National Wellness Month: Promoting Senior Health in Des Moines
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From its low cost of living to its thriving arts and culture scene, Des Moines is attractive for many reasons. This National Wellness Month, Des Moines offers an ideal location to focus on improving your health.
National Wellness Month is intended as a way to promote sustainable, healthy habits and holistic well-being. At a time when self-care may seem like a privilege, National Wellness Month is a reminder that taking deliberate action to care for yourself is essential.
Keep reading to discover the eight dimensions of wellness and the importance of holistic senior care.
Dimensions of Wellness
Wellness is more than just the absence of illness. National Wellness Month focuses on holistic wellness, which includes:
- Physical
- Emotional
- Intellectual
- Social
- Spiritual
- Vocational
- Financial
- Environmental
These aspects of well-being overlap. Ignoring any of them will eventually harm the others and reduce your quality of life.
However, you don't need to give each dimension the same attention. Your unique sense of personal harmony should reflect your priorities and aspirations in a way that feels authentic.
Physical Wellness
Physical health is often what first comes to mind when you think about wellness for aging strong in Iowa. You can support your physical well-being by developing healthy behaviors like:
- Getting at least 7 hours of sleep at night
- Eating a balanced diet
- Stopping smoking or using tobacco products
- Reducing alcohol consumption
- Engaging in regular exercise
- Taking all your medication on time every day
- Getting vaccinated (if needed)
Diet, exercise, and sleep are the foundation of physical wellness. Small adjustments over time will result in better health and quality of life.
Emotional Wellness Support
Emotional wellness refers to:
- Understanding and respecting your feelings, values, and attitudes
- Appreciating others' feelings
- Managing your emotions in a healthy way
- Feeling positive about your life
You can improve your emotional well-being by taking concrete actions to develop healthy habits.
Choose Healthy Activities
Your physical health has a significant impact on your emotional wellness. Incorporating tips for physical wellness into your daily routine will create a sense of structure and progress. Even small changes can lead to dramatic results over time for healthy aging in IA.
Practice a Positive Outlook
Consciously focusing on the positive aspects of your life shifts attention away from what you lack and onto what you have. Find things to be thankful for in your life. Practicing gratitude helps you feel more fulfilled and find joy in everyday moments.
Seek Help for Mental Health Challenges
Issues like anxiety, loneliness, and grief can make maintaining emotional wellness more difficult. If emotional challenges like depression start to interfere with your quality of life, help is available.
Some counselors and therapists specialize in working with older adults. They're familiar with the issues that affect people at your time of life. Check with your insurance provider to verify the mental health services that are covered and to find an in-network provider.
Intellectual Wellness
Cognitive health is often a concern as we age. Wherever you or your loved one are on your wellness journey, you can find activities to exercise your brain. Suggestions include:
- Learn a new skill
- Maintain social connections
- Play cards or board games
- Do jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, or sudoku
By strengthening your brain, you can delay problems with thinking and memory. Good nutrition, getting enough sleep, and regular physical activity also contribute to intellectual wellness.
Social Dimension of Wellness
The social dimension of wellness acknowledges the profound impact our relationships have on our well-being. Positive relationships benefit your:
- Physical health
- Emotional wellness
- Cognitive abilities
Making social connections later in life can be challenging, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Look for opportunities to connect, whether that's a structured class or coffee with a friend.
If you like animals, you could consider getting a pet. Animals provide companionship and often inspire interactions with other people.
Spirituality for Older Adults
Spiritual wellness helps you find purpose and meaning in your life. Some people develop spirituality through organized religion.
Mindfulness practice is another technique to add to senior routines for wellness. It's a way to help yourself focus on your values and priorities. Mindfulness activities include:
- Breathing exercises
- Yoga or tai chi
- Meditation
- Journaling
In addition to helping you grow spiritually, mindfulness has benefits for your mental, physical, and cognitive health, as reported in Greater Good Magazine from UC Berkeley.
Vocational Wellness
Vocational wellness may seem counterintuitive for older adults, but it goes beyond your career to:
- Volunteerism
- Hobbies
- Related activities
Vocational wellness is important for holistic senior care because it gives you a sense of:
- Purpose
- Satisfaction
- Meaningfulness
Local nonprofit organizations have a variety of volunteer opportunities. You could knit hats for a homeless shelter or make blankets for foster children. Your unique talents and skills can help you give back to your community.
Financial Planning for Peace of Mind
Reducing financial stress promotes emotional and physical wellness. Consider designating a trusted person as your agent under a financial power of attorney. Your agent then has the authority to make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated.
Work with a trusted family member, friend, or financial advisor to regularly review your finances. This can help you stay within your budget without unnecessarily depriving yourself.
Environmental Wellness
The environmental dimension of wellness includes how the natural and built environments affect your overall well-being. Take time to go outside and enjoy nature. Decorate your living space in a way that reflects your preferences and makes you feel comfortable.
A pleasant living environment benefits your physical, emotional, and intellectual wellness.
Boost Your Health During National Wellness Month
National Wellness Month is a time to reflect on positive changes that benefit your health. Small changes to improve your physical, emotional, or intellectual wellness can lead to significant benefits over time.
Addington Place of Des Moines is ready to support you on your wellness journey. Our community features an activity room, wellness program, and social and recreation activities. We provide the support you need to maintain your quality of life.
Schedule a tour of Addington Place of Des Moines today to see the positive impact our community can have on your wellness.