Coastal Heights Senior Living

Wellness Month for Seniors: Healthy Aging in Costa Mesa

Written by Coastal Heights Senior Living | Jul 28, 2025 4:00:00 AM

According to the CDC, about 24.3% of seniors aged 65 and older are in fair or poor health. Improving your wellness involves a holistic approach. You need to consider your mental, physical, and emotional health when forming aging well habits.

 

This Wellness Month, make changes that will allow you to enjoy an independent living lifestyle in Costa Mesa, CA. Read on to discover how to form wellness routines for older adults today!

 

Physical and Emotional Health

For seniors, common physical and emotional health needs include:

  • Social interaction
  • Privacy
  • Independence and autonomy
  • Empathy and validation
  • Safety
  • Belonging
  • Meaning and purpose
  • Physical fitness
  • Healthy foods
  • Mobility
  • Personal hygiene
  • Sleep

If your needs aren't being met, speak up. Many seniors face challenges that make it difficult for them to live independently. These challenges can include financial insecurity or a chronic health condition.

 

In fact, according to the National Council on Aging, 94% of seniors aged 60 and older have at least one chronic illness. Changes in mobility can make it more difficult for you to get the nutrition or social connection you need.

 

Speaking up is the first step to making positive change. As you make adjustments to your lifestyle, consider your distinct physical and emotional needs. Here are a few areas to consider when establishing personalized wellness routines for adults. 

 

Physical Senior Wellness in Costa Mesa

According to the CDC, over 85% of US adults aged 65 and older don't get enough exercise. Exercising regularly can benefit your physical and emotional health.

Your physical fitness and diet go hand in hand. Eating healthy, nutritious whole foods can give you energy to work out. Here are changes you can make to improve your physical health. 

 

Exercise

Try to schedule 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity and two muscle-strengthening activities weekly. These activities can include:

  • Weight lifting
  • Using resistance bands
  • Walking
  • Hiking
  • Yoga
  • Tai chi
  • Pilates
  • Cycling
  • Biking
  • Swimming
  • Water aerobics
  • Dancing

You may lose muscle mass as you age. This can affect your functionality and independence. Exercising regularly can improve your strength, flexibility, and balance.

 

Other potential benefits of regular exercise include:

  • Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes
  • Better sleep
  • Improved bone health
  • Reduced risk of stroke and heart disease
  • Reduced risk of dementia
  • Improved coordination and balance
  • Improved mood
  • A healthier weight
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Reduced anxiety and depression symptoms

Eat Healthy

Avoid eating overly processed foods, which are high in sodium, added sugars, and refined carbs. These foods can trigger inflammation, increasing your risk of chronic diseases. Instead, try eating more whole foods like:

  • Whole grains
  • Fish and lean proteins
  • Eggs
  • Legumes
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Healthy fats (like olive oil)

For help, explore your senior living community's dining program. You can discover healthy, balanced dishes made with your dietary needs in mind.

 

Before making changes to your diet, consult a doctor or nutritionist. They'll ensure you choose foods that contain the vitamins and minerals you need to function at your best.

 

Join your friends during meal times. Socializing during meals can encourage you to follow aging well habits.

 

Rest

Sleeping helps the body and brain rejuvenate. It assists:

  • Cellular repair
  • Hormone regulation (stress, appetite, metabolism, etc.)
  • Energy conservation
  • Memory consolidation
  • Focus and concentration
  • Decision-making and problem-solving
  • Mood regulation
  • Immune system function
  • Inflammation regulation

Try to get at least seven hours of sleep each night. If you're struggling to fall and stay asleep, consult a doctor. They may determine you have an underlying condition that's causing insomnia.

 

You can also adjust your sleep environment by:

  • Blocking out light
  • Keeping it cool
  • Minimizing noise
  • Adjusting your sheets and pillows
  • Getting a new mattress
  • Avoiding electronics 30 minutes before bed

Consider moving into a comfortable senior living community to improve your sleep environment. 

 

Emotional Wellness Routines for Older Adults

Neglecting your emotional health could cause your physical health to decline. Here are a few tips for developing emotional wellness routines for older adults.

 

Socialize

Social isolation and loneliness are associated with mental and physical conditions, including:

  • Heart disease
  • Obesity
  • High blood pressure
  • A weakened immune system
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Cognitive decline
  • Death

Reach out to other seniors in Costa Mesa to make new friends. Socializing can give you a sense of belonging and purpose in life. It could help improve your longevity.

 

Meditate

Mediating and other relaxation techniques may help improve your emotional resilience. Explore different wellness classes through your senior living community, such as:

  • Guided imagery
  • Yoga
  • Mindfulness
  • Deep breathing exercises
  • Biofeedback-assisted relaxation
  • Progressive muscle relaxation
  • Nature walks
  • Pilates
  • Art therapy

These techniques may help ease feelings of anxiety and frustration, promoting better emotional well-being. Practice regularly to experience these benefits.

 

Explore Hobbies

Add joy to your life through fun hobbies, including:

  • Book or movie club
  • Painting or drawing
  • Gardening
  • Dancing
  • Knitting or quilting
  • Exercise classes
  • Volunteering
  • Walking or hiking groups

Ask your friends to join you! Participating in these activities together can make them more enjoyable. You can form positive memories while developing new skills.  

 

Journal

After a long day, write down your thoughts and feelings. Journaling is a positive method of self-expression. It can help:

  • Relieve stress
  • Improve emotional regulation
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Improve self-awareness
  • Boost your mood
  • Preserve memories
  • Improve recall

Cognitive Health

Participating in cognitive tasks can stimulate neural connections. This may improve your cognitive health and neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to form, maintain, and modify connections.

 

To improve your cognitive health, consider:

  • Learning a new language
  • Playing chess
  • Learning to play an instrument
  • Playing bridge and other card games
  • Exploring new hobbies
  • Practicing tia chi
  • Participating in trivia games
  • Playing pickleball and other sports

These activities can keep your brain engaged, potentially improving your memory. Improved neuroplasticity may help reduce your risk of dementia and Alzheimer's.

 

Changes for Wellness Month and Beyond

This Wellness Month, take control of your physical, emotional, and mental health. These healthy aging habits can help you live a happier, healthier life in Costa Mesa.

 

Moving into a senior living community could make life easier. Coastal Heights was nationally recognized for Best Independent Living by US News & World Report in 2025.

 

We offer Independent Senior Living with signature programs, including Vibrant Life and Elevate Dining. Enjoy a unique lifestyle that allows you to maintain your independence. Schedule a tour of our community.