meditation promote peacefulness and tranquility. The Word is a broad topic space for contributing writers (a.k.a the community) to share your stories of behavioral health or anything self-care related i.e. fitness, health, educational, parenting, hobbies, wellness, etc. To contribute, send your article ideas to thewell@bewellpbc.org with “The Word” in the subject line.
