What does it really mean to age well? David Bowie called aging, “an extraordinary process where you become the person you always should have been,” and more and more people are starting to agree.
Healthy aging for seniors used to bring up images of bland food or repetitive exercises, but that’s no longer the case. Around the country, including right here in Norfolk, more and more programs are treating aging as something that can and should be enjoyed.
There are plenty of local resources in Norfolk to help your loved one thrive as they age.
How to Support Healthy Aging for Seniors in Norfolk
The right support can make healthy aging for seniors much easier. Start with finding activities that make healthy choices enjoyable and preventing common causes of accidents or injuries. Here are a few of our favorite resources in Norfolk:
Start Off on the Right Foot
For seniors working on healthy aging goals, starting off on the right foot (and more specifically, in the right shoe) is incredibly important. If your loved one is having trouble walking or standing without foot pain, feels unsteady on their feet or is otherwise avoiding walking or exercising, it’s likely time for a new pair of shoes.
These days, shoppers looking for shoes with plenty of cushioning, support and slip-resistance are no longer relegated to bulky sneakers. A well-stocked shoe store like Brown’s Shoe Fit Co. will have many styles of footwear that are both supportive and fashionable.
Resist the urge to shop online; a perfect fit is even more important for seniors, and it’s impossible to know how the shoe will feel just from looking at images. Make sure to head to a store that offers professional shoe fitting (it’s free at all Brown’s locations).
Bring Balance (In More Ways than One)
Pilates has been growing in popularity in the US again, with good reason. While it’s an effective workout for adults of all ages, its focus on building balance, flexibility, and core strength makes pilates a tailor-made workout for seniors. It’s also significantly lower-impact than many other popular forms of exercise.
In addition to the obvious physical benefits, pilates can improve many other mental and physical health indicators. According to Harvard Medical School, it is linked to improved mental health, bone density maintenance and even prevention of cognitive decline.
If your loved one isn’t yet sure whether pilates is for them, the Norfolk YMCA offers a free orientation for beginners. They offer affordable training for individuals, partners and small groups, with a particular focus on improving or even eliminating neck, back and shoulder pain.
Build Connections
It’s a common refrain that your friends determine your character, but especially for seniors, friends can also help to determine health outcomes. Social connection is a huge component of healthy aging and has a big impact on cognitive health and emotional wellbeing.
In addition, social connections serve to help keep older adults engaged in activities that bring their life meaning. It can be tempting to self-isolate, especially as we age; that’s a lot harder when we know someone is waiting for us to show up.
That’s why social programs that help older adults meet and forge friendships are so important, and the Norfolk Senior Center hosts plenty. They have exercise challenges to keep members moving together, educational seminars, meals and even seasonal dance parties.
Home Care Supports Healthy Aging for Seniors
By starting them off on the right foot and finding enjoyable exercise and social activities, you can help the seniors in your life stay active and engaged. Other healthy aging goals, though, can require more direct support.
That’s where FirstLight Home Care of Norfolk can step in. Our knowledgeable, warm caregivers provide the personalized, targeted support your loved one needs to age well—whatever that means for them. Whether it’s light meal prep, transportation to events, an encouraging workout buddy or just a calm, reassuring companion throughout their day, our caregivers are there to help your loved one thrive.
We’re here to support your loved one in aging well. Reach out today to get started.
