Healthy Aging and Dimensions of Wellness
Healthy Aging and Dimensions of Wellness
What is the hallmark of successful aging? Is it freedom from disease? An active social life? Being cognitively engaged? Or is it a combination of factors? Turns out there are many dimensions of wellness that we need to focus on in order to age healthy and well.
When we think of aging well, the first thought is often of physical and cognitive health. While these are important key factors of aging, there are many more aspects to consider because one area can impact on another in a positive or negative way. The following are the 7 dimensions of wellness that we all need to focus on for ourselves and our loved ones as we age.
Physical Health - Be sure to see a primary care doctor on a regular basis and specialists as needed. Eat a nutrient rich diet and get regular exercise. It is recommended that one gets 150 minutes of exercise weekly.
Mental/Emotional Health - It is very common for a senior to become depressed especially if they experience a variety of losses as they age, such as loss of friends or family members. Be sure to consult with a doctor for the properly recommended treatments to mitigate depression if it arises.
Intellectual and Cognitive Health - With retirement some people experience decreased regular cognitive stimulation while others have many meaningful and engaging hobbies. Be sure to pursue a hobby that is brain stimulating such as strategic games, multistep process hobbies such as following recipes, learn different types of dances, or enroll at a local adult education program.
Occupational Health - Many older adults decide they want to continue to work after initial retirement for various reasons. One is for social engagement and a meaningful purpose of activity. Volunteering can be a great way to stay occupationally healthy and stay involved in the community.
Social Health - Having strong social ties and friends is important for social health. Whether it be a visit from a church friend or going out to lunch with group of people, social interaction can help improve mental and physical health.
Spiritual Health - This can be related to religion or can be anything from activities of meditation to singing or poetry depending on the person’s interests.
Environmental Health - Having a safe environment is very important to wellness. Achieving a safe home environment could involve having a chairlift installed or moving to a one level house for some elders. For others, it may mean moving into a senior living facility. If you are not safe in your environment, it is hard to age successfully.
One good example of an activity that encompasses several of the dimensions of aging well is golfing. You can get physical exercise while being social with other people and are using cognitive skills to calculate your score. Overall, successful aging depends on the individual and varies from one person to another, but it needs to incorporate the different areas of wellness for one to be truly healthy.
— Kate Mahoney, Senior Care Manager
