How to practice self-care as you age
Discover five simple, expert-backed ways to reduce stress and feel better every day with Bold.
Key takeaways
- Self-care for older adults covers physical, mental, and emotional health. It includes exercise, rest, nutrition, and social connection.
- Self-care isn't selfish. Investing in your own health makes it easier to show up for the people and activities you care about.
- Regular movement is one of the most impactful forms of self-care. It reduces stress hormones and improves mood. Try Bold's online exercise classes today.
- Other self-care practices for seniors include time in nature, creative activities, mindfulness, and connecting with others.
Self care doesn’t look the same for everyone — it may be playing your favorite music, cooking a delicious meal or watching a sports game. It also might be lighting a candle or putting on a face mask and curling up with a good book. If you’re skeptical about self-care, it’s time to think twice. As you age, self-care can reduce stress and improve your health and wellbeing.
Self-care promotes healthy aging, which is a cornerstone of Bold. Let’s explore a few simple and easy ways to practice self-care:
1. Practice meditation
There are many different types of meditation. One is mindfulness, which is the practice of being consciously aware of the present moment. Mindfulness is proven to lower symptoms of depression, lower stress, and improve your wellbeing. Center your mind with a Bold meditation class taught by Alysha.
2. Enjoy nature
Try to get outside everyday. Taking a breath of fresh air in the great outdoors is a study-backed psychological intervention method. Even interacting with an indoor plant can help your mental health. If you have free time, take a short walk outside– it’ll help you feel better in both the short and long term.
Lift your mood with movement
Bold's online exercise classes are a research-backed way to support mental health. Access them at no cost through your health plan.
3. Play with a pet
Spending time with animals will brighten your day and warm your heart! Pets can also benefit your mental health and heart health, as well as help with pain management. Learn 5 health benefits of spending time with pets on the Bold blog.
4. Read a book
Open up a good book or article, and let your imagination run wild– it’s good for you! Reading is a cognitively stimulating activity that can delay the onset of dementia and improve your mental health. Explore the Bold blog for articles you’ll love.
5. Try a chair yoga class
If you’re looking for a Bold activity that improves both your physical and emotional wellness, try out a Bold yoga class. Yoga helps relieve stress, boost emotional health, and manage symptoms of anxiety and depression. It’s a low impact form of exercise that’s both relaxing and engaging. Check out our yoga classes at agebold.com.
Try Bold's chair yoga classes
Access chair yoga classes through Bold's online platform, designed for older adults, available anywhere, anytime.
More from Bold
Stress in seniors: Symptoms, causes, and stress-relief tips that work
Some stress in seniors is unavoidable, but learning how to boost mood can help you manage stress and improve your behavioral health as you age.
Bold Guide: Exercise and mental health
Discover how exercise for mental health can help seniors manage depression and anxiety. Learn evidence-based tips to boost mood, reduce stress, and stay active.
Chair yoga for seniors: How to get started at home
Chair yoga for seniors is a safe and gentle way to improve your balance, posture, flexibility, and strength. Start with these beginner seated yoga poses.



