How to Celebrate National Anti-Boredom Month

Picture this: It’s the late 1980s, and July has officially become National Anti-Boredom Month. Surely the creator Alan Caruba can’t be serious, right? After all, isn’t boredom just something that…happens?

Turns out boredom can negatively affect your health overtime. Columbia University states people who get bored easily are more at risk for isolation and loneliness—two major problems affecting seniors across the world.

But there are ways to prevent boredom, and just as Caruba intended, July is the ideal time to plan your summer with activities to keep you safe and engaged. Located in sunny Florida’s The Villages® community, Sumter Senior Living can help—with a calendar packed with activities for Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care.

Feel Your Best First
Activities are the most enjoyable when you’re feeling your best. Before partaking in any activities, evaluate the areas of your health that need more attention. Especially in the summer, seniors often struggle with hydration.

The National Council on Aging recommends daily fluid intake should be about one-third of your body weight. While that may seem daunting, remember that fluid doesn’t have to appear in a cup. Foods like watermelon, cucumber, and celery can also be counted as part of fluid intake.

In addition to hydration, it’s important to know when you’re feeling lonely or isolated. Loneliness refers to the feeling of being alone or separated, while social isolation refers to the lack of social contact with others—either virtually or in-person. It’s okay to be alone or to feel lonely at times; but prolonged states of either can lead to serious health issues, such as cognitive decline, heart disease, or even death, according to the National Institute on Aging.

Many seniors find staying healthy and making social connections easier in senior living communities like Sumter Senior Living. With activity calendars and dining options made to optimize nutrition, Sumter gives residents the tools they need to spend summer in the best way possible.

Keep Your Cool Outdoors
Summer in Florida often brings concerns about the heat, but you don’t have to stay inside in order to have fun safely. In fact, spending time outdoors has been linked to longer life expectancy, improved sleep quality, and increased ability to focus, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. However, it’s important to select activities that can keep you cool, too.

For dry activities, such as picnics, select spots with generous amounts of shade. Or, bring protective gear, such as sunglasses, hats, and umbrellas. Especially when exposed to large amounts of sunshine, sunscreen is an absolute must. The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends water-resistant sunscreens with at least 30 SPF. Consider the different types as well—creams are great for faces while gels can be useful for the scalp region.

Aquatic activities can also help you beat the heat and stay healthy, too. Sumter Senior Living has a heated pool to keep you at just the right temperature. It also offers water aerobics, concerts by the pool, and more for Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care.

Come On Inside
Indoor activities can keep you engaged no matter the weather. Ideally, you should aim for a mix of activities that keep your mind active, your body moving, and help you relax.

The Alzheimer’s Association states social activities and brain teasers may help your brain health. Sumter Senior Living often combines the two with activities such as Daily Chronicles & Coffee, Mah Jongg, bingo, puzzles, and more. Learning new things can also help keep your mind active.

Physical activities can help you reach your daily exercise goals without feeling like a chore. Sumter Senior Living’s onsite Fitness Center is a great way to fit in a workout with friends. You could also participate in Sumter’s Walking Club, play Balloon Ball, and even enjoy line dancing.

While staying active has many health benefits, it’s equally important to find effective ways to relax. The American Psychological Association notes stress can cause many health problems, including heart attack and stroke, but it’s also preventable. From refreshments to crafts and movie nights, Sumter offers plenty of options to help you unwind.

A Place Where You Belong
Sumter Senior Living is proud to offer a continuum of living options to suit all needs and preferences, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care all on one beautifully landscaped campus.

Managed by Grace Management, Inc. (GMI), a leader in providing the best senior living experiences, Sumter Senior Living has been able to elevate industry standards by delivering exceptional living experiences while providing the resources and information seniors and their loved ones need to make important life decisions. Grace Management, Inc. is a subsidiary of CPF Living Communities and is ranked in ASHA’s 50 largest seniors housing owners.

Sumter Senior Living
1490 Killingsworth Way,
The Villages, Florida 32162
(352) 674-3600
www.sumterseniorliving.com
Assisted Living License Number: 12227