Do you hear the terms wellness and well-being in the news, advertisements, worksites, the doctor’s office, and in everyday conversation? Today, it seems like these buzzwords are everywhere. But what are wellness and well-being, and what’s the difference?
As we age, our muscle mass and strength decline. Physical activity can help prevent this decline and help you find and maintain your balance. Being mobile, strong, and steady on your feet can help you stay independent as you age. This can increase your confidence and well-being, as well as reduce your risk of falling.
Try this exercise: Take a minute… in fact, take a few minutes to stop and observe how your mind works. Wherever you are, bring your attention to your breath. Try to follow the entire inhale and exhale. Then try to follow the next breath, and so on.
Staying healthy as we age goes beyond physical checkups. Mental and emotional well-being are critical to quality of life, especially for older adults who may face challenges like isolation, chronic illness, or grief.
Sleep, sleep, and more sleep! You probably hear about sleep frequently. It’s a common headline in the news and often a topic of conversation. A question I ask my family most mornings is, “How did you sleep?” Sleep is universal—we all need sleep and we’ve been sleeping since the beginning of time! Most individuals don’t get enough.
Stress presents itself in many ways. It may show up as headaches, pressure between the shoulder blades, fatigue, insomnia, or irritability. Stress is the body’s reaction to a situation; because stress responses are unique to individuals, stress management must also be personalized.
© March 2025
