HEALTHY HOLIDAYS: SENIORS NEED TO STAY ACTIVE AND ENGAGED

Aging adults need to stay active in order to enjoy good health during this year's holiday season. While nonagenarians, a person shose age is in the nineties, may not be able to go "dashing through the snow" as fast as they did in their youth, they can make an effort to see friends, do volunteer work, play a rousing game of Scrabble or even knit holiday sweaters for their nieces and nephews. Extra servings of pumpkin pie, however, are best avoided. Each of those actions during the festive season can lead to a better quality of life for seniors. Here is an illustration of how the five aspects of healthy aging(healthy nutrition, physical and mental stimulation and a sense of calmness and purpose) can be woven into holiday celebrations:

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: Taking a walk after a hearty holiday meal is a good idea for those of any age, but it is particularly beneficial to seniors. Even aging adults who are less ambulatory can take part in some form of exercise, whether it is lifting their feet repeatedly while seated in a sturdy chair, or raising their arms skyward several times in a row.

HEALTHY DIET: Comfort foods drawn from family or ethnic traditions are especially enjoyed by seniors during the holidays. However, the recipes for these dishes should be adapted to the palates and dietary needs of aging adults. Also limit the intake of sweets and desserts that accompany celebrations - except perhaps for antioxidant rich dark chocolate.

SHARP MINDS: While dementia and short-term memory loss are common among seniors, mentally-stimulating activities can help them delay, or possibly even prevent, the onset of these conditions. Designing holiday festivities around skill-based games, such as Scrabble, checkers, backgammon or Boggle, not only makes the event fun for party-goers, but these activities can also help seniors maintain cognitive function.

SOCIAL TIES: Though the holiday season can bring back memories of lost loved ones, this time of year also offers numerous opportunities for seniors to engage with other people, whether through social gatherings, phone calls, e-mail or greeting cards. Research shows that social ties keep people healthy by providing emotional support; limiting stress levels; and helping seniors maintain an irreplaceable level of independence.

CALMNESS AND PURPOSE: For some seniors, participating in a religious service helps them maintain a calm center and focus on their life purpose; while others may prefer practices such as yoga or meditation. The holidays also offer ample opportunities for older adults to fulfill a purpose by volunteering at local organizations and nonprofits. Sharing personal stories or reading special holiday stories to younger family members and friends can also help seniors maintain a sense of connectivity to those around them.

source: www.pr.com