Inspired by our remarkable residents, these wellness activities prove that physical, mental, and spiritual health are marked by embracing the opportunities of every day life.
In honor of National Senior Health and Fitness Day and our 25th anniversary, we’re celebrating the many ways older adults can stay active, energized, and fulfilled – every day. This list is inspired by the remarkable residents in our communities who engage in wellness practices of all kinds – physical, mental, and spiritual – with consistency, joy, and vigor. From heart-pumping cardio to mindful reflective practice, these wellness activities prove that thriving isn’t about age – it’s about attitude, intention, and embracing every opportunity to live well.
Eat Well: Choose Enlightened Nutrition
1. Try the MIND Diet for a Beneficial Boost
A blend of the Mediterranean and DASH Diet, the MIND Diet encourages a diet full of leafy greens, berries, nuts, and whole grains, which support cognitive health and longevity. Read more about the MIND Diet.
2. Simple Swaps for Significant Gains
Limiting sodium, processed sugar, and unhealthy fats can be daunting, but substituting them for fresh and dried herbs, whole grains, natural sugars, and low-fat options is more viable than ever before. Read our Heart-Healthy series with recipes to get you started for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner.
3. When in Doubt, Shop the Perimeter
“A simpler way to ensure the healthfulness of the product you buy is to look at the ingredients list. While you may not recognize every ingredient, you can prioritize eating single-ingredient foods and foods with a short list of ingredients that specifically mention whole wheat or whole grain as the first ingredient.” said Alaina Hoschke. “Another technique is to shop the perimeter, meaning to prioritize buying the fruits, vegetables, proteins, and grains that are found more often around the perimeter, not within the aisles, of the grocery store.”
To learn more about nutritional needs for older adults, click here.
Get Moving: Cardio and Endurance
4. Go the Distance with a Walking Club
Walking is one of the safest and most effective forms of exercise – and a walking club ensures there’s always motivation with friends along for the journey.
5. Splash into Swimming for Joint-Friendly Cardio
Swimming is low-impact, easy on the joints, and a refreshing way to strengthen the heart, lungs, and muscles.
6. Drum Up Wellness with Cardio Drumming
Follow fun rhythms by drumming on an exercise ball – get your heart rate up and your music fix all in one.
7. Low-Impact HIIT for Total Body Fitness
Modified High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) helps improve endurance, agility, and cardiovascular health.
8. Power Up in Boxing Club
Build strength and coordination with modified boxing routines tailored for older adults.
See how our residents at The Bristal at Mount Sinai learn boxing with The Arroyo Boxing Club.
Feel Light and Free: Practice Strength, Balance & Flexibility
9. Build Strength with Toning Classes
Low-resistance strength training helps maintain muscle mass, supports posture, and boosts metabolism – all key wellness factors as we age.
10. Flow with Chair Yoga
This practice, a gentle form of yoga using a chair for support, improves flexibility, balance, and peace of mind.
11. Feel Limber with a Stretching Routine
Stretching regularly helps you move with ease, prevents stiffness, and keeps muscles long and lean.
Learn a few simple exercises to improve balance and coordination.
12. Ease Aches with Arthritis Exercises
Low-impact, repetitive movement helps reduce joint pain, build flexibility, and improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis.
13. Recharge with Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Learn to tense and release muscle groups in a guided sequence designed to melt stress away and increase body awareness.
Incorporate health and wellness apps into your routine with these suggestions.
Enhance the Mind-Body Connection
14. Practice Mindful Meditation and Movement Exercises
Gentle movement paired with deep breathing supports mental clarity, focus, and emotional well-being.
15. Experience Spiritual Flow with Tai Chi
Known as “meditation in motion,” Tai Chi is a graceful, low-impact way to boost balance, improve mobility, and enhance peace of mind.
16. Get Joyful with Zumba Gold
This dance-based, low-impact workout program is perfect for lifting your mood and raising your heart rate, and no dance experience is required.
17. Sway into Salsa Dancing
Salsa is a fun way to stay fit and meet new people, as well as improve coordination.
18. Be an Active Aging Champion
Join the international initiative, first launched by the International Council on Active Aging®, to celebrate lifelong learning, personal wellness goals, and challenges to negative perceptions of aging.
Be Empowered with Education
19. Learn to Prevent Falls
Fall prevention workshops help improve balance, identify risks, teach tips for staying safely on your feet, and help you understand the best strategy for minimizing injury if you happen to fall.
20. Stay Informed with Health Education Workshops
Attend sessions on topics like blood pressure, nutrition, bone health, and sleep hygiene to prioritize wellness education.
21. Hydrate Well and Often
Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining energy, and for positive physical and mental well-being, but it can be easy to forget. Track your daily water intake to ensure you’re hydrating enough.
22. Explore the Benefits of Supplements
As everybody is unique, ask your medical professional which supplements to take and which supplements to avoid for the best possible health outcomes.
Have Fun and Be Fit
23. Virtual Video Games for Fitness
There are a growing number of sports- and fitness-related games available, like Wii Bowling and Wii Fishing, which gamify fitness, which incorporate friendly competition, real movement, and hand-eye coordination.
24. Indulge in Self-Care at the Wellness Spa
Rejuvenating skin treatments, massages, facials, and aromatherapy are just a few of the options available for those in need of some relaxation and self-care.
Learn about our partnership with Borghese Roma, the luxury spa and skin care brand.
25. Try something new!
Celebrate Senior Health and Fitness Day by sampling a new class, setting a new goal for yourself, or exploring a new fitness challenge!
At The Bristal, we believe the road to wellness is a lifelong journey – one made richer through community and curiosity. Whether you’re stretching into chair yoga, joining friends for a brisk walk, or trying something brand new, each step you take supports a life lived with vitality and purpose. For National Senior Health and Fitness Day – and every day – we’re proud to celebrate the strength, spirit, and dedication of our residents who continue to teach us what it means to thrive.
