Retirement can mean different things for older adults. Some adults find it relaxing and fulfilling, while others experience boredom, loneliness, and a sharp, or sometimes, gradual decline in cognitive function and mental health.
Many seniors feel a sense of loss of purpose, which is usually attached to the work they used to do and the value they offered in their workplace. The negative impact of retirement can be controlled by staying physically, socially, and mentally active. One way to stay active as a retiree is by enrolling in wellness programs.
Wellness programs help you to stay active all-round; light physical activity and aerobics for your body strength and fitness, a retirement community to help you stay connected socially and recreational games and activities to juggle your brain for increased cognitive function.
Benefits of Staying Active Through Health and Wellness Programs
Let's discuss in detail the potential benefits of enrolling in exercise and wellness programs after retirement and five key ways to maximize health and wellness programs.
1. Social connection
Retirement years can be boring and lonely for seniors who don't have kids or relatives around, putting them at risk of depression and a decline in mental health. Joining an exercise and wellness program helps to fill this gap and fight depression, and keep you active after you retire. It allows you to engage in social activities and make new friends.
2. Physical strength and agility
Biology has shown that muscle wasting is a possibility when muscles are not frequently used. Staying physically active helps to prevent muscle wasting and weakness. Physical fitness and strength are important in maintaining a healthy retirement lifestyle. It improves your ability to stay independent with self-care.
Exercise and wellness programs can guide you to perform simple aerobic exercises suited for you, to help you remain active and stay fit.
3. Improved cognitive ability
Studies have proven that regular exercise causes long-term changes in the hippocampus, a structure embedded in the temporal lobe of the brain. Regular exercise induces an increase in the size of the hippocampus, which is responsible for learning and memory. Learning new skills often and engaging in other mind-stimulating activities also have this effect on the hippocampus.
The National Institute on Aging recommends guided physical activity of about 150 minutes a week.
4. Lower risk of old age diseases
Staying active after retirement can reduce the risk of developing diseases associated with old age, such as osteoarthritis, delirium, etc. Although dementia is not caused by old age, you are at a lower risk of developing it if you stay mentally active as you get older.
Staying active physically also helps you stay healthy by improving your heart health. This would also help lower your blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease.
5. Acquiring new skills
Joining an exercise and wellness program is a great way to stay active and learn new skills after you retire. Wellness programs promote fun activities such as learning how to play a musical instrument, starting a dance group, volunteer opportunities, and even opportunities to join a book club.
This way, you learn something new, express your creative side more, maintain social interaction, and age happier and healthier.
6. Improved confidence and self-esteem
Being a part of a wellness program is also a great way to improve your mental and emotional health. This, of course, has a positive ripple effect on how you feel about yourself.
Simple exercises like walking release feel-good hormones called endorphins in the brain. Learning something new and succeeding at it also definitely gives your health a boost and improves self-esteem.
7. Access to health education
Wellness programs provide access to overall health education for seniors. They may offer classes on nutrition, hygiene, general fitness, home health, and safety, and also provide answers to your questions.
5 Key Ways To Maximize Wellness Programs For a Healthy Mind and Body
Simply joining health and wellness programs is not enough. It is important to stay intentional and committed to get the best results. Here are five key ways to make the most of your wellness program.
1. Set clear goals
It is important to set clear and defined goals for your health. Talk with your doctor to see what exercises you're fit enough to do and which ones to avoid. Your doctor can help you make good decisions and define your goals.
2. Keep track of your progress in a diary
When starting your fitness and wellness program, it is advisable to choose activities with low intensity like stretch exercises, yoga, tai chi, and even simple yard work, before moving on to more intense ones like aerobic exercises and weight lifting. Keeping track of your progress will help you to stay motivated on your journey.
3. Pay attention to your nutrition and diet
Your diet plays a huge role in staying physically and mentally sharp after retirement. Poor diet and nutrition can jeopardize wellness activities in the long run. The starting point should be from what goes in your body. Also, ensure to drink a lot of water and adhere strictly to your dietary restrictions.
4. Be consistent
One way to stay disciplined and consistent with staying healthy in retirement is to join local groups. Joining a walking group or a local accountability group within wellness program communities can help seniors stay on their toes. Remember that to achieve significant results with your goals, you must be consistent.
5. Ask questions and get involved
Interact closely with your coach and do not hesitate to ask questions when in doubt about anything. Don't just leave after your routine exercises. Engage in conversations with members of the community.
Get involved in important activities to keep your mind alert and active. Getting involved can lead you to find a new hobby, passion, or purpose in life. This will renew your zest for life, help you stay active, and enjoy your retirement years to the fullest.
The importance of staying active after retirement cannot be overemphasized. Amongst other benefits, an active lifestyle improves longevity overall, gives you good ways to spend your time, and makes you happier, healthier, and stronger.
Wellness programs provide a tested guide to help you achieve more results than going solo. It's never too late to start.
