Independent Living Activities at Conservatory At Alden Bridge
Engaging in independent living activities can give you a sense of belonging and purpose within your Woodlands community. These activities can include exercising, enjoying meals with friends, and engaging in hobbies.
According to a new American Psychiatric Association (APA) Healthy Minds Monthly Poll, 30% of adults say they've experienced feelings of loneliness at least once a week over the past year. Another 10% say they feel lonely every day.
Of those polled, 53% feel the highest sense of community and belonging among friends. Engaging in independent living activities in Woodlands, TX, can grant you that sense of belonging.
Who is at risk of loneliness, and how can active retirement living benefit your health? Read on to find out!
What Are the Risk Factors of Social Isolation?
According to the CDC, one in four American adults doesn't have social or emotional support. These people are at risk of social isolation and loneliness.
Individual risk factors of loneliness and isolation can include conditions and experiences, such as:
- Having a long-term disability
- Struggling with a psychiatric or depressive condition
- Navigating a chronic disease or condition
- Facing a divorce
- Losing a loved one
- Living in rural areas
- Having limited access to transportation
- Facing language barriers
- Being marginalized or discriminated against
Loneliness can have a bigger impact on certain groups, including older adults and people who live alone. If you're at risk, consider moving into a senior living community. Active retirement living can reduce your risk of loneliness, social isolation, and resulting health effects.
Why Is Active Retirement Living Important?
Loneliness and social isolation pose health risks for seniors, including an increased risk of:
- Heart disease
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Cognitive decline
- Alzheimer's disease
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- A weakened immune system
- Early death
Meanwhile, engaging in meaningful and productive senior wellness activities may extend your longevity. This enrichment for older adults can improve your mood while enhancing your sense of purpose in life.Here are a few ways independent living activities can improve your health.
Mental Well-Being
According to the National Institute on Aging, loneliness can increase your risk for:
- Alzheimer's by 14%
- Vascular dementia by 17%
- Cognitive impairment by 12%
Adding engagement to your independent lifestyle may reduce your risk of cognitive decline. For example, your friends can teach you new skills. Continuous learning helps your mind form new neural pathways, which can improve neuroplasticity and mental acuity.
Explore your senior living community's memory program for:
- Trivia nights
- Brain games
- Continuing education classes
- Discussion groups
- Educational classes
- Book and movie clubs
These activities can help stimulate your mind. They may help improve your memory and slow cognitive decline.
Physical Health
Regular exercise can benefit your mental, emotional, and physical well-being by:
- Preventing bone loss
- Improving your strength
- Improving your balance (reducing the risk of falls and injuries)
- Easing osteoarthritis pain and stiffness
- Improving your heart health
- Helping prevent chronic disease (including obesity, hypertension, colon cancer, and cardiovascular disease)
- Strengthening your immune system
- Increasing relaxation
- Helping you sleep
- Easing anxiety and depression symptoms
- Improving your mood
Your friends can hold you accountable to attend fitness classes regularly. You can find classes through your senior living community's fitness program.
Emotional Health
Depression affects over 21 million (8%) US adults each year. Social isolation and aging can increase your risk. Common symptoms of depression include:
- Fatigue and low energy
- Persistent digestive issues
- Slow speech or movement
- Over- or undereating
- Insomnia or oversleeping
- Loss of interest in hobbies
- A sense of hopelessness
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Irritability
- Persistent sadness
- Aches and pains that don't improve with treatment
- Difficulty concentrating
These symptoms can affect your quality of life. Having meaningful relationships can improve your mood and reduce your risk of depression.
Consult a mental healthcare professional if these symptoms persist beyond two weeks. They can offer personalized treatment plans based on your needs.
Senior Programs in The Woodlands
Senior programs in The Woodlands may improve your emotional, mental, and physical well-being. Try exploring these programs through the Conservatory at Alden Bridge.
Fitness
Your senior living community's fitness program may offer:
- Dance classes
- Weight lifting
- Tai chi
- Walking or hiking
- Resistance band training
- Yoga or chair yoga
- Swimming or water aerobics
Ask friends to join you. They can challenge and motivate you through intense workouts. Exercising together can boost the production of chemicals that improve your mood.
Dining
Ask friends to join you for meals through your community's dining programs. Eating healthy, nutritious meals can benefit your health and mood.
Events and Activities
Check your community's events and activities calendar for:
- Arts and crafts
- Cooking lessons
- Exercise classes
- Pet and art therapy
- Music lessons
- Group therapy
- Gardening clubs
- Book or movie clubs
These activities can stimulate your mind and add enjoyment to your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should Seniors Socialize?
Seniors should socialize daily to experience benefits. Socializing daily can improve your overall well-being, potentially extending your longevity.
To socialize daily, try:
- Joining an exercise class
- Scheduling regular calls with friends and family
- Volunteering within your community
- Scheduling meals with friends
- Joining a hobby club (book, movie, etc.) that meets regularly
You can find more senior wellness activities to make new friends through your senior living community.
Why Do Seniors Self-Isolate?
Many seniors self-isolate after losing loved ones. This self-isolation can compromise your health and well-being.
If you recently lost a loved one, consider moving into a senior living community or joining a support group. Other support group members can offer coping techniques. They can help you navigate your grief.
Reach out for help if you:
- Stop eating
- Neglect your health or hygiene
- Withdraw from loved ones
- Avoid social events
- Aren't exercising
- Experience confusion or member loss
- Feel hopeless for over two weeks
Enjoy Independent Living Activities in Woodlands, TX
Engaging in independent living activities can improve your overall health and well-being. You can find opportunities to socialize through your senior living community.
Conservatory at Alden Bridge offers six exclusive lifestyle programs to improve your health and quality of life. Enjoy delicious meals through Sensations Dining, fun activities like bingo through Celebrations, and yoga classes through Dimensions Health & Fitness. Contact us now to schedule your tour.