May seems to be another BUSY month! Lots to celebrate – Better Speech and Hearing Month, National Nurse’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Memorial Day, just to name a few. While these are all important things to celebrate, I want to focus on Senior Health and Fitness Day!
Senior Health and Fitness Day is May 26th. The focus of this day is to promote the importance of regular physical activity, especially for older adults. It is also focused on creating awareness around health-related issues that affect the older adult community. So, what are some ways you and your communities can participate?
Get in On the Fun!
- Fitness Testing. Fitness testing is an awesome way to establish a baseline for your health and fitness goals. Whether you are looking to have an assessment done, or participate in hosting one for your community, doing so in the month of May is a great way to celebrate physical fitness.
- Throw a Party. What better way to honor our seniors than with a party! Speak with your communities and join forces to celebrate. You can have healthy drinks and snacks, include some fitness challenges, or even have a drawing for a fun prize. The sky is the limit in terms of how you want to do this. The goal should be to create a fun event to honor the residents.
- Walk Together. Whether you join a walking club or go on a walk with a neighbor or close friend, the benefits of the activity are the same. Get your blood pumping, clear your mind, enjoy some fresh air, and take steps towards a healthier you!
Another way to participate in this celebration is to look at the Seven Dimensions of Wellness. Remember, Wellness is more than just the physical component. Think of ways you can incorporate all seven dimensions into your programming and offerings.
The Seven Dimensions of Wellness:
- Intellectual: Focuses on activities that stimulate and challenge the brain
- Examples include painting, journaling, solving puzzles and games, or enrolling in a college course
- Physical: Emphasizes strengthening and caring for the body to stay as independent as possible
- Examples include proper nutrition, regular exercise, stress management, and regularly scheduled doctor’s appointments
- Social: Emphasizes the importance of social interactions
- Examples include spending time with family and friends, joining clubs or group activities
- Spiritual: Involves finding purpose and meaning in life
- Examples include meditation, faith-based activities, yoga/tai chi, or experiencing nature
- Emotional: Focuses on the ability to copy with challenges and deal with feelings in a positive and respectful way
- Examples include counseling, stress management, or support groups
- Environmental: Demonstrates respect for our natural resources and/or to have a strong connection to the environment
- Examples include recycling, reusing goods, outdoor walks, meditation, or even planting a garden
- Vocational: Focuses on utilizing your skills and harnessing your passions and strengths to help others
- Examples include tutoring or mentoring, volunteering, or even caregiving
