Today, seniors are enjoying longer lifespans and a big part of that is a commitment to wellness. Wellness isn’t just about physical health, it’s about mental health too. When both aspects are approached, Seniors can continue to feel fulfilled and excited about their lives. 

It’s not just today’s seniors who are focused on these priorities, as one survey found that senior living communities are also focusing on wellness. Rather than focusing on only offering care, they are now choosing to provide plenty of wellness-focused lifestyle options.

Understanding what a senior wellness program should look like can help you ask the right questions and find the right wellness plans that include the activities you need.  

What Makes a Good Health & Wellness Program for Seniors?

 

The best programs are focused on a number of aspects that provide very real benefits for seniors, with the goal of health at its center. The programs should, ideally, be about improving the quality of life, preventing feelings of isolation, and boosting cognitive function. Programs focused on goals like these can help to create stronger emotional health and encourage independence.

So, what makes a good program? There are a number of considerations to make. You’ll want to place those that include lifelong learning opportunities and other educational options, as well as those that build exercise into the program at the top of your list. 

Think about selecting a program that offers education about health management, as well as those that help you learn more about food and nutrition. You may also want to think about programs that link older adults with younger people.

What Some Programs Look Like

Not every area offers the same programs, but there are a few standout options. 

• • Technology-Based Programs: Some programs use smart technology to help enhance the lives of seniors, such as automatic medication dispensers which use a timer.  There are even tie-in options with fitness equipment to track workouts and load pre-programmed options. Telehealth is sometimes part of the picture, giving seniors instant access to others. Most of these programs incorporate smartwatches and other technologies to monitor everything from glucose levels to stress. These kinds of technologies can not only give seniors the feedback they need to improve their health, but they can also be a great help for caretakers. 

• • Stress Reduction Programs: Stress is a serious problem, even for seniors. Studies have shown that chronic stress leads to a variety of other health problems, such as high blood pressure, obesity, and heart disease. Programs that focus on stress reduction help seniors simplify their lifestyles, with offerings like housekeeping and maintenance, as well as meal prep. 

• • Alternative Medicine Options: Holistic medical options like massage and meditation are a great add-on to traditional health treatments and many seniors who choose this past see great results. Often they can relieve the joint pain so many seniors deal with, expanding their range of motion and lowering their blood pressure. More than that, though, they can boost emotional health by helping to implement mindfulness practices. 

• • Continuing Education Programs: While many programs focus on the physical aspects of staying well, continuing education programs focus on the mental aspects of staying well. Learning a new skill or a completely different subject can help grow new brain cells, which can slow down the speed of cognitive decline. Many programs offer higher education options, on-site lecturers, or access to video courses to help improve senior wellness. 

• • Nutrition Focused Programs: Food fuels the body and the brain, and the right combination of nutrients helps to build a successful aging process. These programs help seniors understand the key link between what you eat and what you can and cannot do, and they’re building a healthier diet as a result. Some even integrate a farm-to-table dining approach and create community gardens to help add a bit of exercise to the routine. 

• • Volunteer Focused Programs: Some programs incorporate volunteer options for one simple reason, the benefits are absolutely enormous. Serving in a soup kitchen or working at a charity shop means a chance to help out and add meaning and purpose to your life. With a wide range of opportunities, these programs are a great way for seniors to connect with others. 

The Cano Health Difference

At Cano Health, we offer a number of wellness centers that are specifically designed to help keep seniors healthy and happy. Packed with many of the different programs listed above, our goal is total wellness, not just senior care. With options like Laughter Yoga, lots of educational opportunities, and even a Silver Sneakers fitness program, we’re here to make sure the entire person is our focus, not just health concerns and conditions.

As you consider your senior care options, we hope you’ll come to check out Cano Health Programs. 

Health and wellness trends for seniors are expanding, and more and more programs are offering plenty of options as they do. Finding the right one is the key to improving daily life for many seniors.