Protective Factors That Support Senior Well-Being in Gilbert, AZ
Almost two-thirds of Americans age 30 and older are concerned about poor health and cognitive decline as they age, according to a recent survey by the National Opinion Research Center. A loss of function isn't inevitable.
You can continue to enjoy the iconic natural beauty, boutique shopping, and cultural events in Gilbert, AZ, for years to come.
Protective factors help seniors in Gilbert, AZ, build resilience, reduce risks, and maintain emotional, mental, and physical well-being as they age. Learn more about these protective factors and how you can develop them in your life.
Maintaining Connections with Others
Staying socially connected protects against a range of problems, including depression, anxiety, and declining physical health. Having positive relationships may even protect against dementia, according to a geriatrician at the Mayo Clinic.
How to Develop Social Connections as We Age
Older adults sometimes struggle to maintain friendships as people they're close to move, pass away, or lose function. Staying connected to old friends and making new ones is well worth the effort.
Senior centers and senior living communities offer a wide range of activities, classes, and outings. You can meet people with similar interests in a structured environment, making the first interactions easier.
If you have hearing aids, be sure to use them. Hearing loss is a common cause of social isolation. Properly fitted hearing aids help you stay active in conversations and gatherings.
Volunteering is an excellent way to connect with others. Seniors who volunteer regularly report feeling less isolated and in better health. You can find volunteer opportunities through local schools, your favorite charity, and religious organizations.
Keeping Your Mind Active
Staying mentally active promotes good cognitive health. You can challenge your brain in a variety of ways.
Reading and Writing
Reading and writing are accessible ways to keep your mind active. You can benefit from building relationships as well by joining a book club or reading to grandchildren over video chat.
Writing letters, cards, or emails boosts your brain activity. Many people enjoy journaling, which activates your brain while you write and gives you a way to look back on the events and people that shape your life.
Crossword Puzzles and Other Games
Crossword puzzles are the first activity for cognitive health that comes to mind for many people. As UCLA Health reports, doing crossword puzzles regularly can improve memory, focus, and attention.
Number puzzles like Sudoku may also support good cognitive function.
Computerized brain games, like phone apps and websites, can be beneficial for memory and brain processing speed. They can improve executive function, which is your ability to plan, focus, and manage multiple tasks.
Jigsaw puzzles exercise several cognitive abilities, including:
- Visual perception
- Mental rotation
- Cognitive speed and flexibility
- Visual scanning
- Perceptual reasoning
- Working and episodic memory
Doing jigsaw puzzles can boost your mood as well as your cognitive health. You can join a puzzle group and benefit from the social interaction as well.
Hobbies and Activities
Working to improve your skills in an existing hobby or trying a new activity helps keep your brain sharp. Senior centers and senior living communities offer classes allowing you to maintain the skills you have and develop new ones.
Staying Physically Active
The CDC reports that physical activity is a protective factor against anxiety, high blood pressure, dementia, some types of cancer, and heart disease. For the most protective benefits, try to incorporate aerobic activity, strength training, and balancing exercises.
Be sure to consult your healthcare provider about the types of activities that suit your situation the best.
Aerobic Exercise
Aerobic exercise uses your large muscle groups and increases your heart rate. The CDC recommends 75 to 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity each week.
Low-impact activities like swimming, rowing, and walking are often a good fit for older adults.
Strength Training
Strength training builds muscle. You can do bodyweight exercises, like squats, or use resistance bands or dumbbells. Aim for two strength training sessions each week.
You can work with a personal trainer or fitness coach if you want more guidance on which exercises to do and how to do them properly.
Balance Exercises
Balance exercises can help you avoid falls. You may want to start with relatively simple movements like standing on one leg or walking heel-to-toe.
Tai chi is a series of gentle, flowing movements that improve balance and strength. Classes are often available at senior centers or local fitness clubs.
Practicing Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a practice that involves paying close attention to the present moment and becoming aware of your feelings and experiences in a non-judgmental way. Studies suggest that mindfulness helps prevent depression and anxiety while improving cognitive health.
It may even boost immune function. You can choose from a variety of mindfulness exercises to try, including:
- Breathing exercises
- Guided meditation
- Body awareness exercises
- Five senses exercise
- Mindful seeing
- Mindful walking
- Mind mapping
- Journaling
Yoga and tai chi can help you practice mindfulness while engaging in physical movement. You can find more information about mindfulness exercises online or from classes at a senior center or senior living community.
You can practice simple mindfulness exercises anywhere. Getting outdoors is often especially beneficial. For more structured mindfulness practice, try to find a quiet, distraction-free space.
Aim to practice mindfulness daily to build the habit of living in the moment and accepting yourself without judgment.
Increase the Protective Factors in Your Everyday Life
Protective factors help older adults in Gilbert, AZ, maintain emotional, mental, and physical well-being. Maintaining social connections, staying mentally and physically active, and practicing mindfulness are factors that support your holistic health.
Pebble Ranch Senior Living is designed to enhance the protective factors influencing your well-being. Our Vibrant Life program includes seven aspects of wellness.
You can choose your own schedule from the many activities, classes, and outings we offer. You have the opportunity to make new friends and get to know existing ones better through structured activities as well as casual meetings for coffee or a dip in the pool.
Schedule a tour of Pebble Ranch Senior Living to see how our assisted living community can help you thrive.