The kids are grown. You’ve punched your last clock at the office. Now that you have a moment to reflect, it’s clear you’ve spent the better part of the last few decades taking care of everyone and everything. Round of applause for you. You got it done.
It’s great to be footloose and fancy free now, but there is still someone who requires your focus and loving attention. In case you are looking around and wondering who that might be, check out the mirror.
It’s you.
Self-care is important at any age but for seniors it is critical. And don’t confuse self-care with selfishness. Looking after yourself is not only both life affirming and enhancing, it is also the best gift you can give to your loved ones. Your continued health and independence are a bonus for everybody.
Practicing regular self-care routines reaps benefits like:
· Improved physical and mental health
· Increased independence and feelings of self-worth
· Improved social connections
What constitutes self-care is different for everyone. It goes beyond the requisite healthy diet and regular exercise routine. It’s all about finding an activity, person, or intellectual pursuit that infuses you with a boost of energy, inner peace and happiness. Whether you enjoy the healing power of a long soak in the bubble bath or love to find the funny over coffee with your favorite buddy, self-care is a personal journey. Here are a few ideas to inspire you to embrace self-care.
Expand the Mind
One of the best ways to care for yourself is to keep your mind sharp. And the best way to exercise that muscle between your ears is to keep learning. You’ve always had interests but now you also have the time to pursue them. Think about those passions that have been simmering on the back burner. Are you interested in art or photography? Have you always wanted to learn challenging games like chess or bridge but never had the time or focus? Are you looking to connect to your inner craft maven? Are you a Civil War buff looking for a re-enactment group or class? Learning opportunities know no bounds. You will enjoy the process and your brain will reap the rewards. Talk about the very definition of a win/win.
Manage Sleep
Lack of sleep can be debilitating for seniors. A restless night can lead to increased irritability, lowered immunity, memory loss and depression. Consistent sleep habits like getting to bed at the right time, sleeping in a dark room, and powering down all screens at least two hours before heading to sleep can help assure you will get the beauty sleep you need to be your best self.
Give to Others
Sometimes the best self-care we can practice is reaching out to help others. Ironic. Seniors who volunteer feel a sense of purpose and accomplishment that enhances their self-worth. From mentoring kids to helping out at a local soup kitchen, to offering professional skills in community outreach programs, the opportunities for senior volunteers are endless.
Push Your Boundaries
Nothing will get your adrenaline pumping like trying something new. The good news is you don’t have to jump out of an airplane to get that rush. But maybe there are some ambitions you’ve been suppressing all these years. Ever wanted to do stand up? Sing in public? Perform in a play? Well, if not now, when? Self-care means never having to say you’re sorry. But it can certainly come with a lot of laughs.
Surround Yourself with a Caring Community
Overture senior living apartments are the ultimate resource for senior self-care. Their mission is to provide the single most important aspect of senior mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing: A supportive, enthusiastic, fun community of peers with whom to share this special chapter.
Pristinely manicured grounds. Resort worthy amenities. State-of-the-art apartments. A vast and varied assortment of activities and enrichment classes. Unlimited social opportunities. Book a tour today and experience the magic of Overture for yourself.
Senior self-care doesn’t get any better than this.