Are you ready to renew your commitment to wellness?
As a member of Marion, Ohio's beloved senior community, you owe it to yourself to live a long, healthy life. This city offers plenty of space and vibrant green spaces to enjoy everything from light stretching to picnics on the grass.
Even better, wellness month is right around the corner! The month of August is entirely dedicated to wellness. Explore a new activity like painting or discover healthy recipes.
Importantly, this month is an opportunity to kickstart lifelong changes to ensure a happier golden years. Take note of the following healthy aging routines to start the month off strong.
One of the cornerstones of wellness is movement. Low-impact exercises are a fantastic way to maintain physical wellness without putting undue stress on your joints. These physical activities are designed to enhance:
Wellness month is an opportunity to incorporate daily exercises to maintain an active and independent lifestyle.
Remember, before starting any new exercise program, consult with your doctor. Any underlying health conditions can affect your routine. Listen to your body (and medical professionals) to find activities you genuinely enjoy without overexerting yourself.
This wellness month, start with a pledge to boost your cardiovascular health!
Walking is the easiest (and most effective) way to start. Light stretching will also improve your balance, allowing you to walk greater distances for longer. Team up with a walking buddy or allow your family to track your location via smartphones.
Marion's scenic parks offer plenty of fresh air and scenic backdrops for a gentle stroll. Even a short walk around the block can invigorate your body to improve bone density. Consider incorporating gentle inclines for an added (soft) challenge as you progress.
Swimming and water aerobics are highly recommended to strengthen senior joints, according to UW Medicine. The buoyancy of the water supports the body while reducing impact, providing the natural resistance needed for a full-body workout.
"Walking in Water" is a type of water aerobics that offers additional joint support when walking on hard ground feels too strenuous. This involves taking gentle walks in the pool; the water still cushions the joints while providing enough resistance for a beneficial workout.
Improving your flexibility will allow you to do even more senior-friendly exercises during wellness month and beyond.
Incorporate gentle yoga into your routine. Start with light stretches, gradually leading up to more dynamic poses. Yoga can improve:
If standing poses are challenging, try "chair yoga" instead. This low-impact exercise offers the benefits of gentle yoga with extra support. You can also discover chair yoga classes at senior living communities like DeWolfe Place Assisted Living.
Other chair-based exercises include:
Next is Pilates. This exercise type also has senior modifications for low-impact routines. Similar to yoga, pilates strengthens core muscles to improve posture and balance.
Tai Chi is one of the most popular senior exercises. You could describe it as "meditation in motion." This practice involves slow and deliberate movements, creating a sense of flow.
Movements improve:
The gentle nature of Tai Chi fits nearly all fitness levels.
Talk to your doctor about senior strength training. This usually involves light weights or resistance bands to target the main muscle groups. Building and maintaining muscle mass is vital for preventing falls and preserving your independence.
Marion, OH, has many parks with open green spaces perfect for light senior exercise. Such serene settings also promote relaxation and a much-needed connection with nature.
A study from Penn State found that spending time in nature can improve health outcomes for seniors. Engaging in activities like "forest bathing" and talking about these experiences can also strengthen a sense of purpose in older adults.
Consider the Marion Tallgrass Trail. This park features a 12.4-mile paved trail, ideal for light walking for seniors or simply moments of tranquility. The various accessibility features help bridge that connection to nature comfortably.
Rest assured, there are plenty of convenient benches for taking breaks and accessible restrooms.
Garfield Park, a city park, features shelter houses with grills and picnic tables in shaded areas. It's a lovely spot for a healthy picnic during wellness month.
Sawyer-Ludwig Park is another space with senior-friendly walking trails and inviting picnic areas. Measuring at 57.5 acres, there's plenty of space to discover a quiet spot for an afternoon outing with family.
Pleasant Township Park is a must-visit if you're a birdwatcher. Bring your binoculars and bird species guide. You could even take this opportunity to connect with a birdwatching group.
Quarry Park is the ultimate spot for fishing, as well as a quiet escape for a gentle walk among nature.
What better way to celebrate Wellness Month than with a delightful picnic in one of Marion's beautiful parks? Remember to focus on simple, nutrient-rich foods that are both appealing and offer a variety of textures.
For example, lean proteins help sustain energy on warm summer days in the park. Consider hearty and refreshing chicken salad lettuce wraps. Pair crisp lettuce with lean grilled chicken and light mayonnaise for a delicious low-carb lunch.
Hard-boiled eggs are easily portable and packed with protein. Serve them with simple salt and pepper, or whip up yummy deviled eggs for a nostalgic treat everyone will love.
Tuna salad is another good choice for a wellness-minded picnic. You can also serve these as crisp lettuce wraps. It's also delicious served in bell pepper boats.
Wellness month is your chance to reignite a passion for wellness, whether it's low-impact exercise in the park or a new low-carb menu. Start planning your itinerary for the month; include milestones that you can commit to for years to come.
The community at DeWolfe Place Assisted Living is an all-in-one wellness option that provides nutritious dining, emotional wellness tips, and light exercise. We're dedicated to healthy aging support in Marion through a suite of senior programs that fit all activity levels.
Reach out to us today to learn more about assisted living health habits.