Wellness Month for Seniors: Healthy Aging Tips in Oklahoma City
What do a high-energy piano bar, a world-class music hall, and a museum celebrating Native heritage all have in common? They're just a taste of what makes Oklahoma City a vibrant destination for seniors.
From live performances to cultural experiences, these venues are among the many reasons to get out and enjoy the city. And suppose you're looking to avoid the congestion of big attractions. In that case, you can still celebrate National Wellness Month in Oklahoma by participating in local activities designed to promote the health, activity, and connection of seniors.
These senior living tips in Oklahoma walk you through the best ways to partake in National Wellness Month, maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle not just in August, but all year long.
Take a Daily Walk at a Local Park or Nature Trail
One of the best spots to go for a walk is Bluff Creek Park in Oklahoma City, OK. Since senior wellness in OKC includes staying active and improving your physical health, a brisk walk in the park is an excellent idea.
You don't have to walk alone. Healthy aging habits include spending time with friends, so ask someone to join you on your walk. You can enjoy a relaxing chat while getting in your daily steps.
If you want to make an entire day of it, consider grabbing lunch afterward. Oklahoma City has some incredible restaurants. These include:
- The Press
- Tellers
- Parlor OKC
- JK by Chef King
- Mahogany Prime Steakhouse
You can invite a few friends and turn it into an afternoon of exercise and good conversation. National Wellness Month serves as a valuable reminder of the importance of both physical and emotional wellness.
Try a Healthy New Recipe or Attend a Cooking Class
Cosbella Kitchen in Oklahoma City, OK, offers cooking classes. You can take them with a group of friends or family and learn to cook some new and delicious dishes. This is ideal for seniors with underlying health issues who require adherence to specific diet plans.
If you're not interested in taking a cooking class in person, there is plenty of wellness education for seniors available online. You might find a free cooking class on YouTube or explore another virtual course to try.
You can have a recipe swap with friends and try making each other's favorite dishes. Regardless of what you try, the goal is to have fun and make small, sustainable dietary changes that you can implement throughout the year.
Join a Group Fitness or Chair Yoga Session
Senior centers and local YMCA branches usually offer some type of group fitness program. The same goes for gyms, so keep an eye out for group fitness classes where you can move your body and make new friends.
You don't have to overexert yourself. The goal is to try something new and improve your overall health.
Consult with your doctor before starting any new exercise routine and ask about their recommendations. If you experience any pain at any point, stop exercising and consult your physician.
Chair yoga offers numerous benefits for seniors. It provides them with a gentle, low-impact way of staying active without putting any excess strain on their joints or muscles. Even better, it improves flexibility while strengthening muscles through simple but effective seated movements.
Chair yoga also promotes circulation and encourages participants to cultivate mindfulness. They can incorporate deep breathing techniques to reduce stress levels and boost mental wellness. Since chair yoga is inclusive, all seniors are welcome to participate.
This includes seniors with:
- Limited mobility
- Arthritis
- Chronic pain
This allows all seniors to benefit from yoga safely and comfortably while enjoying a fulfilling activity calendar.
Start a Gratitude or Wellness Journal
A key part of celebrating National Wellness Month includes focusing on your mental well-being, and a wellness or gratitude journal makes this fun and enjoyable.
You don't need anything fancy. A simple journal or digital notetaker on your computer or phone is all you need.
Seniors just need a few minutes a day to sit and write down their thoughts. Ask yourself the following questions:
- What's on your mind?
- How are you feeling?
- Is anything bothering you?
It helps to write down three to five things you're grateful for and reflect on these values, which can improve your overall mood.
For seniors with limited mobility, consider using speech-to-text devices to make journaling easier and inclusive for everyone.
Schedule a Check-up or Wellness Screening
Now is the time to visit your physician for a check-up, especially if it's been a while. Use this opportunity to have labs done and to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Some other routine checks include:
- Blood Pressure Screening
- Cholesterol Check
- Blood Glucose Test
- Colorectal Cancer Screening
- Mammogram
- Bone Density Test for Osteoporosis
- Hearing Test
- Vision Exam
- Dental Exam
- Skin Check
- Vaccinations
- Prostate Exam (for men)
- Thyroid Function Test
If it helps, keep a list of all your exams so you don't forget to schedule them.
Connect With Loved Ones Through a Phone Call or Visit
It doesn't matter if your loved ones live close; you can schedule a phone call or video chat to keep in touch. If they live locally or within driving distance, visit with them. This does wonders for boosting mental health, especially since seniors are prone to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
You can even use this opportunity to schedule a visit with loved ones, take a short trip, and spend a few days relaxing and connecting. Sometimes, the change of scenery is all you need to feel rejuvenated.
Appreciate National Wellness Month Every Day
National Wellness Month is an ideal opportunity to prioritize your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. However, it's essential to apply what you learn throughout the year.
Remember that wellness isn't just about exercising for a week or eating a few healthy meals. It's about adopting and sustaining a healthy lifestyle.
This is what makes Morada Southridge a standout community for seniors looking to prioritize their health while making new friends. We specialize in creating a supportive, wellness-focused environment tailored to the unique needs of your loved ones. With personalized care, engaging activities, and a close-knit community that truly feels like home, we invite you to contact us today and schedule a tour!