Quality of life (QOL) is a phrase often used by our Home Helpers team when we assess seniors and aging adults and explore the many ways we can improve and enhance their lives. After all, quality of life simply means “overall enjoyment of life; general well-being; specifically: the degree to which a person or group is healthy, comfortable, and able to enjoy the activities of daily living,” as defined by Merriam-Webster dictionary.
The National Institute on Aging says, “Research supported by NIA and others has identified actions you can take to help manage your health, live as independently as possible, and maintain your quality of life as you age.“
There are obvious actions seniors can take to improve their quality of life which include:
- Increase Physical Health, Activity & Exercise
- Eat a Healthy Diet and Make Smart Food Choices
- Get Quality Sleep
- Limit or Eliminate Alcohol
- Monitor Medications
- Quit Smoking
- Schedule Routine Doctor Visits
- Be Aware of Mental Health Issues
- Prevent Social Isolation & Loneliness
- Reduce Stress
- Alleviate Depression and Improve Moods
- Participate in Leisure Activities and Hobbies
According to the NIA, “Your favorite activities are not only fun — they may also be good for your health. Research shows that people who participate in hobbies and social and leisure activities may be at lower risk for some health problems.”
“Music, theater, dance, creative writing, and other participatory arts show promise for improving older adults’ quality of life and well-being, from better cognitive function, memory, and self-esteem to reduced stress and increased social interaction. Even hobbies as simple as taking care of a pet can improve an aging adult’s health and quality of life.”
Getting exercise, eating right, sleeping well, participating in social activities, and engaging with peers are all very important factors pertaining to one’s quality of life.
Since a healthy quality of life Includes social opportunities for seniors, I have found several local senior citizen centers that provide activities and experiences for aging adults to maintain a healthy social life, participate in yoga and exercise classes, develop meaningful connections and relationships with others, and explore educational opportunities.
Bourbonnais
The Daily Journal recently reported that the Bradley Bourbonnais Senior Club (BBSC), in existence for 40 years, offers “a wide variety of activities: casino trips; restaurant trips; buffets at the Quality Inn; and a monthly game day.”
The monthly game day is held on the fourth Thursday of the month. Seniors can play Yahtzee, dominoes, and assemble a jigsaw puzzle, all while holding lively conversations with their peers.
“The idea is to keep the mind sharp. People are encouraged to bring a dish to share, but if you can’t cook, or don’t have the time, come anyway,” says BBSC.
The Bradley Bourbonnais Senior Club is located at 1690 Newtowne Drive in Bourbonnais. For more information, visit their website or call 815-644-9174.
Frankfort
The Frankfort Township Senior Center welcomes aging adults born before 1969 to participate in many fun activities at their facility, like bingo, Wits Brain Workout (brain stimulation games), and crafting, as well as classes that explore electronic recycling and mental health.
In addition, the senior center provides invaluable services for seniors that include but are not limited to senior housing, Meals on Wheels, mosquito abatement, handicap parking, healthcare services, voter registration, Veteran services and so much more!
The Frankfort Township Senior Center is located at 20701 Landings Pointe in Frankfort. For more information, visit their website or call 815-767-3180.
Joliet
Since its beginning in 1969, Senior Services of Will County has kept its mission to assist seniors to live safe, healthy, and independent lives through its programs and services.Senior Services offers educational classes, fun activities such as knitting & crocheting, art, painting, line dancing, and Wii bowling, as well as exercise classes that include stretching and toning, yoga, Tai Chi, and more.
Senior Services of Will County is located at 251 N Center Street in Joliet. For more information, call 815-723-9713.
Kankakee
The Senior Aide Project of Kankakee is located at 850 N Hobbie Avenue. For more information, call 815-937-4950.
Silver Harvest senior citizen center is located at 657 E Court Street, Kankakee. For more information, call 815-937-5600.
Watseka
The Watseka Senior Citizens Center is located at 213 E Cherry Street. For more information, call 815-432-4522.
One of our primary goals at Home Helpers is to assist seniors with activities of daily living to improve their overall QOL and make life easier and more enjoyable each and every day.
Our professional caregivers are highly skilled in properly caring for and assisting seniors in a variety of ways so they can remain independent, active, and engaged. A compassionate Home Helpers caregiver can provide companionship, personal care, transportation assistance to senior citizen centers and doctor appointments, and many in-home care services to benefit seniors.
I am available for a FREE Consultation to discuss the many ways a perfectly-matched caregiver can provide assistance. This comprehensive assessment of needs will allow me to create a customized care plan to best support you or a special senior you love.
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