A Holistic Guide to Senior Wellness

Lifespan, the total number of years a person lives, is a familiar concept. But another equally important concept is healthspan, or the length of time you spend in good health. In other words, lifespan is about quantity while healthspan is about quality.

The reality is that your body will go through changes over time. Your cardiovascular system may need to work harder. Your joints may feel stiffer. Your vision or hearing may not be as sharp as before. The good news is that you can influence how and why your body changes with the choices you make every day, the environment you live in and even your outlook on life.

Learning about and prioritizing changes that can increase your healthspan instead of just lifespan enables you to maintain independence, stay mentally sharp and emotionally resilient, and continue doing what you love for longer. When you build a lifestyle focused on your holistic health and wellness — a positive mindset, nourishing foods, a sense of security, social connections and regular movement — you can keep your healthspan going strong.

As each year passes, the goal isn’t simply to “get by.” By caring for your whole self — mind, body and spirit — you can shape the way you age and create a lifestyle that supports your vitality and independence.

At its core, better aging through holistic wellness can be summed up by a simple equation:

This equation is the key to your best life:

• Connection: Regular, heartfelt interaction with others gives life meaning and builds emotional resilience.
• Well-being: Caring for your body and mind through movement, nutrition for healthy aging, stress management and intellectual growth are key to staying strong mentally and physically.
• Security: Experiencing physical, emotional and financial security creates a foundation of stability and provides the peace of mind to live more fully, with less worry.

Think of this holistic formula as your blueprint for not only adding years to your life but also making those years vibrant and purposeful.

In every stage of life, relationships give our days joy. Decades of research show that social connections fuel both emotional and physical well-being. For older adults, in particular, social connections are a powerful force that drives overall health and feelings of happiness.

But connection isn’t just about surrounding yourself with other people; it’s about experiencing a sense of belonging and support. In the same way, community isn’t only a physical place but also a state of being you create through intentional actions and choices.

Tips for Creating Social Connections and Community

Try some of these simple ways to weave connection into your daily life:

Connection doesn’t happen without effort. It’s built through openness and a willingness to reach out. By choosing to make the effort, you’re giving yourself the gift of joy and a sense of belonging that makes every stage of life richer.

Each year presents an opportunity to embrace your changing body and celebrate all that it empowers you to do. Maintaining your body isn’t only about the gym or fitness classes; it’s also about reducing health risks and staying physically active for longer.

As your hair begins to turn gray and you start to see a few wrinkles, you may also notice a decline in your cardiovascular fitness, changes to your bone strength, stiffer joints, an increase in cavities and occasional forgetfulness. These changes can affect your daily life, but the good news is that you have the power to manage some of them through lifestyle choices and holistic health and wellness practices.

• Strengthening your bones, which tend to lose mass after age 50, increasing
  your risk of osteoporosis
• Maintaining mobility by keeping your muscles and joints strong and flexible

Whether you enjoy walking, attending water aerobics classes or gardening, find an activity that feels good and motivates you to show up and move.

Marti, a resident of The Terraces of Phoenix, a HumanGood Life Plan Community, understands the value of maintaining her physical strength in this stage of life. She lifts weights, attends exercise classes with friends and kicks up her heels at regular community line dancing lessons. “You feel so good. It makes a world of difference!” she says.

Implement simple strategies to stay hydrated, such as:

• Flavoring your water with a bit of lemon or your favorite tea bag
• Investing in a reusable water bottle to carry regularly
• Drinking at least one full glass of water with each meal or with your daily pills
• Getting more fluid from foods, such as watermelon, tomatoes, cucumbers and more

Ask your health care provider for specific guidance on which screenings and vaccinations  are appropriate for you. Key screenings and vaccinations often include (but are not limited to):

• Vaccines, such as flu, pneumonia and shingles
• Cancer screenings, including for cervical, breast, colorectal, lung and prostate cancer
• Cholesterol and diabetes tests
• Osteoporosis screening
• Blood pressure screening
• Dental, eye and hearing tests

By paying attention to these aspects of your physical well-being, you not only strengthen  your body today but also lay the foundation for continued independence and a higher quality of life in the years ahead.

True holistic wellness isn’t only about keeping your body strong. It’s also about nurturing your mind and spirit. When you cultivate contentment and purpose, you’re enriching your days while setting the stage for a longer and more fulfilling life.

Living With Joy and Purpose

Your mental health flourishes when life feels meaningful and purpose-driven. Consider incorporating the following strategies throughout your day to foster
a positive mindset:

• Mindfully reflecting on your day by journaling in a quiet place or simply breathing slowly in the morning sun, which can make you feel centered and more in touch with your mind and body
• Choosing purpose-driven activities, such as volunteering and helping others
• Embracing faith-based resources and events — such as prayer, meditation and faith communities — to fulfill your spiritual needs
• Experiencing the power of nature by regularly getting fresh air and exposure to green spaces to boost your mood and mental health

Maintaining Your Cognitive Health

Your brain and body thrive on stimulation and curiosity. Lifelong learning is one of the best ways to keep your mind sharp and engaged, including:

• Attending continuing education opportunities, such as lectures, language courses, speaker series and more, to stimulate your cognitive processes
• Seeing and experiencing new things to keep your curiosity alive, such as museums, theater performances and cultural events
• Engaging in activities that fortify your memory and logical thinking, such as puzzle-building, trivia nights, card games and more

To get at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night — the recommended amount for all adults — try the following strategies:

• Establish a routine, going to bed and waking up at the same time each day.
• If possible, create an ideal sleep environment with a comfortable bed and room temperature.
• Watch what you eat and drink late in the day, including avoiding alcohol and caffeinated options, such as coffee, tea, chocolate and certain supplements.
• Minimize screen time in the evening, including avoiding watching television or looking at smartphones, tablets and computers.

Engaging with nature adds another aspect to holistic wellness and is scientifically proven to play a part in controlling stress, improving your attention span and mood, and reducing the risk of cognitive issues. When you relax on the porch and take in the view, stroll around the block or get dirt under your fingernails in the garden, you create a deeper sense of connection to the world and people around you.

Danny, a resident of Westminster Gardens, a HumanGood Life Plan Community in Duarte, California, never had much of a green thumb, but as he learned to take care of his late wife’s African violets, he became inspired. He now has his own garden, where he grows vegetables and exchanges insight and advice with his gardening neighbors.

“With the time and space, I’ve started to experiment,” Danny says of his adventures in the garden. Enjoying time in nature has inspired him in ways he never expected and created a deeper sense of connection to his community.

When your basic needs — your health, peace of mind and financial stability — are cared for, you gain the freedom to flourish. Instead of worrying about what-ifs, you can focus on priorities such as building meaningful relationships, pursuing your passions and enjoying the joys of daily life.

Creating a foundation of security for senior wellness isn’t about limiting you. It’s about empowering you to live fully and fearlessly.

The Elements of a Foundation of Security

Creating true security means establishing a blend of everyday supports that provide confidence and peace of mind. Together, these elements form a foundation.

As you age, the elements that become essential include:

• The ability to handle maintenance for your home: Do you have the physical and financial ability to manage the upkeep and repairs where you live?

• Access to care if needed and emergency services when necessary: Is the care you need, whether it’s routine health care, supportive services or quick access to emergency medical response, close at hand?

• Financial security in knowing you have enough resources: Does your lifestyle create predictable costs and allow for thoughtful planning, so you can look into the future with clarity?

Technology as a Tool for Creating Security

Modern technology makes it easier than ever to support your long-term holistic wellness. With the right tools, you can build healthy routines and stay connected.

• Apps: Apps can establish and guide your daily health-related habits. These may include brain-training games, mindfulness practices, nutrition trackers, water reminders and medication management tools.

• Wearables: Consider investing in a fitness watch, health ring or medical alert device to track your physical activity and health while keeping you safe no matter where you are.

• Social platforms: Prevent loneliness and see the people you love regularly through video calling. You can also connect with old and new friends via social networking and online communities related to your interests, career and hobbies.

• Delivery services: Receive groceries, prescriptions and other essentials at your doorstep, freeing up time and energy for other events you enjoy.

A Life Plan Community: Whole-Person Wellness With Long-Term Security

For many older adults, a Life Plan Community provides the ideal  blend of independence and security. Benefits include:

• Access to care if and when you need it, so you never have to handle health challenges alone

• A low-maintenance lifestyle that frees you from worrying about home repairs, maintenance, yard work, snow shoveling and more

• Financial security with a contract that brings greater predictability to your lifestyle and care expenses, and legacy planning that protects your resources and provides peace of mind for the people you love

In addition, nonprofit Life Plan Communities often offer the security of a benevolence program that will guarantee your residence should you outlive your financial resources through no fault of your own.

To cultivate holistic well-being as you age, you need the freedom to shape your life in ways that reflect your unique needs, preferences and values. No two individuals age in the same way, and your journey is yours to define.

Thoughtfully designed Life Plan Communities promote senior wellness and improve your healthspan by creating a strong foundation of support for the life you want to live. In fact, studies have shown that residents of Life Plan Communities report significantly better health, levels of physical activity and positive perceptions of aging than their counterparts who don’t live in a Life Plan Community.

Whether you choose the support of a Life Plan Community or not, you deserve to be supported in an environment that empowers you to maintain your health by nurturing every part of who you are — body, mind and spirit.

Your best life isn’t only about living longer but also living better. With the right support, you can fill your days with vitality and purpose for a phase of life that is joyful and uniquely yours.