Health & Wellbeing

Health and Wellbeing

The Importance of Health and Wellbeing

As we get older, we are at greater risk of isolation, loneliness and social exclusion. We are also at risk of failing health and having to rely on extra support to undertake our daily activities.

With this in mind, it is crucial to shine a light on the importance of health and wellbeing in later life.

Wellbeing and Its Importance

Wellbeing is widely accepted to as the idea of enjoying a pleasurable life, sense of purpose, independence and dignity.

Age UK define wellbeing as encapsulating “how we are faring, in all domains of life, including financial, health, social, personal and the local environment. It explores the questions of how well older people are doing”.

Promoting positive wellbeing is imperative to allow older people a greater feeling of control, sense of belonging and support. Encouraging meaningful activities and developing personal identity is key to improving wellbeing from both a physical and a mental perspective.

Health and Its Importance

One of the most important and direct contributors of our wellbeing is our physical health.

Activities and exercises for older people can help them to get fit, stay occupied and maintain social relationships. Particularly those living with dementia, exercise can be beneficial for physical as well as mental health and is encouraged for anyone at any stage of their condition.

Many local community or sports centres offer a range of organised activities and exercise, such as dance, swimming, indoor bowls and ball games. These are fantastic opportunities to maintain a social life and build relationships. At home, walking, gardening and housework are great way to ensure you are moving around as much as possible.

Health is not just about exercising and keeping physically fit, but also about the food we eat too. Eating healthier will not only help you to lose weight but will also change the way you think and feel.

Here are our top tips on how to make sure you are making the right food choices:

• Choose food enriched with Omega-3 fatty acids, notably fish and nuts.
• Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables.
• Make sure you have enough calcium for bone health by eating foods such as yoghurt, milk and cheese.
• Drink green tea which can enhance memory and mental alertness.
• Stay away from fad diets – healthy eating should be about enjoying good quality, delicious food.
• Make it an event – use mealtimes to socialise with friends and family to make it even more enjoyable.
• Find a diet or routine that works for you.