The various changes that come with advanced age can often feel overwhelming for some. It is for this reason that many retirees turn to spiritual wellness, which Assisted Living In Hurst, TX has begun to recognize and provide.
Enhanced Social Connections
Spiritual observances, such as regularly attending group activities will establish new relationships while reinforcing existing ones. It will also help alleviate the negative aspects of isolation as well as depression. Being a part of a religious community in addition to retirement community can significantly improve one’s physical, emotional and mental health during their retirement years.
Physical Health Advantages
According to research conducted by Mayo Clinic, those that engage in spirituality will often live longer with better health. In fact, eighteen studies revealed that increased spirituality led to a reduction in hypertension, blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Spiritual people are more likely to exercise regularly while also avoiding adverse behaviors such as smoking or drinking excessive alcohol. They are also more likely to get regular preventative screenings.
Cognitive Health Advantages
Those advanced in age should do everything possible to avoid cognitive decline and especially the onset of Alzheimer’s or dementia, as these conditions are currently irreversible. The good news is that engaging in spiritual practices can actually slow, minimize or even prevent cognitive decline entirely. Researchers aren’t exactly sure why this is the case, but some believe it is the result of increased social interactions and a more positive outlook on life.
Bereavement Guidance
As one advances in age, they will see more of their friends, loved ones and colleagues pass on. This can be a source of great distress, because not only does it remind one of their own mortality, but it causes grief and the loss of the companionship those people provided. However, the social connections which can be forged as a result of spiritual wellness can do a lot to alleviate the pain while providing comfort.
Difference between Religion and Spirituality
While religion and spirituality are connected to one another, they are not the same. Religion is best defined as a collection of practices, rules and beliefs such as attending a house of worship, engaging in specific rituals while avoiding certain behaviors. Spirituality, on the other hand, is much broader. A spiritual person is not always religious, but in many cases will believe in a greater power, but won’t always attend a house or worship or engage in specific rituals. Instead, they will take the time to develop a deeper self-understanding along with greater awareness of the world around them.
How to Become More Spiritual
There are a number of simple things you can do to become more spiritual. Examples of these include yoga, meditation, prayer groups, volunteer work, travel, positive thinking, reading religious or spiritual manuscripts and spending more time outdoors. Those that are part of a retirement community, or who are thinking of relocating into a Hurst, TX retirement center will be pleased to know that many of these associations have spiritual activities which you can engage in with the other residents.
