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National Wellness Month: Supporting Healthy Aging in Crawfordsville

Written by Discovery Senior Living | Jul 28, 2025 4:00:00 AM

Did you know that 35% of adults over the age of 75 are not active? Seniors hoping to maintain muscle strength and energy need to be more mindful of their exercise and eating habits. National Wellness Month is the perfect time for seniors to take charge of their physical and mental health.

With some diligence and lifestyle changes, seniors in Crawfordsville, Indiana, can make a positive impact. Read on to learn the best tips to support healthy aging!

Pursue Better Physical Wellness

Developing senior health awareness can start with a focus on physical fitness. As seniors age, they lose muscle mass and bone density. In response, aerobic exercise and strength training can help:

  • Improve cardiovascular fitness
  • Tone muscles
  • Contribute to better sleep

Going for daily walks can help control blood pressure and cholesterol in seniors. Walks also offer an opportunity to decompress or enjoy conversation with a friend, as well. Swimming and cycling are other forms of cardiovascular exercise that can keep seniors fit. 

While seniors don't need to do powerlifting, even light-weight lifting routines can be a smart addition to a fitness plan. Weight lifting can increase muscle mass and boost a senior's metabolism. In short, strength training is one of the best ways to manage weight for Crawfordsville seniors.

All of these efforts to introduce more physical activities can result in a better night of sleep, too. Chronic conditions and sleep cycle shifts can make sleeping feel like a battle for many seniors. But exercise can help manage circadian rhythms and increase melatonin production.  

Improve Your Diet

 

Better emotional and physical care can come in the form of a more nutritious diet. With aging, seniors are more likely to put on weight and engage in limited physical activity. Seniors can help combat these issues by:

  • Avoiding processed foods
  • Reaching for nutrient-rich and high-fiber foods
  • Limiting snacking
  • Staying hydrated 

Many convenient snacks are also loaded with sodium and refined sugars. Seniors should stock their cupboards and refrigerators with healthier snacks like cut vegetables and whole-wheat crackers. Fresh fruits are another great source of vitamins and nutrients that can improve bone strength and mental clarity.

Seniors should drink around eight glasses of water each day, too. Staying hydrated can kickstart energy levels while also helping seniors feel fuller. A fuller sensation may help people avoid overeating, so hydrating before meals is especially wise. 

Searching online with keywords like aging well IN can help Crawfordsville seniors find useful information to boost their healthy habits. Seniors can also seek out community wellness programs, which may include educational lectures and other opportunities to build awareness. 

Get Involved Socially

For many seniors, aging comes with grief. Seniors may suffer the loss of a spouse or feel isolated from family members. Diminished vision or mobility may prevent seniors from attending as many gatherings or events. 

Consequently, intentional efforts to build strong social networks are a must.Seniors can do this by:

  • Eating lunch with friends
  • Scheduling more activities
  • Seeking therapy as needed

Simply joining a table of friends for lunch in the cafeteria is an easy way to integrate more socialization into a senior's life. Aside from meals, selecting a few weekly activities from a Crawfordsville senior community's calendar can add structure and human interaction.

In some instances, if a senior is grappling with grief due to loss or health issues, mental health services may be an essential next step. Seniors should reach out to their providers or caregivers for help locating a counselor to meet their needs. 

Introduce New Activities

Becoming bored with the same routine can be a challenging reality for seniors. One of the best ways to combat boredom is through the addition of new and invigorating activities. Seniors could:

  • Join a book club
  • Volunteer with a local organization
  • Try a new hobby

Volunteering in the Crawfordsville community is a great way to give back and get connected. Local nonprofits are happy to have seniors participate. And seniors can reap the benefits of meeting new friends of all ages. 

Book clubs within a senior community or local library system are another stimulating way to be more involved. Similarly, joining a club centered on a specific hobby, like birding or baking, can give seniors a new talent to hone. 

Evaluate Home Safety

As part of assisted living wellness, seniors should make sure they are living in a safe home. That means doing safety audits and enhancements to create a home with fewer safety hazards. Effective changes may include:

  • Adding grab bars to bathrooms
  • Removing area rugs
  • Investing in upgraded lighting 
  • Adding safety call buttons

Seniors should choose apartments with logical floor plans in Crawfordsville. They should avoid overstuffing their spaces with bulky furniture and area rugs, both of which can become tripping hazards. 

Grab bars and better lighting are other excellent safety upgrades. Grab bars can help prevent falls in bathrooms and hallways. Similarly, stronger lighting can illuminate spaces, making it easier to spot potential obstructions. 

Prioritize Medical Care

The best wellness routines seniors pursue are ones that also include routine medical care. Seniors must be diligent about:

  • Attending annual health exams
  • Asking questions about their health
  • Getting recommended immunizations
  • Seeking dental care

Seniors should find a trusted physician in Crawfordsville as their main point of contact. A good doctor will listen to their concerns and make sure seniors are getting necessary screening and vaccinations. For instance, seniors are at higher risk of shingles and pneumonia, and therefore would benefit from vaccinations. 

Additionally, seniors shouldn't neglect their teeth. Tooth enamel thins with age, and the risk of cavities increases. Dental care can catch problems before they become more expensive and painful situations. 

Take Charge of Your Health During National Wellness Month

National Wellness Month can be a pivotal point for Crawfordsville seniors seeking changes. Refining dietary choices and adding more exercise can be a good starting point. But seniors also should take stock of their home's safety features and make sure they're being dutiful about medical care.

Whitlock Place Assisted Living provides Crawfordsville, Indiana's best senior living community, thanks to amenities like robust wellness programs and spacious apartments. Seniors can enjoy a walk on our well-groomed campus or relax during an outdoor concert. Contact us today to learn more!