NOTE: This is another article from Guest Author Jason Lewis. If you recall, he also wrote 7 Ways To Improve Your Quality Of Life If You’re Over 65 here on this blog. Enjoy the read!
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Are you a senior looking to get more out of life? Well, it probably won’t surprise you to know the best way to enhance your quality of life is to enhance the quality of your physical and mental health. But what may surprise you are the simple steps you may never have thought of (like using technology)—steps you can take to better your life, and truly thrive.
Instead of Working Out in a Gym, Try Getting Outside
Exercise is good for your body and brain, no matter how you get it. You can definitely maintain a healthy weight and heart by hopping on a treadmill, but if you want even more wellness benefits, try taking a few walks outside. Although working out indoors increases endorphins, doing those workouts outside, while taking in a little bit of nature , can further boost those benefits to your mental health. You may even be able to lower your blood pressure and decrease your risk for certain cancers. So instead of sweating it out at the gym, try hitting a local hiking trail or go on a weekend camping adventure.
Don’t let a lack of equipment stop you either. It’s easy to find quality gear to make all of those nature treks safe and comfortable. If you’re not familiar with camping and hiking gear, be sure to read through online reviews to make sure the outdoor equipment and footwear you buy will keep you protected from the elements. Another piece of gear you shouldn’t do without is a fitness tracker or smartwatch. These devices can track your activity; some models can even keep you safer with features such as GPS, fall detection, and emergency SOS. If you’re looking for something more compatible with your budget, the Fitbit Inspire HR can measure your heart rate and is water resistant.
Entrepreneurship Leads to Self-Actualization
Many people think self-actualization happens when we’ve retired or become financially stable but it’s actually much deeper than that. Self-actualization is the fulfillment of our potential. Seniors around the globe are starting to realize that they want more out of their retirement than staying idle and that’s why they’ve decided to start their own business.
Aside from self-actualization, there are plenty of other reasons to start a business as a senior though. For many, retiring is boring; many seniors report feeling depressed and unfulfilled when they stop working. When you start a business as a senior it also means you can make your business something you’re actually passionate about and not just grind to pay the bills.
So, after figuring out what your new career is going to be, figure out the next steps. For example, you should take the steps to register your business with your state. For part-time pursuits, an Arizona LLC is an inexpensive way to protect yourself and your assets with limited taxes. It typically costs between $50 and $130 to get started.
Adopt a Dog or Cat
For many seniors, getting enough exercise is not a challenge. But dealing with the complicated emotions associated with senior loneliness can feel like one. With kids and family living far away and not having co-workers anymore, it can be easy to get stuck in a rut of isolation that leaves you feeling anxious and depressed.
You can remedy those feelings by getting out and meeting new people, or you can adopt your new best friend from a local animal shelter. Owning a pet can help seniors feel less lonely, and having a dog can be especially beneficial for older adults. For starters, taking your dog on walks can help you get the exercise you need to stay in shape. Plus you will be getting that healthy dose of nature in as well. Aside from providing additional physical activity, having a dog will also provide outlets for you to socialize with other people. You’re likely to run into other dog owners at local parks and on walks, but your dog can also put strangers at ease just by being around.
Make Time to Learn a New Hobby or Practice The Ones You Love
When you’re not enjoying the forest or walking your dog, you can boost your health by spending more time trying new hobbies. More than mere pastimes, hobbies can be important tools for relieving the stress that leads to anxiety and depression. Since chronic anxiety has been linked to heart disease, finding an enjoyable hobby can even help you live longer.
So what are some of the healthiest hobbies to pick up?
Well, you can grow an edible garden in your backyard, or even in containers. Not only does flexing your green thumb calm anxiety and gives some exercise, but having access to fresh veggies can help you eat healthier too. Of course, gardening is not the only hobby with benefits for your emotions and body. If gardening is not your thing, or if you need more to keep you busy, you could practice your golf swing, get into a walking club or even go bird watching. All of these activities get you moving and engage your mind, to produce better physical and mental health.
When you are looking to do more than just live, look beyond healthy eating and basic exercise. To truly thrive and live your senior years to the fullest, you need to think about what will truly make you happy in the years ahead. Connection to others, connection to nature, and connection to your passions could be the trio to making the most of your quality of life.
About the Guest Author: My name is Jason Lewis from StrongWell.org and I am a personal trainer. In 2002, I became the primary caretaker for my mother after her surgery. I realized, as I helped her with her recovery, there is a special need for trainers that can assist the seniors in our community. I worked with my mother’s doctor, as well as other personal trainers, to create programs that are considerate to the special health needs of those over the age of 65.
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