What we really want is to live longer well, staying healthy enough to continue doing the things we love. How well you age depends largely on you and what you do.The American Geriatrics Society’s Foundation for Health in Aging offers these tips for living longer and better:
Eat heart-smart.
Shoot for two servings a week of fish rich in heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Limit red meat and whole-fat dairy products, and choose whole grains over the refined stuff. Brethren Village dining venues feature locally-grown produce, items from our own gardens, and professional assistance from our full-time, on-staff dietician to ensure proper meal balance for our Residents.
Sidestep falls.
Walking as little as 30 minutes, three times a week can help you stay physically fit and mentally sharp. Strengthen your bones, lift your spirits — and lower your risk of falls. In addition to exercising, get plenty of bone-healthy calcium and vitamin D daily. Brethren Village Wellness programs offer the perfect blend of land, aquatic and group classes aimed to meet your wellness goals and achieve improvements in areas such as flexibility and cardiovascular capabilities.
Flatten your opponent, sharpen your mind.
Conquering your adversary in a challenging game, joining a discussion club, learning a new language, and engaging in social give-and-take with other people can all help keep your brain sharp. Whether tending to plants in our Resident greenhouse, playing a game of bridge, or tinkering in our Model Train Room, various activities happen daily at the Village to help keep our Residents healthy, happy and engaged!