How Physical Activity Impacts the Emotional Well-Being of Seniors

Are you living your best life? If not, it may help to understand that your physical and emotional health are closely interconnected.

If you find yourself struggling with your emotional well-being, you may want to consider your physical health and whether increasing your activity levels could provide a positive influence.

Defining your mental or emotional well-being

No one is happy all of the time or able to escape difficult experiences, but being emotionally healthy can go a long way in helping you enjoy more of what life has to offer – and to face its challenges more confidently.

How you define a sense of well-being may be slightly unique, but the following are a few of the more typical features:

• Feeling good about yourself
• Functioning well – either individually or in relationships
• Able to deal with the ups and downs of life
• Feeling connected to your community
• Having control and freedom over your life
• Feeling a sense of purpose and value

Source: Mental Health Foundation

How physical activity can impact seniors emotional well-being

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. However, its effects may often be overlooked when it comes to your emotional well-being. Consider the following benefits:

1. Improved alertness and energy levels

Studies show people report increased feelings of contentment after being physically active. Exercise maintains your physical health but can also increase your energy and circulation, allowing your body and mind to function better.

Low intensity aerobic exercising for 30-35 minutes a day, 3-5 days a week has been found to improve moods, enthusiasm and alertness.

2. Positive impact on mood

Activity and regular exercise can improve and enhance your feeling of well-being. Concentrating on the activity or movement itself helps bring focus to the present and may distract you from negative thoughts or worries.

If you haven’t been active, it doesn’t require strenuous effort. Research has found that even moderate amounts of lower-level activity can improve your outlook on life.

3. Boost to your self-esteem

Self-esteem is a key indicator of good mental health and a barometer of your ability to cope with life’s stresses, according to research. Physical activity has been found to positively influence a person’s self-worth.

Maintaining a regular fitness routine leads to a sense of accomplishment. If you’re taking steps to keep in shape, you can’t help but start feeling better about yourself.

4. Decreased stress and anxiety

Our body’s defense to stress affects our emotional well-being. Research has discovered that highly active individuals tend to have lower stress when compared to those who are less active.

Exercise can also disrupt your stress by what the Mayo Clinic refers to as meditation in motion. After a great swim, run or playing a game, you may find you’ve forgotten many of the day’s annoyances.

5. Positive impact on depression and anxiety

Often a treatment for depression, research has found physical activity can reduce anxiety levels for those with mild symptoms. Another benefit is they feel empowered in managing their care.  

Exercise may also reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Those aged 65+ who remained moderately to vigorously active were less likely to experience cognitive issues than those who were sedentary or only participated in light activities.

Suggestions to improve your physical activity levels

If you would like a few tips to get you moving toward better physical and emotional health, consider the following steps:

1. Schedule a physical

If you haven’t been active, you might want to see your medical team for a check-up before you begin. You’ll receive the green light on activity levels or how to modify exercises if needed. They can also provide tips to help get you started.

2. Overcome barriers

Is movement a challenge? Do you have a negative image of exercising? Have you tried to remain active in the past but always became bored? Start small. Attempt a 5-10 minute walk. Try dancing instead of an aerobics class. But don’t give up.

3. Eat a healthy diet

Eating well is a critical building block for good health. Choosing the right nutrients and limiting fats, sugars and salt is key. The best foods provide fuel, lower your risk of some chronic diseases and benefit your brain and emotional well-being.

4. Sleep well

Sleep plays a vital role in maintaining good health. It helps to heal and repair heart and blood vessels, maintain healthy hormonal balances and lowers your risk for certain health problems. Quality sleep can help improve your ability to:

• Think
• React
• Make decisions
• Solve problems
• Control your emotions

How an independent living community positively impacts your health

Discover how the benefits of living in an independent living community can help you stay active and fit – while supporting good health.

Consider these advantages that can directly affect your physical and emotional well-being:

1. Fitness center: Many communities provide fitness centers, exercise classes and other amenities to help you remain in shape.
2. Planned activities: You’ll find a variety of physical and cognitive activities available and of interest.
3. Healthy dining: Eating right and enjoying delicious food is as simple as making your selection from the many menu choices.
4. Making friends: You’re almost guaranteed to meet and make new friends at activities, events and in the common areas.
5. Social events: Loneliness and isolation are not a problem in community life. Attending social events are not only fun but they’re good for both your physical and emotional health.

Ingleside’s Senior Living

If you’re considering an independent living community to help you remain active and support your physical and emotional well-being, we hope you will visit one of our Ingleside communities.

We believe you’ll find it’s even easier to live an enriched life when you take advantage of all the benefits we offer, including: 

• Maintenance-free lifestyle 
• Chef-prepared meals in our elegant dining rooms or casual cafés
• Fully equipped fitness centers
• Heated indoor swimming pools
• Woodworking shops
• Fishing ponds
• Indoor greenhouses
• Beautiful walking trails 

For information on Ingleside at Rock Creek senior living community located in Washington, DC, please call (202) 846-2651 with questions or to schedule a personalized tour today.

For information on Ingleside’s Westminster at Lake Ridge senior living community located in Lake Ridge, Virginia, please call (703) 420-7105 with questions or to schedule a personalized tour today.

For information on Ingleside at King Farm senior living community located in Rockville, Maryland, please call (240) 414-8557 with questions or to schedule a personalized tour today.