May 31, 2023, marks the 30th anniversary of National Senior Health and Fitness Day—the largest senior health and wellness event in the nation.
Held every year on the last Wednesday in May, the event attracts approximately 100,000 seniors who join at various retirement communities, senior centers, parks, hospitals, and other locations across the country. Participants get active and engage in physical activities — helping to both promote senior health and educate on the benefits of an active lifestyle.
The National Council on Aging and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) both stress the benefits of healthy living and exercise for older adults. It is well-documented that regular physical exercise can help lower the risk of developing chronic diseases. It can also help improve your emotional and mental well-being, keeping you active and independent longer.
Celebrating this national event is easy. Just get out and get active. But how can you join the movement? Introduce activities into your daily routine that are designed to get your heart pumping. This could include moderate aerobic exercises like walking and swimming, or strength exercises. Just remember to exercise within your limits and abilities, and check with a doctor beforehand to ensure it’s safe to start.
For those living in senior communities, see if there are special activities already in place. If nothing is specifically planned, consider exploring some of the activities your community offers, such as attending a fitness class or making use of any shared amenities.
If you’re looking to make your own fun in celebration of National Senior Health and Fitness Day, here is a list of things you can do to improve your well-being on this health-inspired day (and throughout the year).
- 1. Go to the park or join a local walking group
Check out the local events happening in your city parks and recreation areas. If there aren’t any specific National Senior Health and Fitness Day plans on the docket, a visit to the park is a nice and healthy way to spend a morning—or afternoon.
- 2. Schedule a screening
The best way to maintain your health is to stay on top of regular screenings and routine checkups with your doctor. This includes scheduling a cleaning with your dentist, getting an eye exam with your optometrist, or even a head-to-toe skin check with your dermatologist.
- 3. Eat a healthy meal
The food you put in your body plays a major role in how you feel and operate daily. To begin, try and get your daily serving of nutritious foods and add greens, whole grains, and proteins while avoiding excessive sugars and overly processed items.
- 4. Get together with loved ones
Consider making time to connect with others. Being together with friends and family invites opportunities for laughter and happy memories—all of which have been shown to lower stress and elevate mental health.
Now’s the time to get started!
Bridge Senior Living communities excel at helping people stay active and connected by offering a vibrant and welcoming environment full of health-inspired activities, social groups, clubs, classes, and opportunities to volunteer.
This year, Bridge Senior Living communities are celebrating National Senior Health and Fitness Day with hosted activities tailored to each community – including station stops for sit-to-stand, balance tests, blood pressure checks, and more.
We hope you enjoy National Senior Health and Fitness Day and look forward to seeing how you participate this year. Make sure to post your celebratory activities for all to experience on social media, using the hashtag #SeniorHealthAndFitnessDay.
To learn more about the benefits of moving into a Bridge Senior Living community, contact us today for more information or to schedule a tour.
