Assisted Living provides many benefits that can improve the quality of life for seniors and their families. Learn about the top 5 health benefits of assisted Living to help you or a loved one make an informed decision.
Keeping active is key to maintaining strength, flexibility and good balance. Most assisted living communities offer daily fitness programs, stretching classes, walking groups, and more.
Improved Mental Health
Loneliness is a major risk factor for many senior health issues, from depression to cognitive decline. Moving to assisted Living allows an old to plug into a community and socialize regularly, which prevents isolation and can boost feelings of well-being. Sorting through a lifetime of possessions, packing up a home, moving to a new area and adjusting to a different lifestyle can be extremely stressful for seniors. Assisted Living removes this stress by handling everything from cleaning and cooking to grocery shopping and transportation. Assisted living St Augustine Florida communities also offer daily fitness programs to help protect muscle and bone strength, which can reduce the risk of falls and serious injuries like head or hip fractures. These classes may include stretching, walking groups, yoga, tai chi and more.
Increased Physical Activity
Regular physical activity can improve balance, flexibility and strength, prevent falls — the leading cause of fractured bones in seniors — and help seniors maintain their independence. It can also reduce blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels and lessen symptoms of diabetes, according to research. Many assisted living communities offer fitness classes focusing on strength training and balance. They may also provide a range of other exercises, including stretching, tai chi and yoga, that can help build strength and flexibility and improve moods. Getting involved in social activities is another great way to keep seniors active and healthy. Seniors who move to an assisted living community plugin quickly, making new friends and a sense of belonging. This helps lessen emotions of loneliness and isolation, which can have a major negative impact on one’s health.
Improved Nutrition
Assisted living communities offer three complete meals per day and snacks. This helps seniors maintain healthy diets and avoid weight loss or gain, which can be difficult when living alone at home. In addition to ensuring residents have access to nutritious meals, assisted living communities provide nutritional education daily. The nutrition team prepares foods high in protein and nutrients to keep the immune system strong and the body healthy. Seniors who live alone can become isolated, which leads to serious health concerns like depression, dementia and weakened bones and muscles. Most assisted living communities feature social events, such as movie nights, music and art classes, poker or card tournaments and book clubs, which help seniors connect with others and enjoy their lives.
Reduced Risk of Illness
Assisted Living offers a variety of benefits that help seniors reduce their risk of serious illness and injury. For example, a healthful, varied diet prepared by professionals is an important aspect of overall wellness for many seniors. Assisted Living meals are typically prepared three times daily, and residents can dine with peers in dining rooms with accessibility features like flat thresholds and hallway hand railings. Assisted Living communities also offer life enrichment programs that keep seniors socially connected and engaged with peers. This helps combat isolation, a major risk factor for depression, chronic diseases and other serious health conditions. Peace of Mind is also an added benefit for family members, who know their loved ones are safe and well cared for in a supportive environment.
Peace of Mind
Peace of mind is the idea of being calm and content, unburdened by worry or stress. It doesn’t mean you ignore or avoid problems, but rather that you deal with them maturely and considerately. Seniors who live at home are at a much higher risk for social isolation and feelings of loneliness and depression. Still, in assisted Living, they can meet new friends and engage in life-enriching activities like music workshops, art classes, cards & games, travel, and so much more. This gives them a sense of purpose and fulfillment, leading to improved mental health and cognitive sharpness. In addition, their families can rest easy knowing they’re in a safe environment where their loved ones are cared for 24/7 by professional staff.
