Aging can be a beautiful journey that brings with it wisdom, experience, and an opportunity for personal growth. But one crucial aspect of this journey is maintaining an active lifestyle. While it may be tempting to slow down and take it easy, staying physically and mentally active has many benefits that contribute to your overall wellbeing and quality of life. Think of it as a long-term investment with excellent returns.
In this blog post, we explore the importance of staying active, and provide insights into the positive impact it can have on your physical health, mental wellbeing, and social connections. The best thing is that you can stay active no matter your age or ability.
1. Social connections
Staying active in the community helps maintain a sense of connection with others and prevents isolation and loneliness, which has a proven positive impact on mental health and overall wellbeing. Seniors who maintain good relationships with friends, neighbours and their community, often find enjoyment and fulfillment through vibrant social circles.
2. Physical health
Engaging in physical activities improves your physical health, which in turn can reduce your risk of falls, promote cardiovascular fitness and improve your muscle strength and flexibility. Participating in group fitness classes, sports clubs, or walking groups can also help with creating meaningful social interactions. Research has shown that regular exercise stimulates the release “feel-good” hormones that enhance mood and reduce the risk of depression and anxiety – so you actually feel better about things as you’re getting fitter.
3. Cognitive health
Staying active and socially engaged helps to promote cognitive health and reduce the risk of age-related mental decline and dementia. Engaging in mentally stimulating activities, such as card and board games, puzzles, reading, or learning new skills, alongside physical exercise, creates a powerful combination for maintaining a sharp mind and a positive outlook on life.
4. Sense of purpose
Being involved in the community provides a sense of purpose and helps you feel valued and needed, which is likely to bolster your self-esteem and self-worth. You could try contributing to your community through volunteering for a cause or organisation that resonate with you, and offer your time, skills, or expertise. Whether it’s mentoring, environmental conservation, assisting in local charities, or supporting educational initiatives, giving back to others can bring a profound sense of joy and purpose in your retirement years.
It can also be an opportunity to try new things and embrace experiences that expand your horizons and help stimulate your personal growth.
5. Support
Participating in community activities helps you and your family feel supported and surrounded by ‘your village’. Caregivers in particular can benefit from the respite and support provided by community activities. Engaging in activities with peers who share similar interests can also create great opportunities for friendship, emotional support, and a network of like-minded individuals that you can talk to about the things that matter to you.
6. Access to services
You are more likely to have access to various services and resources, such as health care, social services or cultural events, when you are actively engaged in the community. By engaging with community and service organisations, you can voice concerns, share experiences, and receive the support you need. Community involvement can also empower you to actively participate in discussions that influence decisions and the allocation of resources, ultimately leading to better access to services tailored to your needs.
The key to being involved in the community is to find activities that you are interested in and are appropriate for your abilities. You can start by joining a class, club or group, volunteering or even taking short walks with a companion. Just remember to take things at your own pace and enjoy the journey.
For added safety while you’re out and about, the MePACS Mobile Alarm can provide reassurance and peace of mind. In case of an accident, fall or medical emergency, our 24/7 Emergency Response Team is only a button press away.