By Mike Cooper

As National Senior Center Month comes to a close, we finish out our blog series with the ‘E’ in LIFE, for Energy. Think about it – Why do some older adults feel good and stay active into their senior years, but others age much more rapidly? There are a variety of factors that contribute to a senior’s well-being such as physical activity, cognitive function, and social interaction. All of these factors contribute to the energy that keeps us active and in good health.

Many studies have shown the correlation between physical activity and increased mental cognition. It is important to use the body and mind in order to keep both from weakening as we age. What you do now to strengthen your body and mind will affect how you feel as you age, so start thinking about what you can do to increase those chances.

But what about a loved one who is already in their senior years? At any age, there are activities that are healthy for the body and mind; keeping the brain active, involving social interaction and having fun!

Here are 5 ways to stay healthy mentally and physically:

1. Walking: a brisk 30-minute walk strengthens your heart and burns calories. Physical activity can also help increase mental cognition.
2. Story Telling: seniors who use their imaginations instead of trying to use their memory can improve their mood, communication and social interactions.
3. Arts & Crafts: more seniors are discovering the rewards of finding a new hobby or rediscovering a pleasurable craft from their past.
4. Games: whether card or board games, crossword or jigsaw puzzles, playing games may help prevent dementia by exercising one’s mind.
5. Gardening: Planting flowers and veggies in a raised flower bed is a purposeful activity. Watching the flowers grow and eating the veggies provides a sense of accomplishment.

Whether you are a boomer or a millennial, you need to regularly work on staying healthy, both mentally and physically. There are plenty of activities for all ages and levels of physical or mental capacity. You just have to start!

At Naperville Senior Center, we incorporate exercise, games and music into our daily activities with our Members. I’ve been known to pick up the trumpet for the “guess what song this is” activity! Contact us to get schedule a FREE 3-hour trial at our facility so you can see what we have to offer and understand the Naperville Senior Center experience, “Home Away From Home”.