Nurturing Your Well-Being: 5 Self-Care Ideas for Older Adults in Senior Living

Caring for yourself goes beyond your medical and physical needs. Sometimes, you just need a “you” day. That’s what self-care is for!​

Self-care is important in senior living. Aging adults deserve time to rest, relax, and enjoy the world around them. Here are some ideas for self-care in senior living communities. 

1. Go on a Solo Outdoor Walk

Connecting socially is important in senior living, but alone time can be just as rejuvenating. Make time to walk outside to reconnect with nature and yourself. 

Walking is a great way to boost your mood and improve your physical health. Daily walks strengthen your cardiovascular system, promote happiness, and reduce anxiety. 

Next time you need some “me” time, go for a solo walk and see all that nature has to offer. 

2. Bake Your Favorite Dessert

Everyone has a sweet tooth once in a while. For your next act of self-care, spend some time baking your favorite treats. 

Baking is a good way to reduce stress and take your mind off of anything that might be bothering you. It requires focus, measurements, and patience. In the end, you get to eat something delicious, too!

3. Have a Movie Night

Movie nights aren’t just for couples and friend groups. If you’re craving some solo time but don’t know what to do, a movie night could be just what you need. 

You can stream almost any movie or TV show these days. If that’s not an option for you, you can rent most movies through online services. For just a few bucks, you get an entire night of entertainment. 

4. Take a Nap

This one might sound simple, but naps can do wonders for your mind and body. If you feel exhausted and drained, a nap is calling your name. 

Sometimes the best act of self-care is to simply rest. Your body and brain get to heal and refresh while you sleep. When you wake up, you’ll feel more relaxed and ready to take on the rest of your day. 

5. Read an Interesting Book

Whether you’re into self-help books or romance novels, reading can be an effective tool for reducing stress and caring for your well-being. Books keep your mind sharp and improve memory and concentration. 
Pick out a book at your local library, bookstore, or senior living recreation center and curl up for as long as you need. You might be surprised how rested you feel afterward.

Keep Up with Your Needs: Self-Care in Senior Living

In senior living, there are plenty of social opportunities and hobbies. It’s important to take some time for yourself now and then. Follow this guide to create a relaxing self-care day and keep up with your mental health.