(BPT) - As you get older, we may sometimes feel less of a sense of community and connection. If you've experienced loss, are living apart from family or have challenges due to chronic medical conditions, the holiday season can be even more challenging.
There are simple, positive actions you can take -- and resources available -- to help you feel more connected with others, which will improve your mood and your health during this season of celebration.
SilverSneakers®1, a fitness program specifically designed for older adults of all fitness levels, provides all kinds of opportunities for socializing through group fitness classes2 and more, creating a sense of community for its members. Their trained instructors share tips to help you reconnect with others and improve your well-being and help you enjoy everything the holidays have to offer.
"Physical movement can improve your mood (and your health) and SilverSneakers is a terrific place to start," explains Dina Sexton, SilverSneakers National Fitness Trainer. "Our program offers fitness classes to help our members experience the benefits of activity specifically for older adults with the added benefit of being in the company of other people!"
Plan your holiday activities
To prevent the holidays from sneaking up on you, decide how you'd like to spend your time. Get out your calendar and highlight days you'd prefer being alone, and which days you'd feel better spending with others. Plan to invite someone over, connect with friends and family or volunteer with organizations and/or community groups to help make those days special.
By taking the reins and planning, you'll know what to expect and look forward to. You could also try a personal wellness challenge to jumpstart your activities and provide the motivation to stick with it! The SilverSneakers Healthy Holidays Challenge is designed for seniors, and includes new workouts, simple mindfulness strategies, and ideas to keep gym sessions exciting.
Find real-life connections
While social media and online groups sometimes provide connection with friends and loved ones living far away, face-to-face interaction can be uplifting too. Look for listings of meet-up groups, senior centers, community groups and organizations with causes or hobbies that interest you and then take the next step by putting a couple of their upcoming gatherings and events on your calendar.
It can be difficult to join a social event or activity where you don't know anyone (yet), but remember that others may be new, too -- and most groups love welcoming newcomers. Need support? Enlist a friend or neighbor to go with you.
As the holidays approach, joining a nearby community center, house of worship or volunteer organization may also help you feel less isolated. Reach out to a neighbor to meet up for coffee or reconnect with old friends who may be delighted to hear from you.
And if invited for a potluck, here are some articles offering helpful tips such as quick and easy appetizers perfect for any gathering.
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Bolster that mind-body connection
Look for ways to increase your activity level that aligns with your current fitness level. Simply walk around the block or try strengthening and stretching exercises right in your chair. Research shows that even small amounts of physical activity can improve your physical health, mental health and mood.
Most importantly, exercise is also a great social activity. Joining a walking club or exercise class means enjoying the company of like-minded people -- and you'll exercise more safely, as well.
"The magic of fitness is that you can connect with others while having fun," affirmed Sexton. "SilverSneakers offers fitness activities for every level and connects you with others at the same level too! You can also join live classes online to ensure there's a program for you."
With SilverSneakers, you're welcome to attend dozens of different community classes, visit a participating fitness location3 in your area or join SilverSneakers LIVE online classes. Many health plans may include SilverSneakers in their benefits; check your eligibility. If you are not a SilverSneakers member today, you may still enjoy workout videos, plus health and fitness tips and much more. You can access class videos and articles simply by creating a free online account.
Savor alone time
Lastly, don't forget to schedule quality "me time." Relish days spent exactly the way you want -- curling up with cocoa or tea and your favorite book or listening to music you love. Watch a movie that makes you laugh, as research shows laughing is one of the biggest mood boosters there is.
For the holidays, make the most of available resources that offer plenty to look forward to -- including new ways to move, get out there and socialize. Starting with SilverSneakers, you'll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy the season. Visit Tools.SilverSneakers.com to get started.
Always talk with your doctor before starting an exercise program.
1 SilverSneakers is a registered trademark of Tivity Health, Inc.
2 Membership includes SilverSneakers instructor-led group fitness classes. Some locations offer members additional classes. Classes vary by location.
3 Participating locations ("PL") are not owned or operated by Tivity Health, Inc. or its affiliates. Use of PL facilities and amenities are limited to terms and conditions of PL basic membership. Facilities and amenities vary by PL.