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.

Many studies show 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 in your younger years to strengthen your body and mind will affect how you feel as you age. Think 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 activities that can keep your body and mind healthy:

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.

Keep your body and mind healthy!

Whether you are a boomer or a millennial, keeping your mind and body healthy should be something you work on regularly. There are plenty of activities for all ages and levels of physical or mental capacity. You just have to start!

Regardless of our Members’ physical or mental capacity, they are able to socialize, verbalize, improvise, evangelize, visualize, exercise, have fun, and a host of other activities to provide mental and physical stimulation. We incorporate exercise, games and music into our daily activities with our Members.

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”.