Seniors are living longer and senior wellness programs are evolving to support whole person well-being, not simply physical health. Today’s multifaceted approach to promoting health and wellness for seniors, includes enhancing feelings of purpose and contentment.1
What are the benefits of health and wellness programs for seniors?
Traditionally, wellness programs tend to focus on exercise and physical activity, which offer a broad range of benefits for everyone, including older adults. Studies have shown that, often, inactivity is more to blame than age when older people lose the ability to do things on their own.2
Fitness remains an important part of a senior wellness program, as research has shown that regular exercise, even in less-than-recommended amounts, brings health benefits. It’s better to do a little every day than nothing at all. Regularity is key.3
A study published in JAMA found that a structured exercise program involving sedentary adults aged 70-89 reduced the risk of major mobility disability. Exercise also helps maintain a healthy weight.4 Obesity is a major risk for disability in later life, may worsen arthritis, and has been linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, glucose intolerance, certain types of cancer and sleep-related breathing disorders.5 Studies have found that when overweight or obese people lose even 5-7% of their current weight, physical health and symptoms may improve.6
According to the National Institutes of Health, incorporating 4 types of exercise—endurance, strength, balance and flexibility—into a wellness program for seniors may provide physical as well as emotional benefits.7
Benefits may include:8
- Maintaining and improving strength necessary to remain independent.
- Managing or preventing some diseases like arthritis, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and 8 types of cancer, including breast and colon cancer.
- Reaching or maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of excessive weight gain.
- Improving or maintaining some aspects of cognitive function, such as the ability to shift quickly between tasks or to plan an activity.
- Improving balance to lower the risk of injury from falls.
- Improving sleep.
- Reducing feelings of depression and stress, while improving mood and overall emotional well-being.
Trends in senior wellness programs
Current trends in senior wellness programs are expanding beyond a focus on fitness alone. The International Council on Active Aging surveyed senior living communities about growing trends in health and wellness programs for seniors. 60% of respondents expected to increase investment in several additional types of wellness programs:9
Education and lifelong learning.
Mental workouts may be as important as physical workouts when it comes to senior wellness. Learning new things may stimulate the growth of new brain cells and slow cognitive decline. The benefits of continuing education may also be emotional, combatting depression and boosting self-image.10 Certain colleges are adapting to cater to seniors, providing large-print syllabi and requiring professors to wear microphones while lecturing. Some states offer discounted or free tuition, for seniors, at colleges and universities.11
Health education and disease management.
Some changes, for example quitting smoking, have been shown to have a significant impact on physical health. Even after smoking-related health problems have developed, quitting may reduce symptoms and prolong life. One study found that quitting smoking between ages 55-65 added 4 years to life expectancy. Quitting is hard. Only 3-6% of those who try to quit on their own succeed. Senior wellness programs may include medications and counseling, which increase the chance of successfully quitting by 30%.12 Other high-impact lifestyle changes include getting enough sleep and reducing chronic stress. Sleep deprivation and stress have both been linked to problems like cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance and decreased immune function.13
Nutritional education and food preparation.
Some senior wellness nutrition programs are looking more closely at the microbiome—the bacteria in the stomach and intestines—and gut health. Certain bacteria may impact diabetes, heart disease, multiple sclerosis and certain types of cancer, and researchers have found links between gut bacteria and mental conditions such as anxiety, depression and even dementia. Cutting-edge senior wellness programs may include speaking with doctors and dieticians about food choices that can target a healthy microbiome.14 Some nutritional factors are specific to seniors, including the fact that older adults may require extra calories and protein, and these factors may also be incorporated into a supportive senior wellness program, with approval from a doctor.15
Current wellness trends in senior living also include:
Technology. Smart lights help prevent falls. Timed medication dispensers. Fitness equipment can be uploaded with personalized workouts. With the rise of services like telehealth and high-tech wearables like smartwatches and fitness monitors, seniors may be able to access more information about their health, more easily. Smart devices can monitor important health markers, like heart rate and rhythm or oxygen levels. Specialized apps are available to monitor glucose and stress levels as well. Some devices can detect falls and contact emergency services or preferred emergency contacts.16
Stress reduction. Chronic stress may lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and diabetes. Some seniors are minimizing sources of stress by downsizing and simplifying their lifestyles.17
Alternative wellness modalities. Some seniors are adding holistic practices like massage, meditation and mindfulness to their wellness programs. Massage may ease pain associated with conditions like osteoarthritis, as well as expand range of motion, lower blood pressure and strengthen the immune system. Meditation and meditative movement practices, like yoga and tai chi, may have similar physical benefits in addition to their positive impact on emotional health.18
By keeping up with modern technology and scientific research, wellness programs for seniors may improve daily life and promote longevity, helping support a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle for older adults.
Go365 by Humana® makes wellness fun and easy. We help Humana Medicare members with Go365® on their plan reach health goals as well as take care of their physical and emotional health—allowing members to thrive at any age.
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Sources:
1“Current Wellness Trends in Senior Living,” Where You Live Matters, last accessed September 27, 2022,
2“Real-Life Benefits of Exercise and Physical Activity,” NIH National Institute on Aging, last accessed September 27, 2022,
3Leslie Kernisan, “How to Promote Physical Health While Aging: The Healthy Aging Checklist Part 2,” Better Health While Aging, last accessed September 27, 2022,
4Kernisan, “How to Promote Physical Health While Aging: The Healthy Aging Checklist Part 2.”
5Kernisan, “How to Promote Physical Health While Aging: The Healthy Aging Checklist Part 2.”
6Kernisan, “How to Promote Physical Health While Aging: The Healthy Aging Checklist Part 2.”
7“Real-Life Benefits of Exercise and Physical Activity.”
8“Real-Life Benefits of Exercise and Physical Activity.”
9“Current Wellness Trends in Senior Living.”
10“Current Wellness Trends in Senior Living.”
11“Current Wellness Trends in Senior Living.”
12Kernisan, “How to Promote Physical Health While Aging: The Healthy Aging Checklist Part 2.”
13Kernisan, “How to Promote Physical Health While Aging: The Healthy Aging Checklist Part 2.”
14“Current Wellness Trends in Senior Living.”
15“Current Wellness Trends in Senior Living.”
16Kernisan, “How to Promote Physical Health While Aging: The Healthy Aging Checklist Part 2.”
17“Current Wellness Trends in Senior Living.”
18“Current Wellness Trends in Senior Living.”
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