All too often, you probably hear the phrase ‘that’s just part of it’ when it comes to getting older. While it’s true you might experience more aches and pains and not have the same level of energy as you did in your thirties and forties, there are many positive aspects of aging that are often overlooked. Here at our independent living in Oceanside, CA, we want to highlight some of the best parts about getting older while also debunking a few aging myths.
Myth #1: Senior isolation is normal.
Right out the gate, we want to address the common misconception that it is normal for older adults to isolate or feel lonely. While there may be certain life events that occur that impact one’s social life, such as the passing of a spouse or a dementia diagnosis, finding ways to connect with others even in the face of these circumstances is extremely important. Senior isolation can have a dramatic effect on one’s health and well-being.
That being said, there are many great ways for seniors to stay socially active! Social media and improved technology, such as video calling, makes it all the easier to stay connected. Also, making the transition to a senior living community, such as our independent living in Oceanside, CA, can also do wonders for helping older adults maintain friendships and participate in a whole host of fun activities.
Myth #2: Older adults can’t learn new things.
When you were working or raising your family, you likely didn’t have a whole lot of extra time to spend on cultivating your hobbies and interests. Throughout adulthood, you probably made a number of personal sacrifices to further your career or to help your family get ahead. While this is an admirable trait, you might find yourself feeling a little lost now that you’re retired. If you feel like you are too old to learn something new, know that this couldn’t be farther from the truth!
Retirement serves as an opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and try new things. Have you always wanted to try yoga? What about learning to play golf? Did you always want to take a gourmet cooking class or an art class? These are your golden years and you should spend them doing activities that will bring you joy! After all, retirement is supposed to be the reward for your years of hard work.
Myth #3: It isn’t safe for seniors to exercise.
While it is true that some fitness activities aren’t recommended for certain seniors, namely those with mobility issues or heart conditions, generally speaking, exercise is extremely beneficial for older adults. In fact, exercise is great for improving cardiovascular health, preventing or managing diabetes, and even bolstering one’s overall mood and mental health.
There are many different types of exercise that are safe for seniors to participate in, including the following:
- Swimming or water aerobics
- Walking outdoors or at a safe speed on a treadmill
- Yoga and tai-chi
- Cycling
- Tennis or pickleball
- …and so much more!
Prior to starting a new exercise program or making changes to your fitness routine, be sure to talk with your doctor. This is especially important if you have any kind of underlying health conditions or have any issues with mobility. You want to ensure that you are exercising in a safe and healthy manner. For residents of our independent living in Oceanside, CA, we are proud to offer a fun and diverse calendar of activities for seniors of all fitness levels and mobility needs.
Myth #4: It’s too late to quit smoking.
No matter how long you’ve been a smoker, know that it’s never too late to kick the habit for good. In fact, did you know that the benefits of smoking happen almost immediately? In just a few short hours, the carbon monoxide level in your blood will decrease. After a few days, food and drinks will begin to taste better. Give it a few weeks and you will noticeably begin to breathe easier and have better circulation.
The benefits don’t stop there, however. Quitting smoking will decrease your risk of many diseases and illnesses, including cancer, stroke, heart attack, diabetes, and pneumonia. There are many great resources available that can help you quit smoking at any age, but you can always start by having a talk with your doctor. They will have helpful information that they can share with you and may even be able to offer a prescription to assist you on your journey to quit smoking.
Myth #5: Older adults need less sleep.
As you have gotten older, you may have found it difficult to fall asleep or even stay asleep throughout the night. While some may write this off as ‘normal’, know that seniors actually require the same amount of sleep as they did in adulthood. You should aim to get anywhere from 7-9 hours of sleep each night. If you need to supplement your sleep with an afternoon nap, it’s okay to do so! Just make sure that you aren’t napping too late in the day so that it throws off your sleep schedule.
Once again, if you are having some serious concerns about your sleep, talk it over with your doctor. There are a few natural remedies you can try as well, such as exercising once a day, turning off electronics close to bedtime, or practicing relaxation techniques. Also, check the quality of your mattress or pillows if you aren’t comfortable at bedtime.
Independent Living in Oceanside, CA
When it comes to aging, you want to make sure that you are living your happiest, healthiest life. All too often, people make assumptions about getting older, many of which have a negative connotation. Here at Bayshire Carlsbad, we strive to create a community that encourages our residents to stay active, make healthy choices, and spend their retirement years truly enjoying all that growing older has to offer.
To learn more about our independent living in Oceanside, CA, contact us today! We would be happy to give you a tour of our community and let you see for yourself all the amazing amenities and services we offer.
