PRIME TIMES | Lifestyle JULY 21, 2022 • TBR NEWS MEDIA • PRIME TIMES • PAGE B19
Maintaining a culture of wellness built on mind, body, and spirit
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ealthy aging is about more than just physical health; research continues to show that focusing on psychological and social well-being is just as important as physical well-being. A comprehensive study by the National Institute on Aging BY JOANNE LEHMANN (NIA) revealed that poor mental health, sensory function, and lack of social engagement are markers for future health problems. In contrast, seniors who engage in mental stimulation, physical activity, and social engagement create a healthy aging environment. To focus on healthy aging and maintain a high quality of life into your senior years, consider a more holistic approach to health that is made up of daily habits that have a positive impact over time. Look to the seven dimensions of wellness, developed and incorporated at Jefferson’s Ferry Senior Life Plan Community, for inspiration on where to start building healthy daily habits. The seven dimensions of wellness include beneficial practices like engaging in physical activity, socializing, fostering a spiritual connection, intellectual stimulation, emotional well-being, and vocational wellness that help harnesses interests to improve overall health as you age.
Physical wellness
Physical activity is the cornerstone of healthy aging. Research shows that physical activity can prevent or delay many health problems with age, improve muscle function, improve cognitive function, decrease depression and anxiety, and help improve sleep. Seniors are recommended to engage in moderate exercise for at least 150 minutes a week, or more intense exercise for 75 minutes a week, perform activities that strengthen muscles twice a week and work on balance three days a week. Some of the best activities seniors can engage in for physical health are walking, biking, dancing, yoga, and tai chi. Choose an activity you want to do, not feel like you have to, and committing will feel much more manageable!
Emotional Wellness
Being aware of emotions and how to express them are the foundations of emotional wellness accurately. Seniors who have established ways to handle stable emotions are more likely to cope with their stress healthily, manage their feelings, and maintain a positive outlook on life. Some of the challenges that come with aging, such as the death of a loved one, retirement, or serious illnesses, can make it difficult to maintain emotional wellness later in life leading to depression, anxiety, and other emotional conditions. Ensuring a solid foundation of emotional health can help seniors maintain a healthy outlook on life. Relieving stress, establishing boundaries, being mindful, coping with loss, and self-acceptance are ways seniors can remain happy, grounded, and balanced.
Vocational Wellness
Vocational wellness makes the most of individual strengths, talents, skills, and unique experiences. Older adults can continue to stay engaged and practice vocational wellness by using the skills and talents they have acquired throughout their lifetime to contribute to society as a mentor, teacher, or volunteer. Neighbors, friends, and family can benefit from the years of experience seniors have acquired in their vocation, while seniors benefit from the positive experience of serving others while staying connected to the talents they have developed over their years.
Environmental Wellness
Being outside in nature helps people relax and boosts feelings of happiness - this is especially important for seniors. Research has shown that being in green outdoor spaces has the potential to have a direct impact on the health and well-being of seniors; they enjoy increased feelings of connectedness and renewal. Start your day with a 15-minute walk outdoors in the sunshine to increase vitamin D levels and boost your energy, or spend time in a garden growing flowers or fresh food. Spending a little time in nature every day can have a significant impact on overall wellness.
Social Wellness
According to NIA, socialization can help seniors from falling into depression, the likelihood of which can increase
as people age. Studies have also shown that socialization among seniors can boost cognitive abilities and fight against Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Maintaining healthy social relationships is critical to aging well — keeping in contact with friends and loved ones, volunteering in your community, engaging in group fitness classes, or continuing education are all ways to foster social wellness.
Spiritual Wellness
An active spiritual life can lead to an established sense of purpose. A welcoming spiritual community can also provide an outlet for social connection. Senior spirituality can also allow you to share your life experiences and help serve as a guide for younger people on their spiritual journey. This connection and sense of meaning can relieve anxiety, lower blood pressure and improve overall heart health.
Intellectual Wellness
There is always more to learn and experience! Keeping your mind active while learning and growing as you age keeps your cognitive skills sharp and helps you feel connected to your surroundings.
Cultivating intellectual wellness is a lifelong pursuit and challenges you to seek new ways to challenge and stimulate your mind. If there is a subject you’ve always wanted to learn about, enroll in a class or check out some books from the library. Start a new hobby that requires learning a new skill, listen to podcasts, or take virtual tours of places you’d like to visit — the bottom line is never stop learning. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), the environment in which seniors live and thrive plays a pivotal role in overall healthy aging. Jefferson’s Ferry Life Plan Community offers a culture that fosters the dimensions of healthy aging. When seniors embrace wellness of the mind, body, and spirit, they can increase their quality of life and age in a healthy way.◆ Author Joanne Lehmann, LPN is the Health and Wellness Program Manager for the Independent Living Residents at Jefferson’s Ferry in South Setauket. She encourages concepts of health and wellness throughout the community and creates informative and interactive programs based on the seven dimensions of wellness. Lehmann has worked as a nurse in senior living on Long Island for 27 years.
