Happy New Year! It’s hard to believe it is 2025 when just a short time ago the year 2000 seemed like a dream in which we would all be living in space or driving flying cars! What we do have in 2025 is a myriad of ways to improve and maintain our health. Staying healthy is important for people of all ages. The average lifespan in the United States has increased since 2000, so let’s look at ways we can keep that trend going!
Staying physically active, focusing on healthy eating, and maintaining your emotional and mental health are 3 key factors to staying healthy. When you apply these goals to your life this new year, you will experience a healthier body and mind which not only helps you feel younger but can even lengthen your life.
Lifestyle choices impact your health and quality of life. Gone are the days of eating whatever we want and exercising was optional. We know better now so we must do better. We now understand there is a mind-body connection, so we must maintain our mental and physical health to truly be and feel healthy. In this article, we will discuss 3 ways that senior adults can stay healthy in the new year.
#1 Stay Physically Active
We know your body does not feel the same as it did when you were 25, 45, or maybe even 65. Time takes its toll on everyone’s body, and that’s ok. It’s important to focus on what you can do, not what you can’t do anymore. If you were an athlete or very active in your younger years, you may have more aches and pains than some of your friends. Maybe you have arthritis or have had surgery on your shoulders or knees. That doesn’t have to stop you. Your doctors will recommend that you stay active. You may need to participate in different activities than when you were younger. You might even find an activity you love that you haven’t tried before.
Some great activities for seniors that will help you stay healthy and are good for your mind and body are walking, swimming, yoga/stretching, and strength training. Strength training does not need to include bench-pressing 300 pounds! Resistance bands are a great tool to increase muscle strength without undue strain on your muscles. The bottom line is you need to keep moving!
#2 Focus on Healthy Eating
Eating healthy became a little easier when you moved into Victoria Landing because our fantastic chef makes sure he offers three delicious and nutritious meals every day. We also offer healthy alternatives if you don’t care for what’s on the menu. As we age, our appetite often declines. The food you take in must provide the proper nutrition to maintain good health. Maintaining a healthy weight is important for everyone, not just seniors. Being overweight leads to other health issues such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and even some types of cancer.
Exercise can lead to healthy eating because the more active you are, the more calories you burn. You then become hungry providing an opportunity to take in healthy food. Remember, healthy eating includes portion control if you tend to overeat or increasing your portions if you aren’t eating enough. All things in moderation is a good motto to remember. It’s ok to have a treat sometimes, but not multiple times a day every day! It is also important to eat as clean as possible. This doesn’t mean don’t spill your milk! It means you should eat foods that aren’t prepackaged and processed. They usually contain very little nutritional value.
#3 Mental and Emotional Health
We have come a long way in understanding the role that our mental and emotional health plays in our overall well-being. If you are depressed you may turn to food or alcohol. Gaining weight and not feeling well exacerbates your depression, and it becomes a vicious cycle. This is just one example of how your mental and emotional health are connected to your physical health.
Managing stress and maintaining cognitive function help with mental and emotional health, as well. Taking a leisurely stroll to clear and calm your mind or taking part in our Faith and Fellowship meetings can be very helpful. In order to keep your mind sharp, try crafts, games, and puzzles. You can do these activities alone or with friends.
Speaking of friends, maintaining healthy relationships is important for your mental and emotional health. One of the great things about Victoria Landing is you are sure to meet friends here who have similar interests and hobbies. We have frequent social gatherings like lunch outings, Wine Down Wednesday, and ice cream socials.
How Can Victoria Landing Help You Stay Healthy?
At Victoria Landing, we have everything you need to stay physically active. We have beautiful grounds on the banks of the Indian River that include walking paths. We have a heated pool. Swimming is an excellent way to stay fit without putting pressure on your joints. You can do yoga anywhere – in your private apartment or outside in the Florida sunshine! We also have a fitness center onsite. We offer group activities like “Moving with Mary Ann” every morning where you can get your day started exercising with friends. When you want to mix recreation with exercise, try our putting green or bocce ball court!
Victoria Landing is here to provide a beautiful, relaxing, and fun senior living community. With delicious food, plenty of activities, and various ways to maintain your mental and emotional health, both your body and mind will be well-fed here. So, let’s join together in welcoming in a healthy, happy 2025!
