Retirement isn’t the end of the road—it’s the on-ramp to your next big adventure! Whether you’re planning your dream vacation, spoiling the grandkids, or finally picking up that long-lost hobby, staying healthy is your ticket to enjoying it all. In this guide to healthy living after 60, we’ll share simple tips to help you stay energized, sharp, and ready for whatever fun comes next.
Physical Health
Your metabolism may be slowing down, but that doesn’t mean you have to. As we age, our bodies naturally burn fewer calories, so staying active is more important than ever. But don’t worry, this isn’t about running marathons. It’s about keeping your body strong and ready for all the excitement life at Woodcrest Villa has to offer.
Here are a few senior health tips to help you stay fit, feel great, and keep moving with confidence.
Nutrition
Any foodies in the room? Well don’t worry. A healthy lifestyle for seniors doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your favorite delicacies. But it does mean you should focus on eating a balanced meal.
A healthy diet after 60 includes:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Beans
- Wholes grains
- Fish
- Fiber
Try to avoid excessive amounts of:
- Meat
- Sugar
- Dairy
- Processed foods
Healthy changes don’t have to be huge. Sometimes, it’s as simple as swapping your morning glass of OJ for a fresh orange. This cuts down on sugar while still giving you that fruity pick-me-up.
Now let’s talk about hydration. As you age, your sense of thirst declines, but your body still needs plenty of fluids to stay energized (especially if you’re on medications that increase your risk of dehydration). Aim for six to eight glasses a day, or about 1.5 liters.
Good news: it’s not all about chugging water. Soups, strawberries, cucumbers, and even your favorite cup of tea all count toward your daily hydration goal. Add them into your routine for a delicious, healthy diet after 60.
Remember to talk to your doctor before making any dietary changes.
Exercise
Another way to fuel your body is to stay active. Healthy living after 60 involves getting at least 30 minutes of exercise every day, and getting your heart rate up once a week. Here are some easy ways to get started:
- Go for a walk
- Take a swim
- Do yoga
- Lift weights
We highly recommend improving your balance with yoga or tai chi. These are great senior exercise options because they help build strength and prevent falls.
Our campus makes staying active so easy! With our fitness center, heated indoor pool, pickleball courts, and instructor-led senior exercise classes, you can take your health into your own hands. Take an aquatics class, play a lively game of water volleyball, practice tai chi on the lawn, or take a stroll through our arboretum. For something a little more strenuous, you can explore nearby hiking spots with amazing views.
Sound like fun? See our facilities for yourself.
Consult with your physician before adjusting your exercise routine.
Preventative Care
Another element of your physical health is visiting the doctor frequently (a smart senior wellness habit to start if you haven’t already). Make sure you go to your primary care physician at least once a year, and whenever you’re feeling under the weather. It may not be your favorite thing to do, but as a resident, we promise it’ll be convenient.
Right across the street, we have the Lancaster General Health Suburban Pavilion for all your urgent care and medical needs. We also offer a pharmacy and wellness clinic right on campus. And if your health changes, Trillium Place is just down the road, offering rehabilitation and personal care.
Sleep
For our last senior health tip, remember your time asleep is just as important as your time awake. Make sure you’re getting seven to eight hours of sleep a night. Stick to a consistent sleep schedule so your body can follow its natural rhythm. If you struggle with this, develop a relaxing bedtime routine that helps you de-stress and settle down for the night.
Mental Health
Healthy living after 60 includes your mental health. As you age, you may notice a shift in your mood, energy levels, and concentration ability—and that’s totally normal. However, it can be a difficult adjustment for many people. With these tips, you can practice healthy habits that help you feel calm and fulfilled.
Managing Stress
Often, big changes come with big stress. Maybe you’re overwhelmed with moving, downsizing, adopting new routines, or saying goodbye to your neighborhood. You may also notice feelings of anxiety, fear, or loneliness as you age.
While stress is common, it can be quite taxing, leading to inflammation in your body and accelerating aging. That’s why learning how to manage stress is crucial for your wellbeing.
To improve your mental health, it actually starts with your physical health. Following the senior health tips we shared above can help reduce stress and anxiety. Next, ask for help from friends, family, or a professional. Sometimes all it takes is a bit of support to make your worries feel more manageable. Finally, practice relaxation techniques. We recommend:
- Yoga
- Deep breathing
- Gentle stretching
- Going for a walk
- Creating art
- Listening to music
Getting older is a gift, but it can also be a complex thing to navigate. If you have mixed feelings about it, you’re not alone. Always remember that mental health issues are treatable, and you should talk to your doctor about how you’re feeling.
Learning New Skills
Your brain is a muscle just like any other, and it needs to be strengthened. Healthy living after 60 means learning new things and thinking outside the box! There are lots of ways you can keep your brain sharp:
- Learn a new language
- Teach yourself how to play an instrument
- Solve a difficult puzzle
- Learn a new hobby or skill
- Read a challenging book
Even something as small as taking a different path during your afternoon walk can spark new life into your day.
Emotional Health
Having a positive outlook on life makes everything better (and helps you live longer). Here are some ways to incorporate an optimistic mindset into your senior wellness habits.
Staying Social
A healthy lifestyle for seniors is one filled with social interaction. Staying connected in retirement is important, and our independent living campus is the perfect place to make that happen.
Start with your family and close friends. Schedule weekly phone calls, invite them to campus for our fun events, or plan an outing to explore downtown Lancaster or Amish country. We promise, they’ll be memories you cherish forever.
The culture at Woodcrest Villa is great for making connections! When you’re a resident, you can chat with your neighbors, talk with folks over dinner, or see a show at the Fulton Theater with friends. No matter what you choose, healthy living after 60 involves socializing—and lots of it.
Finding New Hobbies
Our last senior wellness habit is to find hobbies that fulfill you. It’s never too late to try something new! We offer an assortment of clubs and activities on campus so you can try your hand at anything.
Always dreamed of starting a garden? Join our field-to-dining program. Want to improve your artistic abilities? Take a couple art classes to let your creativity shine. Feeling the urge to build with your hands? We offer woodworking opportunities right on campus. Ready to go out and volunteer? Community engagement is huge for us.
Music, trains, crafts, sports, dancing, and more—a whole new world is at your fingertips.
Healthy Living After 60 Starts at Woodcrest Villa
A healthy lifestyle for seniors begins here. There are so many chances to have fun and make memories while caring for your mind, body, and spirit. Sound like you? Schedule a time to visit campus and see what your future could look like.