Wellness Activities for Adults in Sheboygan That Support Healthy Aging

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 24.3% of seniors aged 65 and older are in fair or poor health. The leading causes of death among seniors are heart disease, cancer, and stroke. Improving your mental, physical, and emotional health may reduce your risk of these conditions while improving your quality of life.

To enhance your health while living in Sheboygan, WI, consider adding these wellness activities for adults to your routine. With these tips, you can enjoy a happy, healthy life while aging. Make a positive change today!

Healthy Aging WI

According to the American Osteopathic Association, 54% of Americans rate their overall health and wellness as good. Another 17% rate it as excellent. However, the majority (42%) say their physical health needs the most improvement.

To improve your physical health, consider your:

Diet and hydration
Exercise routine
Stress management
Sleep schedule

Here are a few tips for healthy aging in WI.

Active Lifestyle Seniors

Moderate physical activity can benefit your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Adults should aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity weekly, according to the American Heart Association.

Choose exercises that improve your strength, mobility, and balance. You can discover fitness classes through your senior living community's wellness program. Effective exercises for seniors include:

Using a wobble board
Walking heel-to-toe
Fall prevention exercises
Lifting weights
Bodyweight exercises
Walking
Yoga
Cycling
Swimming
Water aerobics
Pickleball
Stretches

Aging causes muscle mass loss, which can affect mobility and daily functioning. Try lifting weights twice a week. Consult a physical trainer to use the proper form to avoid injuries.

Explore different exercise classes alongside other seniors in Sheboygan. Exercising together can encourage everyone to participate regularly. Regular exercise may help:

Boost immunity
Improve your mood
Lower your risk of eight cancers
Prevent bone loss
Improve sleep quality
Lower blood pressure
Prevent chronic diseases
Reduce the risk of weight gain
Ease feelings of anxiety and depression
Relieve osteoarthritis pain
Reduce risk of dementia and Alzheimer's
Help you live independently longer

Recharge and Relax

Sleep can improve your mental and physical well-being. Adults need seven to nine hours of sleep a night to function during the day.Getting adequate sleep may help:

Enhance emotional regulation and improve your mood
Boost immune responses
Improve your memory, learning, and focus
Increase energy and daytime alertness
Increase muscle recovery and tissue repair rates
Reduce the risk of chronic diseases
Balance metabolism and appetite

Consult a doctor if you struggle to fall and stay asleep. They can determine if you have an underlying condition. Otherwise, try improving your sleep hygiene by:

Sticking to a consistent sleep schedule
Minimizing naps
Adjusting your sleep environment
Avoiding alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine before bed
Exercising during the day
Avoiding screens 30 minutes before bed

Consider moving into a senior living community to improve your sleep environment. Keep the room cool, block out light, and minimize noise.

Otherwise, try using relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises. Meditation and journaling before bed may help you drift off.

Eat Nutritious Meals

Eating nutritious whole foods may reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases. To improve your diet, try:

Getting enough protein to maintain muscle mass
Consuming a mix of nutrients
Choose foods with little to no added saturated fat, sodium, and sugar
Drinking more water
Turning eating into social events
Taking supplements

Consult your doctor to determine if you have a vitamin deficiency. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your dietary needs.

For delicious, nutritious meals, explore your senior living community's dining program. Invite friends to enjoy meals with you. Eating together can encourage you all to make healthier decisions.

Emotional Wellness Tips

According to the National Council on Aging, depression affects over 21 million Americans annually. Symptoms include:

Changes in appetite
Weight loss or gain
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Feeling guilt or worthlessness
Low energy/fatigue
Trouble sleeping
Ongoing sadness or apathy

If you experience these symptoms, consult a doctor. You can also apply these emotional wellness tips to improve your emotional resilience.

Support Groups

Consider joining a local support group if you're struggling with a chronic illness or grief. You can share personal stories and express your feelings. Lean on members of your community to navigate your emotions and complex situations.

Joining a support group may help you:

Feel less alone or judged
Ease anxiety and depression symptoms
Talk honestly about your feelings
Cope with challenges
Gain a sense of empowerment or hope
Get practical feedback
Learn about a disease
Stay motivated
Gather resources

You can find support groups through your local senior living community or online.

Journaling

Journaling can help you process thoughts and feelings, leading to better emotional resilience. It may help:

Relieve stress
Improve memory
Fight depression and anxiety symptoms
Achieve goals
Boost creativity
Improve sleep quality
Improve emotional intelligence
Encourage self-reflection and awareness
Improve mood
Improve self-worth

Try developing a gratitude practice. Write down three things you're grateful for each day.

Senior Engagement Ideas

Explore your local Sheboygan assisted living community for more senior engagement ideas. Here are a few that can benefit your mental health.

Hobbies

You can discover fun activities through your community's events and activities calendar, such as:

Gardening club
Book or film club
Volunteering opportunity
Dance classes
Arts and crafts
Photography
Birdwatching
Woodcarving
Exercise classes
Painting or drawing
Hiking or walking clubs
Fishing
Yoga

Engaging in hobbies can ease stress and improve cognitive function.Ask friends to join you. Participating alongside friends can give you a sense of belonging while boosting your mood.

Aging Support Sheboygan

Explore your assisted living community's wellness programs for additional aging support. Their services will allow you to maintain your independence while ensuring you receive assistance when needed.