February 14, 2019
As we wrap up the holiday season it is time to reflect upon and enjoy the positive benefits of relaxing in a group. Practicing relaxation techniques/activities has many benefits, i.e., slowing heart rate, lowering blood pressure, improving digestion, maintaining normal blood sugar levels and even reducing muscle tension and chronic pain. What is important moving forward is for us to take the word “activity” literally and act now by weaving in purposeful moments designed to achieve optimal engagement all year long. Here are some suggestions to get started:
Walking At age 70, walking 200 minutes per week, or about 30 minutes per day, on average has been shown to maintain, and in some cases, improve cognitive function.
Volunteering Studies suggest volunteering at a very high level (15 hours or more a week) may be a pathway for maintaining cognitive performance in post-retirement years.
Novelty Trying something new matters. A study that focused on skills that were novel to participants showed novelty helps create an effortful learning environment that requires older adults to expend large degrees of mental energy, sustain focused attention and strengthen skills that were rusty.
Tracey Harvey
National Program Director of Wellness Services
EnerG® by Aegis Therapies
Aegis Therapies is a nationally recognized leader in contract rehabilitation and wellness services with more than 7,500 therapists and clinicians providing therapy services in over 1,400 facilities across 41 states. Harvey has more than three decades of experience in the Fitness/Wellness/Retirement Living Industry, and champions evidence-based programs across the nation in order to increase overall results using aspects of innovative business development tactics to drive quality, consistency and successful outcomes.
All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical, emotional or other type of advice. Aegis makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. Aegis will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. Aegis will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information. Each individual is unique; therapy and wellness progress and outcomes will vary depending on the individual.
Sources:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/homo-consumericus/201309/age-ain-t-nothing-number-sometimes
