National Wellness Month for Seniors: Healthy Aging in Oklahoma City
What do breathtaking waterfront dining and dazzling sunsets have in common? For residents in Oklahoma City, OK, they're part of the shared experience of living near Lake Hefner. That means seniors can celebrate National Wellness Month in a town filled with scenic beauty and countless opportunities to explore the world around them.
From parks with walking trails to cooking courses -- both in person and online -- there's no shortage of ways older adults can incorporate healthy lifestyle tips into their daily routine. This helpful guide explains how to eat well, connect with loved ones, and boost both mental and physical well-being, not just during National Wellness Month, but all year long.
Focus on Healthy Eating
One of the best senior wellness ideas is to eat a balanced diet, especially if you have any underlying health conditions. This includes:
- High cholesterol
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Osteoporosis
Use National Wellness Month to kick off healthy aging in Oklahoma by implementing some small changes that you can incorporate all year long. These don't have to be major lifestyle changes; you can start slowly.
For example, you may want to consider taking a cooking class, either in-person or online. You can look for courses that focus on a specific type of diet plan, especially if you're aiming to reduce your sugar intake, increase your intake of lean protein, or adopt a plant-based diet.
As with any type of lifestyle change, always consult your physician or speak with a nutritionist or dietitian. Your local senior center might have free or low-cost options to speak with a nutritionist, so don't hesitate to reach out.
Get Out and Move
Other senior-friendly wellness tips include staying active -- and it can be as simple as going for a walk with a friend. What's great about this is you're benefitting from fresh air and good company while also taking steps (literally!) toward improving your overall physical health.
For example, you might want to visit Martin Park Nature Center to get in some daily steps. Just be sure to follow a few safety precautions before taking a walk:
- Whenever possible, walk with a friend
- Ensure someone knows where you are at all times
- Bring plenty of water
- Wear sunscreen (and pack extra!)
- Bring a towel or chair to sit
- Dress for the weather
- Wear a hat for sun protection
- Always carry your phone with you
- Avoid walking when it's dark
- Wear reflective clothing
If you want to make a day of it, consider packing a lunch and having a picnic in the park. You can turn this into a family-friendly summer activity and invite your children and grandchildren to join you, taking advantage of improved mental and physical health at the same time.
Meet Up With Loved Ones
Active living for older adults includes spending time with friends and family, and National Wellness Month is an excellent time to coordinate some meet-ups. You can go out to dinner or have them over to your home; it doesn't have to be anything fancy.
If you're not in the mood to cook, that's okay. You can order takeout or turn your gathering into an impromptu potluck. Ask everyone to bring their favorite appetizer or dessert, and split the responsibility of preparing food.
If you're far from loved ones, you can still spend time with them. Consider writing letters or emails, or jumping on a video chat. Emotional wellness is a vital part of overall wellness, so be sure to connect with those you love in whatever way possible.
Take Up a New Hobby
Is there something you've been meaning to try but keep putting off? Whether you're benefitting from assisted living health support or live alone, there's no time like the present to dive into a new activity.
The good news about hobbies is that you don't have to be a pro. All you need to do is pick something that interests you and, if possible, offers opportunities to connect with others.
Some hobbies include:
- Book clubs
- Crocheting
- Knitting
- Cooking
- Walking
- Pottery
- Painting
- Drawing
- Writing
- Gardening
- Gaming
Look for opportunities to connect with others in your area. Are there any local chess groups? What about walking clubs?
No matter what you do, what matters is that you're trying and having fun with local activities and events.
For seniors with mobility issues, there are still plenty of incredible hobbies from home. For example, you might start a garden using raised flower beds or find online hobby groups. Be mindful of online security to protect yourselfwhen interacting with different groups and organizations.
Try Some Light Stretching
You don't have to be a full-fledged yogi to appreciate light stretching. Every day, make some time to focus on improving flexibility and coordination.
You can incorporate this into your morning routine, but be mindful of how your body feels. The second something hurts, stop whatever you're doing.
It's also a good idea to contact your doctor ahead of time to inquire about the best stretches. You don't want to risk aggravating an old injury or causing a new one, and your doctor has the expertise to determine what works best for your specific needs.
You can also look into local group fitness classes. This might be at your local senior center or YMCA. Ask some friends if they'd like to attend with you, or consider venturing out and making new friends in the process!
Make the Most Out of National Wellness Month All Year Long
Although National Wellness Month is a great time to jump-start your healthy lifestyle, it's essential to incorporate these wellness tips and tricks into your daily routine all year long. Remember that what matters is progress, not perfection, so make small but sustainable strides to improve your overall health.
At Morada Lake Hefner, we specialize in boutique-style senior living in the heart of Oklahoma City. That means our residents receive personalized care infused with local charm, all while enjoying a holistic approach to wellness throughout the year. Contact us today to learn how your loved one can thrive in a vibrant, close-knit community just steps from the scenic beauty of Lake Hefner.