Did you know that exercise can help seniors with brain health? According to the CDC, there are both short and long-term benefits of physical activity, including chronic disease prevention and independent living.
These benefits sound nice, but the truth is, it's a challenge to get up and out the door. If you live in Monroe, NC, though, don't squander your opportunities, as there are so many wellness activities available.
Active aging in Monroe, NC, is definitely possible, especially if you know where to look. Don't know where to start? Then here's a thorough guide on senior wellness ideas for the city.
Cane Creek Park is an amazing outdoor space that has over 1,300 acres of scenic views. There are both paved and natural trails, and they're all ideal for senior walkers.
During your gentle walks here, you'll:
You'll get to spend time in nature, especially as you walk on the main trail. It loops around the lake, and there are easy-to-moderate paths with rest areas.
At Cane Creek Park, you can also do light fishing and birdwatching. When you're tired, you can break out the picnic basket and have lunch at the various picnic spots.
For something more challenging, head to Ricky River Blueway. Don't worry too much, though, as the trails are still beginner-friendly. The area also offers peaceful surroundings, taking you to nearby spots like Mineral Springs and Fairview.
There are low-elevation hiking trails, and you can be completely new to hiking to tackle them. There are picturesque river views, as well as wildlife sightings.
You'll avoid mountainous paths, but you'll still benefit from improving:
Just make sure you bring walking poles and water.
The Monroe Aquatics and Fitness Center is an excellent local resource. They provide affordable access to many senior-friendly fitness classes, such as:
These classes focus on improving your flexibility, balance, and cardiovascular health. But they're not boring at all! They're held in fun and social atmospheres, and it'll feel like you're just hanging out with friends.
On-site, there's also an indoor pool. You can participate in warm-water therapy options, which are ideal for joint relief.
If you like what you see, there are monthly memberships. Otherwise, you can pay per class if you don't want any long-term commitments.
In Downtown Monroe, you'll find Sally's Mat, where you can take faith-based yoga classes. These are great for seniors who have osteoporosis, as there are certain activities you should avoid (they can fracture or break your bones).
Every Monday, Sally holds Yin Yoga classes at 9:00 am. It specifically targets the connective tissue found in your hips, pelvis, and lower spine, which are perfect for aging joints. These classes are beginner-friendly, and even if you aren't religious, you're welcome to join.
It's a donation-based setup, although she suggests you give $10 per session.
No Limits Fitness provides accessible hot yoga classes. Although it's a gym, you'll feel right at home in their supportive and non-intimidating setting.
While you're doing these gentle exercises, you'll see an improvement in:
Classes are on Tuesdays at 6:30 pm and Thursdays at 10:00 am. They're open to beginners and class sizes are small, so it's a very intimate setting. The instructors will also offer modifications for all fitness levels, so don't be scared to join.
Want to target physical and emotional wellness? They're both important to your overall well-being, so finding an activity that fulfills both things can be awesome.
You can achieve this by participating in volunteer-led clean-up walks. People in the local community are proud of where they live, and they'll often organize park and roadside clean-ups around Monroe.
Join in on the casual outdoor gatherings to do the following in a safe and social setting:
You'll spend a few hours beautifying neighborhoods while socializing with kind people.
Social engagement for seniors is essential; you may be in a lucky position where you see friends and family frequently, but not every older adult is that fortunate.
If you're able-bodied and would like to give back to the community even more, then consider in-home volunteering with the Council on Aging in Union County. This independent, non-profit agency puts together in-home volunteer programs for seniors who are stuck at home.
You can volunteer your time to engage with these older adults. You can do things like telephone reassurance calls and friendly visits. It's a win-win situation, as everyone will benefit from a lower risk of cognitive decline and better emotional well-being.
Has it been challenging to find senior health resources? As we age, our requirements to be happy and healthy change, so it's vital that you have updated information.
The good news is that the Union County Agricultural Center hosts annual health fairs and wellness expos. At these, you can:
Attending these will help you stay informed about healthy aging resources, such as what diet to eat for brain health. Plus, you'll get to engage in fun and educational activities.
If you've been wanting to boost your physical strength, cardiovascular health, and social connections, then these are the wellness activities you should do in Monroe. The city is bursting with opportunities to enhance your well-being, so it's about time you get out there to explore your options. Whether it's going on walks and hikes, or volunteering and going to health expos, you'll have plenty of activities to keep you busy.
Would you like to see what senior living in Monroe, NC, is like? Then schedule a tour with us today. TerraBella Indian Trail offers half off the first month's rent for veterans!