FEBRUARY 2021
THE AGE WELL CENTER AT LAKE ELIZABETH (formerly the Fremont Senior Center) — offers online classes, services, trainings and curbside to go meals! OUR BUILDING IS CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE due to COVID-19 and the Shelter In Place Order issued by the Alameda County Public Health Department.
Two months into 2021 and the question is “How can I stay emotionally well as we complete a year of living in a pandemic?” UCSF Professor Andreea Seritan, MD gives the following suggestions for a healthy balanced day:
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1. Start your day with a few stretches, yoga or meditation. Mindfulness practice has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety and has many beneficial health effects, including improving cognitive functioning in older adults. 2. Eat breakfast. Everyone one knows the first meal of the day is important. Did you know it is also an opportunity to take an inventory of your physical and emotional state that day? Find time to exercise for at least 15-20 minutes a day. Get outside and take a walk for some fresh air. If you own a stationary bike or treadmill, now is the time to dust them off. Stay connected. Since everyone continues to practice social distancing you are encouraged to use Facetime, Zoom, WhatsApp, or other video calls. A phone call helps, too. Set aside a regular time to check in with family or friends. Creativity is very important for brain health. Now is a good time to complete projects you may have started long ago. You can organize photos, draw, write your memoir, knit or build. Stay active intellectually. Reading is not the only intellectual activity you can do. You can play chess, sudoku, do crossword puzzles or other games. You can also play with others on the computer or tablet.
Take extra care of your mental health and get enough sleep. If you have a history of anxiety and/or depression and feel familiar symptoms coming back, call your doctor and ask for advice. If you need additional support to improve your emotional wellness you may call the Senior Information line 510.574.2041. The Age Well Center also has programs that provide exercise, allow you to stay connected on a regular schedule and stay active intellectually. Read our newsletter and/or call 510.790.6600 for more information. Hang in there. A brighter day is around the corner!
510.790.6600 www.fremont.gov/agewellcenters /AgeWellCenters agewellcenters@fremont.gov