Quality of Life For Seniors

Far too often, we hear about the negative side of the aging process—but we don’t always talk about quality of life for seniors and how joyful, beautiful, and meaningful growing old can be. As you prepare for the golden years of retirement, maintaining a high quality of life is essential to keeping your truest self vibrant and fulfilled.

Ultimately, quality of life is a deeply personal and subjective measure of someone’s well-being. The World Health Organization, for instance, defines quality of life as “an individual’s perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards and concerns.”

While a somewhat vague definition, one way of thinking about how to improve quality of life for seniors, is to consider what aspects of your life are most important to you—and which elements are vital to your sense of self as you age.

Successful aging, a concept originally developed by authors and physicians John Rowe and Robert Louis Kahn in the 1990s, was defined as a combination of three key components:

• Avoiding disease and disability 
• Retaining high cognitive and physical function 
• And engaging with life

While this definition is widely accepted, what it means to age successfully remains somewhat murky and confusing. A 2010 study reviewed 28 studies in an attempt to determine a unified definition of what successful aging meant—but no universal consensus was found. Although physical function and lack of disability were present in nearly every definition, the other elements were all dissimilar.

Ultimately, how to age successfully has never been—and never will be—a one-size-fits-all approach. Improving and maintaining quality of life for seniors is highly unique to each individual and is best understood as such.

Although successful aging and quality of life are influenced by genetic and environmental health factors as well as the natural aging process, they’re also directly impacted by factors within our control, including diet and nutrition, exercise, social life, and mental wellness.

There are three main keys to successful aging that apply to seniors of all backgrounds: Physical, mental, and social health.

Physical Health

Although there’s never a guarantee when it comes to physical health, there’s an array of preventative steps and preparing for aging seniors can take to ensure optimal health. From proper nutrition to ongoing exercise, here are some tips to prioritize your physical health in preparation for aging.

• Stay active. The physical and mental benefits of exercise are unparalleled. As you age, incorporate exercise into your daily habits. It can be as simple as going to a yoga class, enjoying a walk outside, signing up to work with a physical trainer or therapist, or heading to the gym with a friend.
• Prioritize your diet. Eat a nutritious, whole-food diet as much as possible. Perhaps you have a love for cooking and enjoy visiting your local farmer’s market to get the freshest fruits and veggies. If cooking isn’t your style, consider getting help from a meal service—there are a number of healthy options that provide nutritious meals straight to your door and require minimal cooking.
• Sleep health is physical health. Sleep has a massive impact on our body—from brain health to immune system response and everything in between. Getting at least 7–8 hours each night can reduce your risk for a wide range of health issues. If you struggle with healthy sleep habits, experiment with new tactics to uplevel your sleep routines: Turn off all devices at least an hour before bed, enjoy a cup of chamomile tea, or even invest in some dark window shades and a cozy sleep mask.
• Work closely with your doctor. In addition to preventative health measures, work closely with your doctor to ensure that your health stays in tip-top shape. If you suffer from chronic pain, now might be a good time to discuss physical therapy, explore new medications, or implement new exercises so you can improve and maintain your health.

Mental and Emotional Well-Being

It’s no secret that your mental well-being has a powerful effect on your physical health. For decades, popular thought believed that as we age, we begin to lose brain cells. A 2018 study debunked this theory—and found that the brains of older adults were capable of making the same number of new neurons. Here are some of our favorite tips for keeping your brain sharp and stimulated:

• Find a hobby. Mental stimulation is absolutely crucial for keeping our brains healthy and engaged. Learning a new hobby or advancing your skills on an old hobby is a great way to exercise your brain. Other options might include reading books and magazines, doing puzzles or crosswords, or playing problem-solving games.
• Work or volunteer. Volunteer activities for adults over the age of 60 provide powerful physical and mental health benefits, including lower rates of depression and anxiety. By spending time volunteering for the good of others, volunteers reported feeling a sense of meaning and appreciation—which can lower stress levels and impact overall well-being. A study from Duke University even found that individuals who volunteer have lower mortality rates than those who do not.
• Stay positive. It might sound a little crazy—but one study found that optimism and positive thinking about aging as a senior can result in an 11–15% longer lifespan, including a stronger possibility of living to the age of 85 or older. Just like any self-care ritual, staying positive is a practice and requires a little bit of time and attention. You might try incorporating a gratitude journal, positive affirmations, or loving-kindness meditations into your daily routines and track how you feel.

Social Connection

Finally, connecting with others is one of the most important elements of successful aging. Individuals who remain engaged with their social relationships experienced a 70% lower rate of cognitive decline, according to a 2011 study.

• Maintain your friendships. Keep in touch with your old friends as much as you can. If you’re interested in making new friends, try getting involved in a group-based activity, such as a shared yoga or pottery class, to connect with other individuals who share similar interests.
• Travel if you can. Traveling is one of the best activities you can do for your body, mind, and spirit. Schedule a day trip to a scenic spot near your house, or a quick flight to one of your favorite places to visit. Cruises are also very popular for many seniors—and if you plan a cruise with friends, you’ll have social interaction built-in.
• Spend time with loved ones. Whether you have grandchildren, children, or a chosen family, spend time with your loved ones. If you can’t connect in person at the moment, try to arrange a Zoom or Facetime call—so you can catch up, enjoy each other’s company, and spend quality time together, even if it’s virtually!

Everdays assists young seniors like you across the United States with how to prepare for aging, strategies for successful aging, and making a plan for the future—so you can make the most of your golden years and maintain a high quality of life. With Everdays, we’ll provide successful aging resources and help you prepare for your retirement in advance, so you won’t have to worry about future expenses or stressful surprises. Plus, we’ll help you navigate important decisions about your health, long-term care needs, and your final wishes with ease.

Peace of mind is one of the best gifts you can give—both to yourself and to your loved ones. When you set up your free account on Everdays, our friendly Bot Eva will guide you through a planning process that will carry you into the future. Once your plan is squared away, you can give loved ones digital access to your decisions so they know what’s most important to you, too.