Health and Wellness for Seniors
Written by Becky Barnhart, Executive Director, Senior Community Center
A new year is a fresh opportunity to take an assessment of our health and wellbeing, no matter our age. And while many folks will start and not succeed with their “New Year’s resolutions,” it’s important for senior adults to make health and wellness a priority, whether it starts in January, June or November.
Spend any amount of time with senior adults and the conversation will certainly veer to health, ailments, and/or ways they’re trying to stave them off. Anyone who’s ever heard a medical professional say, “well, at your age…” knows this all too well.
As we age, we will experience changes in our physical and mental abilities and activity levels. But, if we have the benefit of living to an older age, we need to do what we can to ensure our years are maximized. There’s a common phrase around senior center programs and facilities of adding “years to your life and life to your years.”
A family friend died recently at age 91, and he stayed active to the end, helping with household projects, doing yardwork, being involved in his church, and attending home games for his favorite high school team just a couple of weeks before his passing. Jim may have slowed down over the years, but his motivation to stay busy and keep moving certainly added life to his years and to those around him, which was evident by the many folks at his visitation and funeral.
My mother was a positive example of staying active and engaged until her passing at 88, and certainly lived life to its fullest. She worked as a secretary until she was 83 and then volunteered at the Senior center in her retirement years. Ferne incorporated simple exercises at home, walked to work and did crossword puzzles every day, which kept her mind and body strong.
There are many options for senior adults to focus on their physical and mental health and wellbeing in our area. Senior centers, local gyms and exercise facilities offer classes that are geared toward seniors at varying physical levels and abilities.
Silver Sneakers is a popular and well-known fitness and wellness program offered to seniors who are at least 65 years old and on eligible Medicare plans. There are many different class options to choose from, either online or at a local facility.
The Owensboro Family YMCA offers Silver Sneakers memberships, which include several different classes and other senior-only exercise options. Owensboro Christian Church Recreation Center also offers Silver Sneakers classes and memberships, as do both Planet Fitness locations in Daviess County.
The Senior Community Center offers a weekly Silver Sneakers class, as well as Chair and Mat Yoga, Low Impact Exercise classes, and is planning to start a Tai Chi class in early 2024. In addition, there’s an exercise room complete with new equipment for seniors to use. There’s no cost, but you must be at least 60 years of age to attend the Senior Center.
Pickleball is a growing sport for all ages, but especially for senior adults and/or those that haven’t had a lot of sporting experience. In Owensboro, the River City Pickleball Club is growing quickly, and their members range in age from teens to 80s. New players are welcomed at various levels. More information can be found on their Facebook page, @rivercitypickleballinc or the website, rivercitypickleballclub.wildapricot.org.
For the outdoor enthusiast, there are so many wonderful walking trails and parks in Daviess County that provide exercise and vitamin D intake opportunities. The Friends of Rudy Mine Trails offer guided walks on a regular basis, as does the Joe Ford Nature Center. And don’t forget Yellow Creek Park, Panther Creek Park and the many city parks that provide walking tracks.
We shouldn’t minimize the positive emotional, social, and mental impact that being engaged in physical exercise brings, in addition to the physical improvement. Even moderate physical activity can help give your immune system a boost, which is very important in the winter months, which often bring colds, flu viruses or more serious infections, such as RSV or Covid. Check with your pharmacist or health professional to determine what vaccines would be best for you this winter.
If you find yourself with a cold, consider some of the following simple natural, at-home remedies:
Hot tea with honey and lemon to soothe a sore throat.
A vapor rub ointment to the chest area to help calm a cough. (I hated this as a child, but it’s my go-to as an adult!)
Gargling with salt water to help loosen mucus and ease nasal congestion and/or a sore throat. (Ditto!)
Don’t forget chicken soup! A study reported from the National Council on Aging showed chicken soup eased inflammation, improved rehydration and slowed infection. (Okay, so our moms really did know what they were talking about!)
At the start of this new year, consider how to add life to 2024. Your mind and body, as well as family and friends around you, will be blessed. OL
