Independent Living Can Support Your Wellness Journey

Wellness means more than simply staying physically fit or staving off loneliness. To fully embrace your health and happiness as you age, it’s important to care holistically for your body, mind and spirit. Independent living can support all three, with specialists tailoring a wellness program to meet your needs so you can live a joyful life.

Caring for Your Body
Staying physically fit is vital to healthy aging. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends adults over 65 should aim for 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity exercise. That equates to a 30-minute brisk walk five days a week. Or you could do 75 minutes a week of vigorous exercise such as running, jogging or hiking. Additionally, the CDC advises you top that up with two days a week of muscle-strengthening exercises and three days of balance activities.

Does that all sound overwhelming? When you move to an independent living community, staying active is convenient and fun. At The House of the Good Shepherd you can enjoy peaceful strolls with neighbors on scenic trails in Stephens State Park and along the Musconetcong River. Regular strength and balance classes led by professional instructors make it easy to keep up with those CDC targets. You’ll find working out in a group is the perfect way to stay motivated and accountable, and the social aspect is an added bonus.

Nutritionally, you will be well cared for too, with in-house dieticians and trained chefs creating delicious, healthy meals.

Caring for Your Mind
A 2022 AARP healthy living survey found 61 percent of adults over 50 have experienced anxiety in the past year. Personal crises or global events like the COVID pandemic can take their toll on our mental well-being, so it is essential to look after your mind as much as your body. Choosing independent living gives you access to the tools you need to keep your mental health in tip-top shape.

For example, The House runs weekly meditation and breathing classes, as well as brain-stimulating (and entertaining!) clubs where you can challenge friends to a round of dominoes, rummy or poker. You could also find yourself learning something new in an engaging lecture series.

Caring for Your Spirit
Spending time with like-minded people in an independent living community helps nurture your spirit, too. Rather than worrying about how you are going to travel to church each week, you could enjoy worship just steps from your home at a community chapel. With a full-time chaplain on site and friendly Bible study groups, The House is a wonderful place to grow spiritually.

Top Wellness Tips for Older Adults

• Get enough sleep. Good sleep habits boost your mood and your immune system. Adequate sleep also reduces your risk of health problems like heart disease and diabetes.
• Take a daily walk. Not only does a regular stroll keep you fit, it gives you an invigorating dose of fresh air and allows you to reflect on your day.
• Give your brain a workout. Whether completing a crossword, learning a new language or simply reading a book, exercising your mind is as important as keeping your body active.
• Give back to your community. Offering your time and skills through volunteering is rewarding. You will feel great helping others and will have the chance to meet new people.

Many of our independent living residents wish they had made the move to The House of the Good Shepherd sooner. Reach out to us to arrange a tour and find out how independent living can support your wellness in mind, body and spirit.