As you age, prioritizing a healthy lifestyle becomes increasingly crucial. However, navigating this journey alone can be daunting. This is where retirement communities play a vital role in promoting physical and mental well-being among older adults. Let’s explore how these communities encourage and support a healthier lifestyle for their residents.
Connect with Like-Minded Peers
One of the key benefits of joining a retirement community is the opportunity to meet fellow senior adults who share similar health and wellness goals. Being part of a community that aligns with your priorities provides a sense of belonging and support, essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The camaraderie and accountability within these communities can motivate you to stay committed to your health objectives and inspire you with new ideas and perspectives.
Engage in Diverse Physical Activities
Retirement communities offer a variety of physical fitness activities tailored to different interests and abilities. These communities provide well-equipped fitness centers with a range of amenities to cater to the residents’ needs. Trying out new activities is not only beneficial for physical health but also helps in staying mentally sharp as you age.
Some popular physical activities available in retirement communities include:
Aquatic Exercises and Swimming
Water aerobics, lap swimming, and other aquatic exercises are ideal for seniors looking to improve their cardiovascular health and flexibility. The low-impact nature of water activities makes them suitable for individuals with joint pain or arthritis, helping to build strength while minimizing discomfort.
Pickleball
Pickleball, a blend of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, is a fun and social sport that seniors of all ages can enjoy. It offers a low-impact workout that promotes physical fitness and social interaction, making it an excellent choice for residents in retirement communities.
Yoga and Tai Chi
Yoga and tai chi are popular activities that focus on balance, flexibility, and mindfulness. Both practices offer physical benefits such as improved balance and coordination, as well as mental health benefits like stress reduction and enhanced concentration. These gentle exercises are suitable for seniors of all fitness levels and can be modified to meet individual needs.
Comprehensive Healthcare Support
Retirement communities prioritize the holistic well-being of their residents by providing access to onsite healthcare services. Residents can benefit from regular medical check-ups, mental health support, counseling, and therapy to address various health concerns. The integration of social activities into the wellness programs promotes community bonding and social interaction, enhancing the overall quality of life for residents.
By offering a supportive environment and a range of wellness resources, retirement communities play a crucial role in empowering seniors to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives. From physical activities to holistic healthcare services, these communities are dedicated to promoting overall well-being among older adults.
The impact of retirement communities in fostering a healthier lifestyle cannot be understated. With a focus on holistic health and well-being, these communities provide a nurturing environment where seniors can thrive and enjoy an active lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Complementary and Alternative Healthcare – Does it have Evidence-Based Basis?
The evidence base for complementary and alternative medicine is still evolving, but there are many reasons why people choose these therapies. You might have tried traditional treatments and found them ineffective. Or you may be looking for an alternative treatment because it has more benefits than conventional care. Alternately, they may look into complementary and alternative medicine as part of a holistic approach for health. Always check with your doctor to ensure that any complementary and/or alternative medicines you take are supported scientifically. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have any doubts about whether the treatment is working. It can save you both time and money.
What is holistic medicine’s opposite?
Holistic medicine examines the whole person and all its aspects. It is based on the concept that any illness must have multiple causes and requires a combination of treatments for maximum effectiveness.
Holistic medicine practitioners believe prevention is better that cure. They are able to work closely with patients in order to ensure optimal wellness.
They look for the root causes of disease to prevent them from returning. Holistic physicians look at the whole person and not just the physical organs. They often refer to the entire being as “the body.”
This means that they go beyond skin care and treat the entire body holistically. The doctor may recommend changes in diet, exercise, or lifestyle. He may also recommend meditation or yoga exercises, herbal supplementation, massage or chiropractic treatment, as well as acupuncture and other forms of alternative medicine.
Who uses holistic medicine
Holistic medicine is health care that treats the whole person as opposed to treating specific symptoms. Holistic medicine focuses on both mental and physical well-being.
Holistic medicine can include acupuncture, massage therapy and chiropractic treatment. It also includes nutritional counseling, yoga, and many other complementary therapies.
People who use holistic medicine include those who have been diagnosed with cancer, heart problems, diabetes, arthritis, depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, migraines, infertility, menopause, asthma, autism, and many others.
What does holistic mean to you?
Holistic is a holistic approach. It means looking at the whole picture rather than just part of it. It is difficult to do this because we tend to see things as individual parts.
We tend to think in terms of black and white. However, grey comes in a wide range of shades.
It is important to consider all angles when working on a project. It is important to see it from all angles.
You should try to see it all as one. How do the various components interact?
If you find a problem in your situation, take the time to ask why. Also, consider the impact of any changes that you make.
Why do people with advanced cancers use alternative methods of treatment?
When trying to deal with their cancer, patients with the disease are often confronted with many obstacles. They might have lost all hope for recovery or feel helpless because there is nothing else they can do. Patients may experience pain, nausea, fatigue, lack of appetite, loss of strength, etc.
A majority of conventional treatments are ineffective against cancer cells. Patients with cancer should look into alternative treatments, such as complementary medicine. Research shows that nearly half of patients have used alternative medicine at least once in their treatment.
Some cancer patients choose complementary medicine over chemotherapy, believing it will be easier for them to manage side effects. Also, they may prefer it because it costs less.
You can also use the following reasons:
Natural remedies may be able to prevent a recurrence, according to some patients.
Many people believe natural remedies can improve their quality of living.
Others believe natural remedies can help reduce your risk of getting again cancer.
People concerned about possible side effects of chemotherapy use natural remedies as first-line therapy.
Is holistic medicine legal?
The answer is yes and no. Yes. Numerous medicines have been found to be effective in treating various diseases. They won’t cure everyone. It depends on what you mean by “holistic.” It depends on what you mean when you use the term “holistic”.
Some believe that holistic medicine is a newer form of medicine. This is simply not true. Although natural remedies were used by some healers in ancient Egypt and Rome, they were not scientifically backed.
It wasn’t until the Middle Ages that medical practitioners began to study anatomy and physiology, which led to the development of surgery, obstetrics, and pharmacology. Most Western countries have developed public hospitals, where doctors can provide medical care, by the end of the 19th-century.
Today, conventional medicine is the dominant form of healthcare. Many people still prefer alternative and complementary medicine. Many people find that alternative medicine works better than pharmaceutical drugs.
For example, some people feel more relaxed after receiving massage therapy rather than taking tranquilizers. Others prefer healthy eating to prescription medication. Still, others find that regular exercise helps their bodies function at peak performance.
Statistics
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
nccih.nih.gov
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- The rise and rise of complementary and alternative medicine: a sociological perspective – PubMed
- PubMed: Holistic medicine – PubMed
webmd.com
doi.org
How To
What are the Pros and Cons of Holistic Medical?
Holistic medicine refers to a medical approach that stresses the importance of the mind, body and spirit in healing. The late 19th-century pioneer of holistic medicine was Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), the author of The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure. He used simple techniques such as meditation, visualization, and hypnosis. People with stress, anxiety, depression or pain experienced this treatment. This therapy is also helpful for patients who want to improve their lives and cope with their issues.
Although holistic therapies are still practiced today, they have lost popularity because of the lack of evidence supporting their effectiveness. Some studies do show that these therapies can be used to reduce chronic conditions like arthritis, cancer and heart disease.
The advancements and the shortcomings of holistic medicine can be seen in:
- Lack of scientific evidence. Only a few well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluate the benefits of holistic therapies. Positive results are found in the majority of observational studies.
- Alternative medicine is less expensive than conventional medicine. Alternative medicines are often cheaper than conventional ones, especially if the patient follows an organic diet.
- Patients do NOT feel pressured or compelled to follow prescribed protocols.
- Many doctors will recommend complementary treatments, even if they are not prescribed.
- Holistic treatments are often combined with conventional medicine. For example acupuncture is commonly combined with medication and surgery.
- People believe that alternative treatments work better than conventional medicine.
- Alternative medicines are considered more “natural” than conventional drugs.
- Many patients seek out complementary therapies to help them adapt their lifestyles. They want to be well but still enjoy their lives.
- Holistic treatments are more beneficial for patients.
- Senior adults are increasingly interested in holistic treatments.
- More research needs to be conducted on complementary treatments.
- Research shows that people are more inclined to try other treatments than going to the doctor.
- Doctors need to be able to see that not all patients are candidates for alternative treatments.
- Holistic therapies should be part our culture and education system.
- Holistic treatments may not always be safe for everyone.
- We must learn how to teach patients about different therapies so that they can make informed decisions.
- Holistic treatments are not just for hippies.
- Holistic treatments cannot cure certain diseases.
- Holistic treatments are sometimes dangerous.
- For specific conditions, holistic treatments can be helpful.
- Holistic treatments are very effective.
- Holistic treatments are based off ancient wisdom.
- It is easy to learn holistic treatments.
- It can be difficult to learn holistic therapies.
- It can be hard to learn holistic therapies.
- Holistic therapies are too expensive.
- Holistic treatments are very expensive.
- Holistic therapies are more affordable than traditional medicine.
- Holistic treatment is more expensive than conventional medicine.
****
A Brief History of Holistic Medicine
Holistic medicine refers to a system that treats the whole person rather than just the symptoms. Holistic medicine includes all aspects of a person’s life, including their physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual, occupational and cultural influences. It emphasizes prevention rather than cure and aims to prevent disease through diet, exercise, relaxation, stress management, etc.
Bastyr University was founded in Seattle, in 1972. Holistic medicine began to grow after the publication of Dr. Andrew Weil’s book “Spontaneous Healing” in 1996. In 1997, the American Holistic Medical Association (AHMA) was founded by Dr. David Williams and Dr. Michael Murray. There are hundreds of holistic medicine programs worldwide today, including Bastyr University (Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons), Maharishi Ayurveda Institute and Pacific School of Oriental Medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine is also available.
In 2013, the World Health Organization declared holistic medicine one of the five major trends in healthcare. This trend is focused on integrating conventional care with complementary therapies such as acupuncture, homeopathy, herbalism, massage therapy, reiki, yoga, meditation, and tai chi. This integration aims at providing safe, effective, patient centered care while minimizing costs and side effects.
Holistic medicine works because of the interconnectedness of our body, mind, and spirit. Instability can result in illness if any of these parts is not in balance. For example:
When your mind is anxious or stressed, you can become tense and out-of-balance. Cortisol is a hormone which increases inflammation. The result is fatigue, weakness, and sickness.
When your emotions run high, you experience negative thoughts and feelings like anger, fear, grief, and sadness. These feelings cause stress in your brain. Untreated, stress can cause your body to make adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline can increase your heart rate and blood pressure as well as your breathing rate. Cortisol is a hormone that affects your immune, digestive, and nervous systems. Both hormones can cause fatigue and muscle tension, headaches as well as dizziness.
Your spirit can become depressed and you may lose your faith in the world. It is possible to lack self-esteem or confidence. This can lead to poor eating habits, unhealthy relationship patterns, and low energy. When your spirit is healthy, you feel happy, joyous, peaceful, and optimistic.
The difference between alternative medicine and allopathic medicine
Allopathic medicine is founded on science. Doctors use laboratory tests, x-rays, MRIs, CAT scans, and other technologies to diagnose patients. If needed, they may prescribe medication or perform surgery. Allopathic doctors believe their knowledge of human anatomy and the best ways to treat diseases. Alternative medicine uses herbs, vitamins, minerals, diet, exercise, emotional support, spiritual healing, and more. There is no one standard definition for alternative medicine. People call it natural or integrative medicine. Other names include traditional medicine and naturopathic medicines.
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If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Dick Benson
Title: Retirement Communities: A Haven for Healthy Living
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/aging/how-retirement-communities-encourage-a-healthier-lifestyle/
Published Date: Thu, 08 Aug 2024 16:41:33 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
Complementary and Alternative Healthcare – Does it have Evidence-Based Basis?
The evidence base for complementary and alternative medicine is still evolving, but there are many reasons why people choose these therapies. You might have tried traditional treatments and found them ineffective. Or you may be looking for an alternative treatment because it has more benefits than conventional care. Alternately, they may look into complementary and alternative medicine as part of a holistic approach for health. Always check with your doctor to ensure that any complementary and/or alternative medicines you take are supported scientifically. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have any doubts about whether the treatment is working. It can save you both time and money.
What is holistic medicine’s opposite?
Holistic medicine examines the whole person and all its aspects. It is based on the concept that any illness must have multiple causes and requires a combination of treatments for maximum effectiveness.
Holistic medicine practitioners believe prevention is better that cure. They are able to work closely with patients in order to ensure optimal wellness.
They look for the root causes of disease to prevent them from returning. Holistic physicians look at the whole person and not just the physical organs. They often refer to the entire being as “the body.”
This means that they go beyond skin care and treat the entire body holistically. The doctor may recommend changes in diet, exercise, or lifestyle. He may also recommend meditation or yoga exercises, herbal supplementation, massage or chiropractic treatment, as well as acupuncture and other forms of alternative medicine.
Who uses holistic medicine
Holistic medicine is health care that treats the whole person as opposed to treating specific symptoms. Holistic medicine focuses on both mental and physical well-being.
Holistic medicine can include acupuncture, massage therapy and chiropractic treatment. It also includes nutritional counseling, yoga, and many other complementary therapies.
People who use holistic medicine include those who have been diagnosed with cancer, heart problems, diabetes, arthritis, depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, migraines, infertility, menopause, asthma, autism, and many others.
What does holistic mean to you?
Holistic is a holistic approach. It means looking at the whole picture rather than just part of it. It is difficult to do this because we tend to see things as individual parts.
We tend to think in terms of black and white. However, grey comes in a wide range of shades.
It is important to consider all angles when working on a project. It is important to see it from all angles.
You should try to see it all as one. How do the various components interact?
If you find a problem in your situation, take the time to ask why. Also, consider the impact of any changes that you make.
Why do people with advanced cancers use alternative methods of treatment?
When trying to deal with their cancer, patients with the disease are often confronted with many obstacles. They might have lost all hope for recovery or feel helpless because there is nothing else they can do. Patients may experience pain, nausea, fatigue, lack of appetite, loss of strength, etc.
A majority of conventional treatments are ineffective against cancer cells. Patients with cancer should look into alternative treatments, such as complementary medicine. Research shows that nearly half of patients have used alternative medicine at least once in their treatment.
Some cancer patients choose complementary medicine over chemotherapy, believing it will be easier for them to manage side effects. Also, they may prefer it because it costs less.
You can also use the following reasons:
Natural remedies may be able to prevent a recurrence, according to some patients.
Many people believe natural remedies can improve their quality of living.
Others believe natural remedies can help reduce your risk of getting again cancer.
People concerned about possible side effects of chemotherapy use natural remedies as first-line therapy.
Is holistic medicine legal?
The answer is yes and no. Yes. Numerous medicines have been found to be effective in treating various diseases. They won’t cure everyone. It depends on what you mean by “holistic.” It depends on what you mean when you use the term “holistic”.
Some believe that holistic medicine is a newer form of medicine. This is simply not true. Although natural remedies were used by some healers in ancient Egypt and Rome, they were not scientifically backed.
It wasn’t until the Middle Ages that medical practitioners began to study anatomy and physiology, which led to the development of surgery, obstetrics, and pharmacology. Most Western countries have developed public hospitals, where doctors can provide medical care, by the end of the 19th-century.
Today, conventional medicine is the dominant form of healthcare. Many people still prefer alternative and complementary medicine. Many people find that alternative medicine works better than pharmaceutical drugs.
For example, some people feel more relaxed after receiving massage therapy rather than taking tranquilizers. Others prefer healthy eating to prescription medication. Still, others find that regular exercise helps their bodies function at peak performance.
Statistics
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
nccih.nih.gov
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- The rise and rise of complementary and alternative medicine: a sociological perspective – PubMed
- PubMed: Holistic medicine – PubMed
webmd.com
doi.org
How To
What are the Pros and Cons of Holistic Medical?
Holistic medicine refers to a medical approach that stresses the importance of the mind, body and spirit in healing. The late 19th-century pioneer of holistic medicine was Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), the author of The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure. He used simple techniques such as meditation, visualization, and hypnosis. People with stress, anxiety, depression or pain experienced this treatment. This therapy is also helpful for patients who want to improve their lives and cope with their issues.
Although holistic therapies are still practiced today, they have lost popularity because of the lack of evidence supporting their effectiveness. Some studies do show that these therapies can be used to reduce chronic conditions like arthritis, cancer and heart disease.
The advancements and the shortcomings of holistic medicine can be seen in:
- Lack of scientific evidence. Only a few well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluate the benefits of holistic therapies. Positive results are found in the majority of observational studies.
- Alternative medicine is less expensive than conventional medicine. Alternative medicines are often cheaper than conventional ones, especially if the patient follows an organic diet.
- Patients do NOT feel pressured or compelled to follow prescribed protocols.
- Many doctors will recommend complementary treatments, even if they are not prescribed.
- Holistic treatments are often combined with conventional medicine. For example acupuncture is commonly combined with medication and surgery.
- People believe that alternative treatments work better than conventional medicine.
- Alternative medicines are considered more “natural” than conventional drugs.
- Many patients seek out complementary therapies to help them adapt their lifestyles. They want to be well but still enjoy their lives.
- Holistic treatments are more beneficial for patients.
- Senior adults are increasingly interested in holistic treatments.
- More research needs to be conducted on complementary treatments.
- Research shows that people are more inclined to try other treatments than going to the doctor.
- Doctors need to be able to see that not all patients are candidates for alternative treatments.
- Holistic therapies should be part our culture and education system.
- Holistic treatments may not always be safe for everyone.
- We must learn how to teach patients about different therapies so that they can make informed decisions.
- Holistic treatments are not just for hippies.
- Holistic treatments cannot cure certain diseases.
- Holistic treatments are sometimes dangerous.
- For specific conditions, holistic treatments can be helpful.
- Holistic treatments are very effective.
- Holistic treatments are based off ancient wisdom.
- It is easy to learn holistic treatments.
- It can be difficult to learn holistic therapies.
- It can be hard to learn holistic therapies.
- Holistic therapies are too expensive.
- Holistic treatments are very expensive.
- Holistic therapies are more affordable than traditional medicine.
- Holistic treatment is more expensive than conventional medicine.
****
A Brief History of Holistic Medicine
Holistic medicine refers to a system that treats the whole person rather than just the symptoms. Holistic medicine includes all aspects of a person’s life, including their physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual, occupational and cultural influences. It emphasizes prevention rather than cure and aims to prevent disease through diet, exercise, relaxation, stress management, etc.
Bastyr University was founded in Seattle, in 1972. Holistic medicine began to grow after the publication of Dr. Andrew Weil’s book “Spontaneous Healing” in 1996. In 1997, the American Holistic Medical Association (AHMA) was founded by Dr. David Williams and Dr. Michael Murray. There are hundreds of holistic medicine programs worldwide today, including Bastyr University (Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons), Maharishi Ayurveda Institute and Pacific School of Oriental Medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine is also available.
In 2013, the World Health Organization declared holistic medicine one of the five major trends in healthcare. This trend is focused on integrating conventional care with complementary therapies such as acupuncture, homeopathy, herbalism, massage therapy, reiki, yoga, meditation, and tai chi. This integration aims at providing safe, effective, patient centered care while minimizing costs and side effects.
Holistic medicine works because of the interconnectedness of our body, mind, and spirit. Instability can result in illness if any of these parts is not in balance. For example:
When your mind is anxious or stressed, you can become tense and out-of-balance. Cortisol is a hormone which increases inflammation. The result is fatigue, weakness, and sickness.
When your emotions run high, you experience negative thoughts and feelings like anger, fear, grief, and sadness. These feelings cause stress in your brain. Untreated, stress can cause your body to make adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline can increase your heart rate and blood pressure as well as your breathing rate. Cortisol is a hormone that affects your immune, digestive, and nervous systems. Both hormones can cause fatigue and muscle tension, headaches as well as dizziness.
Your spirit can become depressed and you may lose your faith in the world. It is possible to lack self-esteem or confidence. This can lead to poor eating habits, unhealthy relationship patterns, and low energy. When your spirit is healthy, you feel happy, joyous, peaceful, and optimistic.
The difference between alternative medicine and allopathic medicine
Allopathic medicine is founded on science. Doctors use laboratory tests, x-rays, MRIs, CAT scans, and other technologies to diagnose patients. If needed, they may prescribe medication or perform surgery. Allopathic doctors believe their knowledge of human anatomy and the best ways to treat diseases. Alternative medicine uses herbs, vitamins, minerals, diet, exercise, emotional support, spiritual healing, and more. There is no one standard definition for alternative medicine. People call it natural or integrative medicine. Other names include traditional medicine and naturopathic medicines.
