Wellness Activities for Seniors in Lafayette That Support Healthy Aging

Written By: Discovery Senior Living
Wellness Activities for Seniors in Lafayette That Support Healthy Aging

According to the World Health Organization, between 2015 and 2050, the number of people aged 60 and older will double from 12% of the population to 22%. Seniors are living longer! However, as we age, we're more likely to experience several conditions simultaneously.

Improving your physical, emotional, and mental health may improve your longevity and quality of life. Try adding these wellness activities to your routine. Discover how to enjoy a happy, healthy, long life in Lafayette, IN, today!

Healthy Aging IN

Good health can ensure productivity, security, and independence as we age. Physical health issues, however, can limit your mobility and quality of life. About 93% of older adults have at least one chronic condition, while 80% have two or more.

The leading causes of death among older adults include:

  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Diabetes
  • Chronic lower respiratory diseases
  • COVID-19
  • Cancer
  • Heart disease
  • Stroke

These diseases can limit a person's ability to complete daily tasks. Losing your independence can affect your mood and outlook. Improving your physical health may help reduce your risk of developing a chronic condition.

To improve your physical well-being for healthy aging in IN, focus on:

  • Exercise
  • Rest
  • Eating healthy

Here are a few tips for senior wellness routines that can enhance your physical health. 

Physical Activity for Seniors

The CDC recommends that seniors engage in these physical activities weekly:

  • Balance and flexibility exercises
  • Muscle-strengthening exercises
  • 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity

Explore your senior living community's fitness program to discover a variety of exercise classes. These may include:

  • Walking
  • Running
  • Hiking
  • Biking
  • Cycling
  • Active yoga
  • Water aerobics
  • Yoga
  • Pilates
  • Tai chi
  • Lifting weights
  • Gardening
  • Using resistance bands or body weight

Before adding weight-lifting exercises to your routine, consult a physical trainer. They can help you learn the right techniques to minimize your risk of injury.

Your muscle mass will decrease by 3 to 8% per decade after you turn 30. The rate of decline increases after age 60. Losing muscle mass can contribute to disability and increase your risk of a trip-and-fall injury.

Lost muscle mass is also accompanied by an increase in fat mass and changes in body composition. It could lead to increased insulin resistance and joint stiffness. These bodily changes can increase your risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other conditions.

Exercising regularly, on the other hand, may help:

  • You live independently longer
  • Prevent bone loss
  • Improve sleep quality
  • Reduce the risk of weight gain
  • Reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's
  • Lower the risk of eight cancers
  • Boost immune system function
  • Reduce feelings of anxiety and depression
  • Lower blood pressure

Rest and Recharge

Getting adequate sleep can benefit your mental, emotional, and physical health. It may help:

  • Balance your appetite and metabolism
  • Speed up muscle recovery and tissue repair
  • Boost energy and daytime alertness
  • Improve your mood and increase emotional regulation
  • Improve immune system function
  • Reduce your risk of chronic conditions
  • Improve learning, memory, and focus

Adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night to experience these benefits. If you struggle to fall and stay asleep, consult a doctor. They can determine if you have an underlying condition.

Try these tips to improve your sleep hygiene:

  • Create a consistent sleep schedule
  • Minimize napping
  • Create a sleep-friendly bedroom
  • Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine before bedtime
  • Exercise during the day
  • Avoid screens before bedtime

Try using relaxation techniques, like meditation and deep breathing exercises, before bed.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Explore your senior living community's dining program to enjoy nutritious, delicious dishes. Choose dishes that feature whole foods, including:

  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Whole grains
  • Eggs
  • Lean proteins and fish
  • Healthy fats
  • Legumes
  • Nuts and seeds

Minimize your intake of processed foods. The added sugar and refined carbs in these foods can trigger inflammation. 

Eating processed foods could increase your risk of malnutrition, which is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. This can lead to physical decline. Eating nutritious whole foods, on the other hand, may help:

  • Lower the risk of heart disease
  • Strengthen muscles and bones
  • Boost immunity
  • Improve digestive function
  • Boost energy levels
  • Improve your mood
  • Help you maintain a healthy weight

Emotional Support Lafayette

Seniors are vulnerable to poor emotional health due to:

  • Certain medications
  • Long-term illnesses
  • Dementia-causing conditions
  • Poor diet
  • Physical disability

Improving your emotional health can improve your ability to focus and function. Try these tips for emotional support in Lafayette.

Meditate

Mediation may help:

  • Improve emotional resilience
  • Reduce stress
  • Improve sleep
  • Boost self-awareness
  • Improve focus and concentration
  • Clam your mind
  • Offer mental clarity

Check your senior living community's events and activities calendar for guided sessions. 

Join a Support Group

There are support groups for seniors struggling with grief and chronic illnesses. You can find a local group through your senior living community. Joining a group may help reduce feelings of loneliness while offering emotional validation.

Journal

Journaling can help you explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Try filling a page per day. This practice may relieve stress and improve your self-awareness.

Assisted Living Lifestyle

Explore your senior living community's programs for engaging ways to improve your physical, mental, and emotional health. Here are a few ways your community can enhance your lifestyle.

Explore Hobbies

Discover fun hobbies through your senior living community's events and activities calendar, including:

  • Arts and crafts
  • Knitting, crocheting, and quilting circles
  • Exercise classes
  • Birdwatching
  • Woodcarving

Exploring hobbies can give your life meaning and purpose. Completing projects can give you a sense of accomplishment, which may boost your self-esteem and confidence. 

Boost Your Brain Health

Engage in tasks to help your brain form new neural pathways. Improving your neuroplasticity may help slow cognitive decline. 

Try learning something new, such as a language, a recipe, or how to play an instrument. Challenge yourself to improve your brain health!

Explore More Wellness Activities

These wellness activities can benefit your mental, emotional, and physical health. Remember, you can discover more helpful resources through your senior living community. 

Digby Place Assisted Living offers thoughtful, compassionate care in a warm, friendly environment. Our community was recognized by U.S. News & World Report for 2025. We strive to offer exceptional services to ensure you receive the attention you deserve. 

Enjoy our exclusive senior lifestyle programs, including engaging activities, fitness classes, and educational seminars. Contact us now to schedule your tour.

Related Posts