Your holistic health goes beyond the physical. In fact, there are 7 dimensions of wellness, which hold the key to a happy and healthy life. These dimensions work together like cogs in an interconnected mechanism. So if one cog gets stuck, the whole structure bears the brunt. For those over 55 entering into retirement, keeping healthy becomes even more important. As maintaining your health in old age requires some extra love, attention and care. So read on to learn more about the 7 dimensions of wellness, why they’re so important and how to achieve them.
1. Social Health
Relationships and social interaction are important aspects of a healthy life. We all know that it feels good to have friends and family around. But science has proven the effects go much further than this. A recent study found that “social relationships – both quantity and quality – affect mental health, health behaviour, physical health, and mortality risk.” So let’s take a deep dive into the way social health impacts our lives:
- Behavioural impacts –
Social relationships impact health behaviour as we are influenced by those around us. Social ties create a sense of responsibility for others, which will increase health habit behaviours to protect those around you and yourself.
- Mental health impacts –
Social support can make you feel loved, cared for and listened to. When you are supported by others, stress levels are relieved and a sense of meaning in life is fostered.
- Physical health impacts –
Interacting with others in a supportive environment can benefit your immune, endocrine, and cardiovascular systems. Basically, being around people who support you will make you feel less stressed, which benefits your physical health.
All in all, humans are social beings. The need for interaction and connection with others is clear. So make sure to regularly spend time with people who make you feel positive and supported.
2. Physical health
The importance of physical health as a senior often comes down to, “use it or lose it”. While it might be a cheeky saying, it holds a lot of truth. To take care of your body you need to keep active, particularly as you move into retirement. We understand how tempting it can be to relax around and stay inside after decades of working. But it is important to exercise every day. The good news is that you can do it in whichever way works for you. Great options are to:
- Go for a swim
- Take a walk
- Join a group fitness class
- Try yoga & pilates
- Jump into a dance group class.
What you eat, drink and consume also plays a big part in your physical health. Ensure you are eating nutritious meals, and cutting out any toxic consumables like alcohol and cigarettes. Finally, a good night’s sleep can make all the difference to your physical health.
3. Intellectual health
You can keep your mind active and healthy by engaging in creative and intellectually stimulating activities. Intellectual wellness works similarly to physical health because the mind is a muscle. Again, if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it. Learning new things helps your mind to grow and strengthen. Consider trying:
- Puzzles
- Art
- Sudoku
- Chess
- Language classes
- Journalling
- Academic classes.
4. Emotional wellness
Emotional wellness can be described as your daily moods and emotions. Working closely with your intellectual health, when people are stimulated, their emotional health also improves. You can also increase your emotional wellbeing by connecting with friends and loved ones, practising mindfulness and living a balanced lifestyle.
Mental health is a large part of emotional wellness, especially when going through a big life change like moving into retirement. So in some cases, medications and professional therapy can help with increasing emotional wellbeing.
5. Spiritual health
Spirituality means to be concerned with the human soul or spirit as opposed to material or physical things. This is certainly an important aspect of a person’s life, particularly as they grow older in age. You may be searching for a deeper meaning to your life as there is more time to reflect and ponder. Comfort can be found in spirituality as it eases anxieties during difficult times. If your faith and inner values are important to you, then you will want to be in an environment that supports and accepts your beliefs so you can grow spiritually.
6. Vocational wellness
Your vocation in life is what gives you a greater purpose, such as caregiving, working, mentoring or volunteering. Not only does it provide meaning to life, but contributing to society in a positive way can also do wonders for your holistic health. So when retirement comes around and many people give up their vocation, it can feel daunting. This is why it’s recommended to continue passion projects, mentorship and volunteering well into your retirement.
7. Environmental
Humans act like sponges. We soak up everything around us. So when our environment is healthy and thriving, so are we. Looking after your space and the earth will ultimately make you feel more happy and healthy. Gardening, cleaning, recycling and choosing eco-friendly alternatives will make you feel proud of your choices and where you live. Even connecting with your environment by spending time outside and exploring nature will have a great impact on your holistic health. As your environment shapes your health, it’s important to be selective in where you choose to spend your retirement.
So to live a happy and healthy life throughout retirement, ensure you are servicing all 7 dimensions of your wellness. While this might feel a little overwhelming at first, the independent living village you have chosen should be able to support you in this wellness journey. Before you know it, keeping your cogs will be well-oiled and running smoothly.
