Self-Care Ideas for Women: Why Gender Matters in Senior Wellness
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Self-care ideas for women go beyond just taking a day for yourself every once in a while. Senior women's wellness requires you to make major lifestyle changes to reap the benefits of prioritizing your health in your retirement years. Focus on self-care with tactics such as changing your diet and finding new hobbies to bring purpose to your life.
Did you know that older women still provide much of the unpaid care in the United States? The U.S. Department of Labor reports that women aged 55 and older provide over 26 million hours of unpaid care annually, highlighting the role women continue to play even into their senior years.
In this article, we will explore some self-care ideas for senior women in Prescott Valley, AZ, and how women's mental health in aging can be positively impacted by changes in lifestyle habits.
What Are the Seven Pillars of Self-Care?
There are seven key pillars of self-care that you should focus on when crafting a plan to improve your well-being. They are:
- Emotional
- Spiritual
- Mental
- Environmental
- Recreational
- Social
- Physical
While the goal is to build a lifestyle that contains all seven pillars, it may be better to focus on one or two at a time. Many pillars go hand in hand, so try activities and habits that will benefit you in one or more categories.
What Are Self-Care Ideas for Women?
Whether you are new to self-care or you simply want to change your lifestyle, it can be difficult to decide where to begin, especially when you have freedom in your retirement years. Here are some great ways to start.
Cultivate a Balanced Diet
A healthy, nutritious diet can do wonders for your physical and mental health. Creating a meal plan with the right nutrients will ensure that your bones remain healthy and strong and that your brain functions at its best.
At Glassford Place, our residents do not have to worry about curating the right diet for optimal nutrition. Our exclusive Elevate® Dining Program ensures residents receive tasty and nutritious meals, complete with tableside service and an attentive culinary team.
Avoid Too Much Screen Time
It may seem harmless to spend a few minutes scrolling social media, but the time can add up quickly. Modern screens from smartphones and tablets are designed to be addictive, and social media sites give constant, repeated dopamine hits to keep users engaged.
Try setting screen time limits on your devices and replacing that time with an analog activity, such as crafting or reading a book. Avoid screen time before bed and opt for physical media instead.
Exercise Regularly
Seniors should aim to exercise regularly, even in retirement. Although it may be tempting to lounge in front of the television or curl up with a good book, movement can help maintain your physical health and strengthen your joints and muscles.
Vibrant Life® at Glassford Place Senior Living gives residents access to unique programs tailored to senior fitness needs. The program focuses on a trifecta of wellness goals:
- Mind
- Body
- Spirit
Find a New Hobby
Your golden years are the perfect time to find and nurture a new hobby. You will have plenty of time to invest in something you have always wanted to try.
Some typical senior hobbies may include:
- Crafting, such as needlework or art
- Volunteering or giving back to the community
- Starting a club or group
- Playing games with other residents
- Taking classes to cultivate a new skill
Take a look at the activity calendar for your assisted living community to see if there are any events that pique your interest. Attend as many as possible and focus on connecting with others. Common interests may lead to lasting friendships.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Some Common Gender Differences in Aging?
While there is more gender equality than ever, there are still some key differences in aging between men and women. Very Well Health reports that women still live approximately five years longer than men, with life expectancies of 80.2 years and 74.8 years, respectively.
Additionally, women are more prone to diseases previously protected by estrogen production, as estrogen levels tend to drop off following menopause. Women are also more likely to seek the help of medical professionals earlier, meaning that they have better chances of recovery and treatment outcomes.
What Is the Importance of Emotional Care for Women?
While mental and physical health may be your primary focus, emotional care is still important as you evolve in your senior years. Women are often the center of family life and have a larger emotional burden than their male counterparts. Even in old age, women may still have caretaking responsibilities to their spouses or children.
Women in assisted living should take time for themselves and work on setting boundaries in their lives. If you struggle to prioritize your emotional well-being, it may benefit you to work with a therapist or another mental health professional.
At What Age Should I Start Focusing on Senior Women's Wellness?
As soon as possible. There is no minimum age requirement to begin working on women's mental health in aging. The sooner you can learn to care for yourself and build a lifestyle focused on your own health and well-being, the sooner you can benefit.
Holistic Routines for Senior Women at Glassford Place Senior Living
Even in your golden years, maintaining mental, physical, and emotional wellness is crucial for an enriching senior lifestyle. With these self-care ideas for women, you can find purpose and structure in your senior living community and live your life to the fullest.
At Glassford Place, our exclusive programs and amenities put the health and well-being of our residents front and center. Our assisted living residents can enjoy chef-created menus, exercise programs curated specifically for seniors, and so much more, all facilitated by our dedicated and caring staff members.
Are you ready to experience all that Glassford Place has to offer? Reach out to us today to learn more about our community, or visit our stunning campus in Prescott Valley, AZ, to see it in person. We can't wait to hear from you!