What does it really mean to age well? David Bowie called aging, \u201can extraordinary process where you become the person you always should have been,\u201d and more and more people are starting to agree. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Healthy aging for seniors used to bring up images of bland food or repetitive exercises, but that\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are plenty of local resources in Norfolk to help your loved one thrive as they age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019s likely time for a new pair of shoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019s Shoe Fit Co.<\/a> will have many styles of footwear that are both supportive and fashionable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Resist the urge to shop online; a perfect fit is even more important for seniors, and it\u2019s 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\u2019s free at all Brown\u2019s locations).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pilates has been growing in popularity in the US again, with good reason. While it\u2019s 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\u2019s also significantly lower-impact than many other popular forms of exercise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to the obvious physical benefits, pilates can improve many other mental and physical health indicators. According to Harvard Medical School<\/a>, it is linked to improved mental health, bone density maintenance and even prevention of cognitive decline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If your loved one isn\u2019t yet sure whether pilates is for them, the Norfolk YMCA<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s a lot harder when we know someone is waiting for us to show up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s why social programs that help older adults meet and forge friendships are so important, and the Norfolk Senior Center<\/a> hosts plenty. They have exercise challenges to keep members moving together, educational seminars, meals and even seasonal dance parties. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\nBring Balance (In More Ways than One)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Build Connections <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Home Care Supports Healthy Aging for Seniors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n