April 18, 2024
As spring arrives and the weather warms up in Sun City, it's the perfect time to build new, healthy routines and enjoy time outside. If winter has left you feeling stagnant, embracing habits to boost your wellness can help you feel rejuvenated and energized for the year ahead. Let's explore three ways to enhance your well-being this springtime.
Eating seasonal fruits and vegetables is an easy and delicious way to maximize the nutritional value of your meals while keeping your menu varied and exciting. According to the Mayo Clinic, seasonal produce typically contains more nutrients than fruits and vegetables picked out of season. Crops picked at the optimal time also have longer to mature, making them tastier than those picked before their prime.
Healthy winter veggies such as broccoli, cabbages and cauliflower are still abundant in Sun City during early spring. However, the transition from winter to spring heralds the arrival of new tasty produce — perfect if you're craving fresh recipes and flavors.
Apricots are in season in our community's warm Arizona climate from April onward. These sweet stone fruits are high in beneficial plant compounds that support immunity and cardiovascular health. While they're delicious eaten fresh, you can also enjoy apricots poached or grilled for a quick, nutritious dessert.
Spring is also the ideal season to enjoy locally grown cucumbers, summer squash and asparagus. You can purchase these seasonal favorites from local suppliers at the Sun City Farmers Market at 16820 North 99th Avenue every Thursday between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Alternatively, our Life Plan Community's dining options include healthy, locally sourced ingredients served in elegant surroundings.
Staying hydrated isn't only important during the summer. With temperatures in Sun City often reaching a balmy 86 degrees by April, avoiding dehydration is essential for staying healthy in springtime.
Many older adults find that thirst diminishes as they age, which means they may not notice signs of dehydration. In fact, research shows that up to 40% of people aged 65 and older don't drink enough fluids to maintain good health. Focusing on hydration all year round can help you avoid health problems associated with dehydration, such as headaches and cognitive issues.
How much water you need to drink depends on several factors, including your physical activity levels and health status. As a rule of thumb, senior men should aim for around 13 cups of water per day, while women generally need around 9 cups. If the thought of drinking all that water sounds dull, try adding slices of fresh citrus fruits or berries to your water bottle for extra flavor. Eating water-rich foods such as soups, stews and juicy fruits and veggies can also help keep dehydration at bay.
Some medical conditions and medications can impact how much you need to drink to stay healthy. If you're unsure, the knowledgeable team at the Royal Oaks Wellness Center can offer tailored hydration advice based on your unique health profile.
Most people automatically associate spring cleaning with endless dusting, scrubbing and polishing. While this traditional annual activity works for some, personalizing the task to suit your needs can help you organize your space to maximize your wellness. Focusing on just one or two impactful jobs can also make spring cleaning less daunting.
Having a kitchen cabinet clear out is a great way to make your cooking space more user friendly, especially if you want to focus on healthy eating during spring. Discard unwanted or out-of-date ingredients to declutter your cabinets and make finding what you need while preparing meals easier. Drawer dividers can help you keep utensils and ingredients organized, while turntables are ideal for making items at the back of cabinets more accessible.
Spring cleaning doesn't just apply to your living space — springtime is also a great opportunity for a digital declutter. Reorganizing your devices and online accounts lets you maximize digital storage, helps your devices run faster and may even save you money on unused subscriptions. Ideas for digital spring cleaning include:
Digital spring cleaning can seem like a big job, especially if you haven't decluttered your devices in a while or lack confidence with technology. At Royal Oaks, residents can visit our Tech-Connect group at the Hub for support with all things technological. Here, you'll find a passionate community of tech enthusiasts ready to help you learn new skills and get the most out of your devices.
The Royal Oaks Life Plan Community is committed to helping you achieve health and wellness through a holistic range of services and resources. Learn more about our person-centered approach to wellness while you explore enriching activities and services in our community. Contact us at 623-208-6621 to schedule a visit.
