Ageing well is about embracing a holistic approach to life that prioritises physical health, mental well-being, social connections, and purposeful living. It involves adopting healthy habits, staying active and engaged, maintaining positive relationships, and cultivating a resilient mindset. Ageing well empowers individuals to live life to the fullest, embracing each stage of life with vitality, fulfilment, and a sense of purpose. Whether you live at home or in residential aged care, you can still achieve a high quality of life by incorporating the following principles of ageing well :
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- Stay Active: Engage in regular physical activity such as walking, swimming, yoga, or gardening to keep your body strong, flexible, and balanced, as well as participate in supervised gentle exercise programs, walking programs, or group fitness classes.
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- Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit processed foods, sugar, and salt.
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- Stay Social: Maintain social connections with friends, family, and community members. Stay engaged in activities that bring you joy and fulfilment. Shared dining experiences and communal areas in care communities promote socialisation and reduce feelings of isolation.
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- Get Regular Health Check-ups: Visit your general practitioner for routine check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations to prevent illness and catch health issues early.
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- Stay Mentally Active: Challenge your brain with puzzles, games, reading, or learning new skills to keep your mind sharp and cognitive function strong. Engaging activities like puzzles, games, arts and crafts, or educational programs to stimulate cognitive function and prevent mental decline. Reading groups, discussion clubs, and access to technology can also provide mental stimulation.
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- Get Quality Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Practise good sleep habits by establishing a bedtime routine and creating a comfortable sleep environment.
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- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
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- Limit Alcohol and Avoid Smoking: Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all, and avoid smoking or quit if you currently smoke.
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- Maintain a Positive Outlook: Cultivate a positive attitude and focus on gratitude. Surround yourself with positivity and seek support when needed Undertaking hobbies, music therapy, or pet therapy can also uplift spirits and promote emotional well-being.
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- Protect Your Skin: Use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and avoid excessive sun exposure to prevent skin damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer.
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- Stay Safe: Prevent falls and injuries by keeping your living environment clutter-free, using assistive devices if needed, and practising balance exercises provided by an allied health professional.
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- Manage Stress: Practise relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or tai chi to manage stress and promote mental well-being
Concentric has proven experience working with residential aged care providers, assisting residents to achieve their goals through the provision of a range of exercise based rehabilitation and preventative programs. Concentricโs services are tailored to each individual resident to achieve outcomes such as increased social participation, increased strength, mobility and balance, and most importantly, proven to decrease functional decline.
To find out more please visit our aged care services page or email support@concentric.com.au.