Once you reach retirement age, it’s likely that you’ve spent most of your life taking care of loved ones and putting others before yourself. Though self-care is a term coined only in the last several years, it’s an essential part of maintaining our health as we get older. Aging and self-care are connected in ways that you may not have even thought of! 

Below, we explain what self-care is, why it’s important to your health, and some easy ways to take care of yourself!

What is Self-Care?

Self-care is a newer phrase that is often associated with pampering, relaxing and leisurely activities, but it goes much deeper than that – it is an umbrella term for all of the ways we can improve our health and well-being. According to the World Health Organization, self-care is officially defined as “the ability of individuals, families and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and to cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a healthcare provider.” 

The fact of the matter is, regardless of our age, we can all benefit from implementing self-care in our lives!

Aging and Self-Care: 7 Easy Tips for Seniors

Self-care is a practice that allows us to make decisions that increase our quality of life. The intentional prioritization of self-care can help us better manage all the ups and downs that life may throw at us. Below, we’ve put together 7 easy ways for seniors to regularly incorporate self-care!

1. Spend Time Outside

It’s amazing what spending time outdoors can do for our health! Connecting to nature can be like a balm for the soul – breathing in clean, fresh air, feeling the warm sun on your face – and is a great way to practice self-care. Try some relaxing, refreshing outdoor activities like going for a walk in the forest, sitting by the sea, hiking a mountain or sitting in a garden. 

2. Socialize

Maintaining a social circle of loved ones is a major part of the human experience, so it only makes sense that it be incorporated into your self-care routine! There are nearly endless studies that show the positive benefits of socialization on our mental health. Make time to regularly see and talk with friends and family to help combat depression, release endorphins, and boost your mood!

3. Prioritize Exercise

Staying fit is good for your body and mind! Not only does it keep your body functioning well and feeling healthy, it can keep your mind sharp and boost your mood. Whether you love to swim, enjoy fitness classes like yoga, or even simply walking your dog, making exercise a priority can be a great investment in your self-care! 

4. Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water is a health tip as old as time, and for very good reason! Hydration is key for helping our bodies function properly; it keeps our minds sharp, and can even impact our mood. As part of your self-care routine, try to make sure you’re drinking the recommended amount of water per day – about 3.7 liters for men and 2.7 liters for women.

5. Keep a Gratitude Journal

Recognizing gratitude is a wonderful way to take care of yourself. Not every day is going to be easy, particularly as we age. By cultivating a grateful mindset, it can help us realize all the good in our lives and focus on what we have to be thankful for rather than the negatives. Keeping a gratitude journal is an easy way to channel happiness! Write down a few things you are grateful for each day – it can be as simple as a glowing sunset or as profound as your childhood memories.

6. Reignite Old Passions – Or Discover New Ones!

It’s common for old hobbies or passions to fall by the wayside during our younger years. One of the many benefits of active retirement? More free time! A great way to practice self-care is by picking back up hobbies you once loved to do or stepping out of your comfort zone to discover new passions. Whether it’s ongoing education, fitness classes or learning a new skill, prioritize this act of self-care in your schedule – you will always have something fun to look forward to!

7. Eat a Healthy Diet

Eating a diet of wholesome, nutritional foods is one of the best ways you can care for yourself and your body. Incorporating foods like fresh produce, grains and healthy fats into your diet can help boost energy and your mood, maintain mental clarity, and improve your immune system.

OceanView at Falmouth

OceanView at Falmouth is an active retirement community in beautiful Falmouth, Maine. Our homes include a 100% refundable entrance fee and 24/7 maintenance, allowing you to take advantage of a stress-free retirement and simply enjoy yourself! 

To learn more about our community at OceanView, please contact us today!