Wellness Month at Discovery Commons Brookfield

Have you wondered if there's a holiday to celebrate health and wellness? You're in luck; August is Wellness Month -- an entire month of learning about tips and tricks to care for your physical and mental health and well-being. 

For seniors in Brookfield, WI, overall wellness is more important than ever. As you grow older, engaging in healthy aging activities and participating in senior wellness programs are vital for maintaining an active and fulfilling lifestyle.

Are you considering how best to celebrate Wellness Month while living in a senior community? Read on to discover healthy activities focusing on memory care enrichment, specifically tailored for seniors.

Find an Exercise-Related Hobby

Keeping your body in shape is essential in your senior years.Older adults face age-related issues, such as: 

• Arthritis and other joint-related problems
• Osteoporosis 
• Heart disease
• Type II diabetes and diabetic retinopathy
• Hearing loss
• Dementia
• Digestive issues
• Cancer
• Oral health problems 

Many of these can be managed through a consistent exercise routine. Here are some ideas for activities you can do that promote better physical health and cater to seniors' limitations and abilities. 

Hiking

When you picture hiking, you may think of someone scaling Half Dome at Yosemite or climbing Mount Everest. The good news is, hiking can be as simple as exploring a nearby trail at a leisurely pace. 

Hiking is almost always more enjoyable with friends. It also has the added advantage of safety, as there will be people to contact relevant authorities if there is an accident. 

Encourage friends and family to go hiking with you.Gauge interest in your senior living community by putting up flyers or asking others in person if they would be interested in starting a hiking club. 

Pickleball 

Pickleball has seen a meteoric rise in popularity over the last few years, and it is easy to see why. The sport is similar to tennis, but more forgiving for players with less experience and more limitations. 

Many local fitness centers have areas and time slots specifically reserved for pickleball. As a bonus, the sport doesn't require costly equipment; you can find pickleball starter kits at major retailers that are suited for any budget. 

Water Aerobics 

Water activities are especially beneficial for seniors because they promote better joint health and do not put as much stress on the body. Water aerobics provides many of the same benefits as regular aerobics classes without the added strain on your joints and muscles.

Check if your local fitness center offers water aerobics classes. Courses geared specifically for seniors may focus on combating symptoms of arthritis and modifying movements to make them easier for older bodies. 

Zumba

If you enjoy dancing, Zumba might be the ideal workout for you. Zumba uniquely combines aerobics with dance elements, allowing you to have fun while getting a good workout.

Best of all, Zumba is low-impact, so you do not have to worry about putting undue pressure on your muscles and joints. 

Stimulate Your Mind

Assisted living support for a satisfying lifestyle doesn't just involve your physical health. Maintaining cognitive function is just as important for your overall health and well-being.

Listen to Audiobooks

With a busy lifestyle, finding time to read can be difficult. Audiobooks are a suitable option if you enjoy reading on-the-go, or while you're doing other activities. 

For visually impaired seniors, audiobooks can act as a lifeline for establishing a consistent reading habit. You can listen while:

• Crafting
• Cleaning
• Taking a walk
• Exercising 

Visit your local library to explore membership options. Many libraries offer audiobooks as part of their member benefits. You can borrow audiobooks for free, like you would any other library book. 

Try Crossword Puzzles 

Crossword puzzles are an excellent way to stimulate your brain and acquire new knowledge. According to Harvard Health, regularly completing crossword puzzles may lead to memory improvement and thinking skills. 

Consider downloading a crossword app for your smartphone or tablet to easily erase letters and receive hints for tough clues.

If you are trying to limit your screen time, you can purchase crossword puzzle books at any local convenience store or order them online. They cater to a variety of skill levels, and many have themes based on certain types of knowledge. 

Take Care of Your Mental Health

Mental health can have just as much impact on your overall well-being as physical ailments. Mental health issues can make it challenging, or even impossible, to complete daily tasks and live an active, meaningful lifestyle.

Work With a Therapist

Despite being out of the workforce, retirement years can present many stressful challenges for seniors. Meeting with a therapist may be beneficial if you find it challenging to cope with major changes. 

Try Meditation

Meditation is an effective way to practice mindfulness by centering your thoughts and living in the present. Try practicing meditation on your own, or use an app or guided meditation if you are a beginner. 

Write Down Your Thoughts

Getting your words out on paper can be extremely therapeutic. Even if you do not feel comfortable discussing your worries or fears with others, writing them down in a journal can provide substantial benefits.

Make a habit of journaling. Try journaling before bed or first thing in the morning when your thoughts are fresh. You can set intentions for the new or review the events that occurred in the evening. 

Celebrate Wellness Month at Discovery Commons Brookfield

One of the perks of Wellness Month is that the healthy habits developed during August can last; with proper implementation, you can incorporate them into your daily life, improving both your emotional and physical well-being.

At Discovery Commons Brookfield, our mission is to provide residents with the level of care and quality of life they deserve. Our dedicated staff ensures residents have access to a wide variety of enriching amenities, including chef-prepared meals, exclusive activities and events, and concierge services. 

Are you ready to transition to Discovery Commons Brookfield? Reach out to us today to learn more about our community, or visit us at our location in Brookfield, WI, to experience it in person. We can't wait to meet you!