It’s almost a new year and a great time to resolve to make lifestyle changes that incorporate new and healthy activities. No matter what your age, staying active can have a positive impact on your quality of life. As you approach your golden years, there are even more benefits to reap from staying active. At The Gardens at Oasis and Oasis Dementia Care, we believe that you should enjoy every day of your journey. We are one hundred percent committed to the health and well-being of our neighbors and offer a variety of fun and engaging activities to help promote these benefits.
1. Keep your body strong.
There are so many overall health benefits that come from regular physical activity including a healthier heart, stronger bones, and better balance. Whether you choose yoga, gardening or a daily stroll, exercising for at least thirty minutes a day can help seniors keep – and even improve – their muscle tone.
2. Improve your independence.
Recent studies show that physical activity can help elderly adults maintain independence with their everyday activities. Staying active gives you the confidence to handle your daily tasks, builds your endurance and makes you feel more competent.
3. Help you manage symptoms of illness and pain.
Regular exercise and activity can help control your weight and combat diseases like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and arthritis. Plus, being active boosts good cholesterol and decreases unhealthy triglycerides to keep your blood flowing and decrease your risk of heart disease.
4. Get more energy.
Regular physical activity releases feel-good endorphins that give you drive and energy, and a greater sense of well-being. At the Oasis, we offer both indoor activities, as well as outdoor activities like raised bed gardening, golf putting, rose bush pruning to further boost energy and health.
5. Boost your mood.
In addition to helping you physically, exercise can help you emotionally by boosting your mood and relieving stress and anxiety. When you stay active, it keeps depression, sadness and anxiety at bay by stimulating the brain chemicals that can leave you feeling happier and more relaxed.
6. Sleep better.
Who doesn’t love a good night’s sleep? But as you age, your older hormones, restless mind and medications can sometimes make it a struggle to sleep well. As long as you don’t do it too close to bedtime, exercise can help you fall asleep and get a better, deeper night’s sleep.
7. Boost your brain.
Physical activity is not just about building stronger muscles, it also helps strengthen your cognitive functions and keeps your mind sharp. Exercise increases blood flow to every organ including your brain improving your ability to think clearer and multi-task.
8. Have fun!
Staying active in your golden years is important to stimulating your body, your mind and also your social life. At The Gardens at Oasis and Oasis Dementia Care, we want our neighbors to be happy, healthy and engaged. While industry standards are typically 40 hours per month of activities, we offer over 140 hours of different individual and group activities customized to our residents’ interests and cognitive levels. These activities range from planting flowers to putting golf balls, and from walking clubs to yoga sessions. All of these activities help to maintain physical health, sharpen cognitive skills, and foster the social connections for a happy and healthier you.
