Want to learn about holistic approaches to senior wellness?
Holistic approaches to wellness are transforming the way we approach aging.
They allow us to see seniors as whole people once again…
Empowered by medical advances, we can go beyond treating symptoms and feel inspired to care for the entire being: mind, body, and spirit.
If you’ve been wondering what holistic truly means when it comes to senior wellness, this guide will walk you through everything.
Table of contents
- Understanding Holistic Wellness For Seniors
- The Mind-Body Connection In Aging
- 5 Holistic Strategies That Actually Work
- How The Right Environment Makes A Difference
Understanding Holistic Wellness For Seniors
Holistic wellness for seniors is defined by how it can meet the physical, mental, emotional and social needs of older adults.
Holistic programs treat more than just chronic conditions or the illness at hand…
They support whole-body wellness no matter what a senior may be facing.
This is why so many senior living communities are starting to embrace a holistic approach to care.
For instance Cura Living has a mission philosophy built on a foundation of holistic living. They, like others, know that great care means tending to all aspects of our residents’ health: physical, mental, and emotional.
Many studies reinforce just how important holistic wellness is to seniors.
McKinsey research recently predicted that 82% of Americans will rank wellness as a top spending criterion when making purchasing decisions. That includes everything from the products they buy to the services they utilize.
When it comes to aging parents, that means more seniors will seek out holistic options for their healthcare and activities.
They want to be involved in their wellness.
The Mind-Body (and Spirit) Connection In Aging
Did you know that there’s a direct link between your mind and body when you age?
If you focus on one but not the other, both could suffer.
Research from Johns Hopkins found that approximately 25% of Americans over the age of 65 are affected by social isolation. What’s worse? Seniors who experience loneliness have a 30% increased risk of mortality.
That’s right. Loneliness can actually kill.
When we separate mental wellness from physical care, we put seniors at risk for chronic illness and faster deterioration.
But when we take a holistic approach to senior wellness? Amazing things happen.
Senior citizens who feel connected to their community thrive.
5 Holistic Strategies That Actually Work
Alright, you got me excited about holistic care. Now what?
I’m glad you asked!
You can dive into these five strategies right now.
They’re all backed by science. And each one is used in our programs at Cura Living.
Social Connection Programs
Let’s start with the biggest one.
When it comes to holistic senior care, social connection is king.
Every study that examines how to keep seniors healthy rates some form of connection to others as a top priority.
Whether it’s through group exercise, shared meals, or happy hours. Social interaction keeps seniors mentally and physically healthy.
How?
Consistent social interaction:
- Lowers cortisol levels
- Reduces inflammation
- Provides a sense of belonging and community
Don’t believe me? Research it yourself. You’ll quickly discover that social ties are one of the most important factors in senior health.
And yet, so many seniors live lonely lives.
That’s where programs like those we offer at Cura Living can make such a huge difference.
Physical Movement Programs
No list of health and wellness strategies would be complete without movement.
Encouraging seniors to move their bodies helps keep everything from their heart to their cognition in tip-top shape.
But how you implement movement makes all the difference.
That’s why senior care with a holistic focus understands the importance of personalized movement.
Some seniors want to exercise with others, doing group classes like yoga or water aerobics.
Others might prefer small movement programs with the assistance of a personal trainer.
You get the idea.
Holistic programs take time to understand what each senior citizen enjoys.
Nutrition
Ok we’ve covered social needs and exercise.
But did you know eating the right foods can improve your mood and energy levels?
That’s why nutritional programs are a staple of any good holistic wellness program.
Nutrition goes beyond offering healthy meal options…
It’s also about teaching seniors how to eat to feel their best.
Some meals might be focused on inflammatory responses.
While others cater to nutritional needs for certain health conditions.
The point is this:
By paying attention to what seniors eat, we can improve how they feel inside and out.
Mental Stimulation
The brain needs exercise too.
That’s why activities to stimulate your mind are another important pillar of senior wellness.
These can include things like:
- Art therapy
- Music programs
- Learning new skills
Holistic programs recognize these activities keep seniors minds engaged. Which can prevent cognitive decline and boost mood.
Stress Reduction Practices
Last but not least, seniors need ways to reduce stress.
Whether that’s through meditation, breathing exercises, or simply disconnecting from the news.
Some holistic communities even offer massage therapy and aromatherapy programs.
You’ll find many of these practices at Cura Living too.
Stress wreaks havoc on the body.
And as your parents age, finding ways to relax will keep their blood pressure down and happiness levels high.
How The Right Environment Makes A Difference
If you had to guess what the number one component to a holistic senior living community is…
What would you say?
I’m sure your answers would be on this list:
- Fitness classes
- Nutritious meal plans
- Mental stimulation
But here’s the secret ingredient that ties all of them together:
The physical environment.
Your mood, energy levels, and even stress levels can be impacted by the spaces you spend most of your time in.
That’s why senior living communities with a holistic focus pay special attention to how they’re built.
From homes that encourage social connection to furniture that encourages movement.
There are small ways each community creates an environment that naturally supports wellness.
Wrapping Things Up
Holistic approaches to wellness address every aspect of what seniors need to not just survive, but thrive.
And those needs include emotional, physical and social connections.
So when you or your parents are considering senior care options, pay attention to the whole picture.
Are they offering opportunities for exercise? Group meals? Social gatherings?
These are all important factors to your loved one’s happiness.
