Page 4 - _William Cape Gardens Newsletter - Winter 2018

4 WILLIAM CAPE NEWS, WINTER 2018
Health & Wellbeing

Staying Young at Heart

We already know that a healthy lifestyle is important in 5. Creating Art / Doing Crafts
living a long life, but new studies show that having a
range of hobbies is equally important for Seniors. It From painting, sculpting and scrapbooking to
has long been known that a wholesome diet, exercise and photographing, knitting or sewing — art is one of the best
positive health choices all help Seniors feel more activities Seniors can practice.
energetic. Emerging research into longevity indicates
that mental and social activity is just as critical as physical 6. Playing Cards / Games
activity when it comes to healthy ageing. Hobbies, and a From playing Bridge to Scrabble, cards and games are an
rich social network are factors that correlate excellent way for Seniors to keep their minds sharp.
with avoiding isolation and living longer for Seniors.
Studies show that having regular hobbies can not
Some Healthy Hobbies for Seniors include:
only improve your psychological wellbeing, it can
1. Visits from Family and Friends also improve your physical health. The pleasure of these
activities can lead to positive feelings that fight against
These catch-ups help combat isolation; one of the leading many age-related conditions for Seniors. Some of
causes of mental and physical decline. the many physical benefits of pursuing your passions and
hobbies include improved brain health; including memory
2. Gardening and being Outdoors and mental agility, improved sleep quality, lower blood
pressure, lower risk of heart disease and lower risk of
It’s not only an enjoyable form of exercise, it also stress, anxiety and depression.
increases levels of physical activity and helps increase
Seniors’ mobility. At William Cape Gardens, the Leisure and Lifestyle team
coordinates a wide selection of life-enriching activities
3. Caring For a Pet including daily activities and events involving local
groups; allowing residents to connect with the broader
Pets provide a comfort system and produce a chemical community.
chain reaction that helps to lower levels of the stress-
inducing hormone, cortisol. These are activities that all residents can take advantage
of and in doing so, assist in maintaining a good quality of
4. Exercise life, well into Retirement.

From improving flexibility, ease of motion and strength to
also increasing happiness and socialisation, exercise in
the form of golf, yoga or simply walking, has many
benefits.