Celebrate Healthy Aging Month: Embrace Life and Wellness at Era Living Communities

The concept of healthy aging has come a long way. It first began over 30 years ago when the baby boomers were about to turn 50. At that time, the idea of healthy aging provided a message that it’s possible to adopt a healthy lifestyle at any stage of life. Since then, September has been recognized as Healthy Aging Month to celebrate the beauty of getting older and ways to stay healthy as you age.

Taking care of your physical health is important. But the more we learn about aging, the more we know that mental and emotional health are essential, too. 

At our Era Living communities, we take a balanced, holistic wellness approach. Our programs are designed to help you live your happiest, healthiest life – body, mind, and soul. 

Back-to-school spirit: Embrace lifelong learning

Remember how exciting it was to go back to school each year during childhood? You can use Healthy Aging Month as your inspiration to get your own fresh start on learning. 

For example, did you know that Era Living partners with the University of Washington to bring continued learning opportunities to our residential communities? This can include regular speaking events, guest lectures, and symposiums on topics of interest to older adults – like tips to boost cognition.

As an Era Living resident, you can also challenge your mind by learning new skills like bridge, creative writing, or knitting. Or you may opt to take a day trip to a local place of interest or cultural event, such as the symphony. The opportunities to stimulate your mind and try new hobbies are endless. And they can be good for you, too – possibly decreasing the risk of dementia according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Keep moving with health and fitness classes

No matter how active you may have been in the past, it’s natural to see a decline in muscle mass as you age. It’s a common effect of getting older. But the good news is that exercise can help you maintain muscle mass as you age. 

At Era Living’s retirement living communities, you can find a wealth of opportunities to help maintain and improve your physical health and fitness, with classes designed around your abilities. 

For example, you may consider chair yoga or tai chi, which can help with functions such as balance and stability. Or you may try water aerobics, or a class involving weights. Even walking with friends can be a great way to get out and keep your body moving. 

Like so many activities at a senior housing community, exercise can be more fun when you do it with friends! Along with the activities on Era Living’s events calendar, each community has a robust list of fitness classes and other offerings. You can find these by linking to the activity calendar found on each community’s page under “Activities.”

Combat stress with meditation and more

If you’re experiencing issues such as grief, chronic pain, or troubles with sleep, you’re not alone. These and various other stressors can commonly occur with aging. They may impact your health in different ways and may even affect your memory, according to the NIH.

Some ways to help manage stress, the NIH says, can include meditation techniques, physical activity, and participating in activities you enjoy – all of which you can find through Era Living. For example, you may find enjoyment in activities like music or art therapy. Or you may engage in meditation or local volunteer work to find personal enrichment. 

Having options at your fingertips can help you manage the stress in your life while also discovering new passions. 

Connect with others in a supportive setting 

As you get older, it can be natural to spend more time alone, leading to potential health concerns. Studies have shown that older adults who are socially isolated or feel lonely are at higher risk for heart disease, depression, and cognitive decline, the NIH reports. 

Taking steps to connect with others can be an important way to improve your happiness and well-being. For example, dining with peers in a retirement living community can provide a chance to talk about common interests and concerns. You can also discover friendships through gardening clubs, book clubs, art galas, and more. 

Spending time in these settings can encourage a sense of belonging and well-being. Just like in grade school or college, you’re all experiencing many of the same ups and downs. Even brief everyday interactions can offer a way to bond, support one another, and celebrate the joys and challenges of getting older. 

Other key ingredients to healthy aging

In addition to the activities outlined above, the NIH highlights a number of other ways to achieve healthy aging, including:

• • • Healthy eating (making smart food choices)
    • Getting a good night’s sleep
    • Quitting smoking
    • Avoiding or limiting alcohol consumption
    • Going to the doctor regularly

At Era Living’s retirement living communities, we support you with professional dining services that help make healthy nutrition easier and more fun! Also, many of our communities offer Wellness Centers to assist you in achieving your wellness goals.

Learn more about healthy aging at our Era Living communities

Healthy Aging Month in September is a great reminder to focus on your happiness and well-being. Today, we know more than ever about the benefits of socialization, physical activity, and mental stimulation in the aging process. Being part of a retirement living community can provide opportunities to find fulfillment alongside others who are experiencing similar life changes.

If you’re considering senior independent living for yourself or a loved one, you can find many choices with an Era Living Seattle retirement community. You can also find opportunities to receive extra support with daily living or cognitive challenges, if needed.

Our senior housing options include:

• • • Independent living for seniors
    • Assisted living
    • Memory care

Scheduling a visit can be a great way to learn more about Era Living’s communities and programs. Contact one of our retirement living experts today to see how we can support you in your healthy aging journey!