{"id":2182,"date":"2025-08-21T16:26:39","date_gmt":"2025-08-21T16:26:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.firstlighthomecare.com\/home-healthcare-greater-ann-arbor\/?p=2182"},"modified":"2025-08-21T16:26:40","modified_gmt":"2025-08-21T16:26:40","slug":"self-care-activities-for-seniors-in-ann-arbor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.firstlighthomecare.com\/home-healthcare-greater-ann-arbor\/2025\/08\/21\/self-care-activities-for-seniors-in-ann-arbor\/","title":{"rendered":"Self-Care Activities for Seniors in Ann Arbor"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

While we might think of physical health as the highest priority for seniors, new studies keep showing that mental health is just as important. In fact, unaddressed mental disorders<\/a> are linked with shorter lifespan, while happiness and general satisfaction are associated with greater longevity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The key to improving seniors\u2019 mental health is for them to engage in activities and foster connections that bring satisfaction and joy, but that\u2019s not always easy. Conditions like reduced mobility, chronic fatigue and more can all make it harder to get out of the house and cause feelings of anxiety and isolation\u2014which can make going out feel even more daunting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, seniors in Ann Arbor are in luck: there are a wealth of self-care resources for older adults in the local community to cover a wide variety of their needs. We\u2019re particularly lucky to have a wide range of opportunities available through the University of Michigan<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Seniors in Ann Arbor Can Improve Their Mental Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

From support groups and lifelong learning to beautiful green spaces, there are plenty of resources for seniors in Ann Arbor can use to care for themselves. Here are some of our favorites:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Get Peer Support<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    One of the best ways to improve your loved one\u2019s mental health is to connect them with a support group. These groups give them a place to talk about their feelings in a comforting community that understands what they\u2019re going through. It can lead to reduced stress and improved outlook on life\u2014and very often, to new friendships as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Fortunately, there\u2019s an excellent resource right here in Ann Arbor: the Turner Senior Wellness Program<\/a> at U-M Health. They offer a variety of support groups for seniors going through specific difficulties and presentations on health and wellness topics. They even offer regular mindfulness-based group therapy sessions that can help your loved one age with compassion for themselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Turner Senior Wellness Program also has a wide range of social and physical activities for seniors that enable them to connect over exercise, art, games and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To connect with the Turner Senior Wellness Program, call 734-998-9353 or email tswp.info@umich.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. Be A Lifelong Learner<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Boredom is a serious issue for seniors\u2019 mental health, but there\u2019s a simple antidote: Stoking and satisfying curiosity. In fact, continuing to learn can help seniors boost their neuroplasticity and combat dementia<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      We\u2019ve found that the best way to fight back against boredom is to help your loved one cultivate a sense of discovery and wonder, and there\u2019s nowhere better to do that than U-M\u2019s Museum of Natural History<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Step between the pair of fossilized mammoths in the lobby, and you\u2019ll find a variety of fascinating exhibits. Get a close look at dinosaur bones, explore prehistoric life in Michigan and walk into giant, interactive versions of the cells you might see under a microscope. When you\u2019re done walking around, slip into one of the comfortable seats in the planetarium and explore the wonders of the night sky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Tickets to the Museum are always free, so don\u2019t hesitate to bring your loved one as often as they\u2019d like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      1. Spend Time Outdoors<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        There\u2019s a simple joy in watching things grow. Just being outside among the trees and flowers can give us a sense of contentment and peace. That\u2019s backed up by science<\/a>: Just a few hours outside each week can reduce stress, improve sleep quality and even mitigate depression symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        We\u2019re very lucky to live near the Nichols Arboretum<\/a> at U-M, Ann Arbor\u2019s outdoor sanctuary for nearly 125 years. Past the Reader Center for urban environmental education, you\u2019ll find a trio of unique and beautiful gardens for your loved one to enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Part of the original landscape plan dating back to 1907, the Centennial Shrub Collection boasts a wide variety of old and new plantings. You\u2019ll find hydrangeas, spireas and lilacs intertwining harmoniously with native species, giving way to a wide variety of berries and fruits in the fall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        When spring rolls around, the Peony Garden becomes a can\u2019t-miss destination. It hosts 350 historic varieties of peonies from throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, and during peak bloom, it boasts over 10,000 blossoms. Make sure to schedule your trip during May or June to catch a glimpse of these short-lived beauties. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        When you need to unwind, there\u2019s nowhere quite like Heathdale, the Arboretum\u2019s tranquil forest sanctuary. This secluded glen is home to a range of beautiful woodland flowers and ferns living in delicate harmony. It\u2019s nearly silent except for birdsong and the rustling of leaves, making it the perfect spot to relax and unwind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Get Support With Companion Care<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        Many seniors feel isolated in their daily lives, and one of the best things for their mental health is everyday companionship. Companion care<\/a> from FirstLight Home Care of Ann Arbor<\/a> gives them a dedicated caregiver who helps with everyday tasks they might struggle with like cooking, housekeeping and transportation and offers genuine warmth and friendship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Want to learn how our caregivers can bring happiness into your loved one\u2019s life? Contact us<\/a> to learn about your care options.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        While we might think of physical health as the highest priority for seniors, new studies keep showing that mental health is just as important. In fact, unaddressed mental disorders are linked with shorter lifespan, while happiness and general satisfaction are associated with greater longevity. The key to improving seniors\u2019 mental…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":201,"featured_media":2183,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2182","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-senior-health-wellness"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.firstlighthomecare.com\/home-healthcare-greater-ann-arbor\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2182","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.firstlighthomecare.com\/home-healthcare-greater-ann-arbor\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.firstlighthomecare.com\/home-healthcare-greater-ann-arbor\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstlighthomecare.com\/home-healthcare-greater-ann-arbor\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/201"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstlighthomecare.com\/home-healthcare-greater-ann-arbor\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2182"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstlighthomecare.com\/home-healthcare-greater-ann-arbor\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2182\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstlighthomecare.com\/home-healthcare-greater-ann-arbor\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2183"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.firstlighthomecare.com\/home-healthcare-greater-ann-arbor\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2182"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstlighthomecare.com\/home-healthcare-greater-ann-arbor\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2182"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstlighthomecare.com\/home-healthcare-greater-ann-arbor\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2182"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}