Proper Health for Seniors
“A body at rest tends to stay at rest. A body in motion tends to stay in motion.”
-Sir Isaac Newton-
At the Regency Jewish Heritage Nursing and Post-acute Rehabilitation Center in Somerset, NJ, we place great emphasis on honoring the aforementioned quote.
There is nothing more counter to a healthy lifestyle than inactivity and turning into a sedentary ‘couch potato.’
A proper fitness and exercise and regimen, knows no distinction of age or gender. Male and female, both young and old, need to stay active in order to stay healthy.
I find there is a misconception promulgated by some that fitness is about honing ones physique or developing an obsession with your local gym and your personal trainer.
That’s a most myopic view of what staying fit is all about.
Staying fit is about improving your immune system and increasing your lifespan, period.
It really is that profound, yet that simple.
To this end, seniors have much to gain by working on increasing their stamina and energy, including spending more years enjoying their children and grandchildren.
I’ve put together these several helpful tips and suggestions that we practice here with our residents at Regency Heritage to great success:
- Proper sleeping habits is crucial. Our bodies crave a set rhythm and structure when it comes to sleep. Without the proper amount of sleep, the body becomes lethargic and weak. Seniors are especially prone to lethargy when their sleeping pattern is off kilter and inadequate.
- Eat healthy. It isn’t just young folks who like to nosh. Seniors enjoy candy too. Some candy in moderation (and when it doesn’t conflict with ones dietary restrictions and protocol) is ok, but junk food should never replace healthy, wholesome and nutritious meals. At Regency, we ensure that our residents eat healthy.
- Walk, don’t ride. Most senior living centers will have multiple elevators in house. Elevators are convenient, but not conducive to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you don’t absolutely need the elevator, take the stairs to help with your metabolism and increase your vitality.
- Get outdoors. We have beautiful outdoor spaces at Regency and encourage our residents to avail themselves of our lush greenery and idyllic waterfalls and ponds. Staying cooped up all day inside (and certainly during the warmer months) will adversely impact your mood and energy level.
- Stay social. On first glance, this seems like more of an emotional tip than a tip for maintain a healthy body. The truth is, there is a direct synergy and correlation between emotional and physical wellbeing. Someone who is thriving emotionally will be better equipped to stay healthy. That’s why at Regency, we encourage and foster an active social lifestyle for our residents.
In the final analysis, a healthy individual is a happy person, so stay happy and stay healthy!
By: Judah Gutwein, LNHA for SA
Judah Gutwein
Judah Gutwein, LNHA, is the Director of Admissions, Administration, Marketing, Social Media for Regency Nursing and Post-acute Rehabilitation Centers, NJ. The Regency organization has become synonymous with the best in senior healthcare and has garnered a well deserved reputation for its unsurpassed commitment to its patients and residents. The Regency Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers and Facilities throughout New Jersey have achieved numerous industry ‘gold standard’ benchmarks an have received accolades from all corners of the HealthCare community.
