Ageing is an inevitable part of life, and while we might have been fitter and stronger in our 20s and 30s, once we hit our 60s, it’s all downhill from there!
Ok, that might have been said partly in jest. But there is a valid point to be made. The older we get, the more important it is to maintain our well-being and independence.
But for some seniors, this is easier said than done. So, how can you ensure you live your best life as you reach your golden years?
Here are some excellent ways to stay on top of your holistic health.
- Move into a Supported Independent living environment
Currently, over 30,000 Australians benefit from the provision of Supported Independent Living (SIL). So, if your current residence is not as comfortable, accessible or socially connected as you would like it to be, it is worth considering moving into a community that offers it.
Available under the National Disability Insurance Scheme, this service allows people living with disabilities to move into purpose-built, individual, or shared accommodation. The main benefit is that it enables them to live a more independent and improved lifestyle within a supportive community of other individuals who require similar support.
As it is a supported independent living environment, residents can access help with a range of daily tasks, including personal care, cleaning, cooking, and rubbish removal, if they need it.
You can find more information about SIL accommodation with United For Care here.
- Exercise on a regular basis
It is important for everyone to exercise on a regular basis, but particularly so, where possible, if you are living with a disability.
There are several ways to do this, including jogging, aqua aerobics, hand-crank cycling, and Nordic walking. You should aim for at least half an hour of moderate-intensity daily exercise.
That said, if you like the thought of playing a competitive sport, you might want to refer to the Disability Sports Australia website. They highlight a range of options in your local area, including wheelchair soccer, basketball, rugby, and power hockey, that can help you get your athletic juices flowing while also maintaining a level of social connection.
If you don’t fancy playing a sport but want to enhance your health and well-being, there are personal fitness trainers and yoga teachers who specialise in running workout classes for people with disabilities.
- Get more social interaction
Arguably, one of the most effective ways to enjoy a more enhanced level of well-being is to socialise more.
Even though some of us might be introverted by nature, we all need human contact every once in a while to stave off the threat of isolation, loneliness and depression.
For this reason, however big or small your circle is, it is a good idea to arrange catch-ups with your friends and family.
Ideally, this should be at least weekly. However, if you live a distance away from them or their work or personal commitments prevent them from meeting with you as regularly as you would like, make a point of maintaining contact with them on a regular basis through text messaging and web calls.
While this might involve going out of your comfort zone, it is a good idea to broaden your social network by taking part in activities and joining groups based around a shared interest of yours, where you might make new friends or acquaintances.
Your local council’s website should provide a detailed list of relevant events and groups in your community.
- Stimulate your brain
As you age, it is important to try to stimulate your brain as often as possible. The less you use it, the greater the risk of experiencing cognitive decline and memory loss triggered by a lack of reasoning, creativity, and problem-solving.
Stimulating your brain can involve many activities, including playing games like Scrabble, chess, or Sudoku – whether online or in person. It can also involve completing an educational qualification, learning how to play an instrument or a new language, doing jigsaw puzzles, or meditating.
Try to do a number of daily activities that tax your brain in some way, shape or form. The more you can do, the better your mind will benefit from it, and therefore, the sharper your cognitive function will be.
- Eat Healthily
We all know the benefits of eating healthily. However, doing this becomes more important as we age because providing our bodies with the nutrients they need to perform at an optional level becomes more vital.
For this reason, try to maintain a balanced diet of three meals a day that draws from the five food groups.
- Achieve Greater Financial Freedom
Maintaining well-being and independence isn’t just about your mental and physical health. It also incorporates financial freedom as well.
The greater the level of wealth you have at your disposal, the more likely you are to be able to live a self-sufficient and healthier life.
So, it is worth adopting investment and wealth generation practices as soon as possible to better set yourself up financially in later life.
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