The elderly of today have a longer life expectancy than ever before, and consequently, they must adapt their approaches to health and well-being to guarantee that each passing year offers them not just physical but also spiritual vitality. This is why many retirement communities focus on elder health in a number of different ways.
Retirement communities are shifting their focus from care to wellness while still providing residents with access to medical services, a recent poll by the International Council on Active Aging found. Sixty percent of those surveyed anticipate that by 2023, their retirement community will emphasize health and fitness. This will be achieved through the expansion of the following five types of community wellness initiatives:
- Insight and training for the future
- Exercise (led by both instructors and technology)
- Controlling epidemics through preventative measures and health education
- Preparation of nutritious meals and instruction on their use
- Young people and the elderly can connect through intergenerational initiatives.
Just a few of the ways that modern technology and time-tested methods are being integrated into elderly residents’ pursuit of health and wellness in The Colony, TX independent living communities are discussed below.
Aid of Technology
Many communities are adopting smart technology to provide a more rounded way of life. Some of the latest fitness and health innovations in retirement communities include smart lighting designed to assist residents avoid falls, timed medication dispensers, and the ability to upload individual workout routines to exercise machines. Telehealth is being adopted by communities so that its residents can have doctor’s visits remotely, via video chat.
Lower Stress
A growing trend among the elderly is to downsize and simplify their lives in order to reduce daily stresses and maximize future potential. Services like cooking, cleaning, and repairs are all taken care of by independent living communities, making life easier for their residents. Over 65s looking for hassle-free ways to see the world, spend time with loved ones, and explore new passions are discovering the senior living lifestyle.
Alternate Wellness Methods
Many elderly people are supplementing conventional medical care with alternative therapies, such as massage, meditation, and mindfulness, in an effort to better connect with their inner selves and alleviate stress. And it is no surprise that they are enjoying the benefits to a greater extent.
Massage has been shown to reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis, increase mobility, lower blood pressure, and fortify the immune system, in addition to reducing muscle and joint discomfort.
Continuous Learning
Physical activity is important, but mental exercise is just as crucial for the health of older folks. Learning a new talent or delving deeply into a new area of study has been shown to increase neurogenesis and slow down cognitive deterioration. However, the advantages of furthering one’s education extend beyond the intellectual. In addition to helping with depression and improving one’s sense of self-worth, continuing one’s education has similarly been found to be beneficial.
Since the elderly are rapidly becoming a sizable portion of the higher education population, some universities are changing their policies to better accommodate them. Larger-print syllabi and lecturers required to use microphones have been implemented. Moreover, certain states, including Texas, Florida, and Minnesota, provide older citizens with free or greatly reduced college tuition.
