Tending to self-care is essential to quality of life. Self care that helps maintain independence includes, staying strong, managing chronic conditions, and participating in social activities.
Keeping muscles strong increases the likelihood of maintaining mobility well into later years. Doing exercises that strengthen the lower extremities, help maintain those muscles that allow us to get in and out of a car, lower into a chair, and walk. Strengthening arm muscles allows us to carry groceries, lift objects, and give big bear hugs to loved ones.
Using weights during exercise can also improve bone density, reducing the chances of serious injury from a fall. Many enjoyable activities require some physical ability such as gardening, swimming, walking in the woods, biking, dancing, wood working, or playing pickleball. Muscles need to be kept in shape so that enriching activities can be enjoyed for the duration of life.
When dealing with a chronic disease, knowledge is key. There are a number of resources for education on nutrition, pain management skills, and stress release such as: American Diabetes Association, Arthritis Foundation, and Michigan Parkinson Foundation. Taking a class, joining a support group, and keeping regular medical appointments can be beneficial components to a self-care regimen. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to a number of health problems that can be avoided with the proper diet and exercise.
Engaging in social activities is a crucial part of health and wellness. According to the Center for Disease Control, having “poor social relationships was associated with a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke.” Either one of these health conditions could compromise the level of autonomy a person enjoys. Social isolation also increases the risks for dementia and premature death from any chronic health problem. Participating in community events, inviting a friend to dinner, joining a church, attending classes, or volunteering are way to increase social engagement and overall quality of life.
Independence is something all people value. Attention needs to be given to the body, spirit, and mind in order to keep as much vitality as possible. It’s also important to know what resources are available and participate in activities that promote wellness to assist in aging well.
CareWell Services Southwest, your Area Agency on Aging, offers many health and wellness programs that help you stay strong, manage any chronic conditions, and engage socially to help maintain independence. Strong Bones and MoveWell are exercise classes that focus on strength, balance, flexibility, and range of motion. WERQ cardio dance fitness encourages heart health and creates mood boosting energy. Diabetes Personal Action Toward Health (PATH) is a six-week workshop to help you manage your diabetes. There are also opportunities to socialize and exercise your brain with the Obie gaming system, and weekly Lunch and Learns which feature varied topics from health to history.
For more information on CareWell’s upcoming activities, call (269) 966-2450 or click here.