The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends regular physical activity for adults 65 and older. That means seniors should do aerobics, strength-building exercises, and balance-focused workouts every week. Intensity should be moderate, but vigorous activities such as hiking or jogging are allowed with a doctor's permission.
Here is where senior living fitness and wellness programs come in for older adults in retirement communities.
That said, let's discuss why staying active and healthy in retirement is essential. Let's also dive into how the best programs in Lee's Summit, MO, support these wellness goals.
Senior living executives have a significant role in the design of wellness programs. Providing a list of recommended senior exercise routines may not be enough. They must create an environment that encourages participation.
This can be a challenging task, as more than wellness amenities are needed to address the unique needs of all residents.
In addition to being engaging, a well-designed fitness and wellness program for seniors should boost their quality of life. That means when they take part in the program, they must see a noticeable improvement in their ADLs or activities of daily living.
The program should also target the various aspects of healthy aging. These include emotional, social, and intellectual dimensions.
Sharing senior fitness tips is good. However, as mentioned, fitness programs for seniors should promote holistic wellness.
When choosing a community in Lee's Summit, MO, consider how they promote socialization among seniors. Do their elderly fitness classes help residents interact with each other? Are these sessions structured to help seniors build meaningful relationships with their peers?
Effective wellness programs take a comprehensive approach. They address not only physical fitness but also cognitive function and emotional health. Brain-stimulating activities like game nights and healthy eating should complement physical workouts.
There are also emotional health-building activities. These include stress reduction techniques to ensure a well-rounded approach to senior wellness.
Also, the best-designed wellness programs empower residents. This helps them go about their days with less assistance. The more independent they are, the better their overall satisfaction and quality of life.
Like we've said before, being part of a community contributes a lot to seniors' happiness. Fitness and wellness programs provide opportunities for interaction. They also help new residents feel a sense of belonging, which allows them to adjust to their environment.
Of course, the population is the best gauge of how effective a senior fitness and wellness program is. Residents actively engaging in activities is a clear sign of a healthy community.
These residents can manage their chronic conditions. They know that working out helps prevent cognitive decline. Such seniors are also able to keep their memories sharp, considering the mental benefits of regular exercise.
Lastly, they feel less stressed overall. They're emotionally healthy as they feel a sense of accomplishment. Participating in the program not only keeps them fit but also helps them meet their emotional needs.
An exceptional senior living community makes fitness and wellness accessible for residents. Whether the resident lives in a senior apartment or a retirement community doesn't matter. They should have access to various activities that help support healthy aging.
Our activity calendar offers not only Tai Chi but also a wide range of wellness activities. We understand that no-variety workouts can discourage seniors from participating more often. Other residents with physical limitations may also feel excluded.
At Addington Place of Lee's Summit, we also highly encourage family involvement. We believe that the support of loved ones helps residents do better on their wellness journey.
Plus, we try our best to make wellness fun. After all, enjoyment should extend throughout a person's life. Working out doesn't have to be a chore when residents can view fitness as an opportunity for fun and excitement.
Starting or maintaining a regular workout routine can be challenging for older adults. This is especially true for those with health problems. Some may also worry about getting injured, or they might think that exercise is tedious.
To overcome these concerns, senior living communities must curate activities for their residents. Note that the best types of exercises for older adults include walking, water aerobics, yoga, and tai-chi. Strength-building workouts and balance boosters are also necessary for injury prevention.
Still, not all seniors can participate in these exercises. It's crucial, then, for residents to get medical clearance from their doctors before starting any exercise program. Family members can help with this.
Once they get approval, they should start slowly. Try easy chair exercises, especially if there are concerns about falling. Additionally, the staff should assist residents in preventing injury or discomfort.
A healthy and balanced diet is as important as regular physical activity for seniors. Poor nutrition can make older adults more prone to illnesses. These may include preventable conditions like the common cold, urinary tract infections, etc.
With the best fitness programs, residents' nutritional requirements have already been considered. Our residents, for example, enjoy crafted menus tailored to their dietary needs.
The meals, which residents can prepare themselves in a safe and hygienic environment, are balanced. They are portion-controlled and contain nutrients like vitamin B12 and calcium. These vitamins and minerals can help sustain energy and boost immunity.
Many assisted living centers offer senior living fitness and wellness programs. However, if you're looking for the best in Lee's Summit, MO, it's vital to choose one that naturally integrates wellness into senior living.
Addington Place of Lee's Summit offers elderly fitness classes as a standard amenity. We believe in a holistic physical, mental, emotional, and social fitness approach. That's why our activity calendar is specially created to target those wellness pillars.
Contact us to learn more about how our resident-focused programs promote an active and engaged lifestyle for seniors. You may also book a tour to check out our amenities.