Lifelong Health & Recreation in Portland

Remaining active and healthy is a priority for most of us – and the many parks, museums, gardens and senior programs in the Portland Metro area provide great opportunities for our elders to socialize, explore nature, learn a new skill and remain physically active, even as the seasons change. Here are a few ideas for our seniors to explore that can help them boost their immune systems while staying engaged within the community.

Walking, Biking, Stretching, and More

Simply being more active each day can give your immune system a big boost! Making the time to take regular walks, swim laps, or practice yoga and Thai Chi can help maintain your health and even prevent chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and certain types of cancer.

A popular Portland attraction for both locals and visitors, the Lan Su Chinese Garden is a beautiful and tranquil place where seniors can walk and explore alone or with loved ones as they appreciate nature and Chinese culture – and it is open all year.

As the rain and cooler weather return, other indoor facilities can provide an equally great place to take a few laps. Visit the Portland Art Museum to view their most recent collection or do a bit of window shopping at Washington Square.

Learn a New Skill or New Hobby

Mental and physical health are closely connected, and nurturing your mental health can positively impact your immune system. Focusing on staying involved within your community and developing a network of peers and friends can all improve our health in a variety of ways, and Portland Parks & Recreation provides great opportunities for seniors to do just that.

Available both virtually and in-person, there are classes, programs, and activities available that range from floral arrangement to computer education. You can search for available activities here. You can also reach out to your local Senior Center for a complete list of activities near you.

Eat Well-Balanced Meals & Stay Hydrated

As you age your nutritional needs and eating habits may change, and because a healthy diet is essential to a strong immune system, it is important to talk to your doctor or a trusted medical and nutrition professional if you feel that your nutrition needs are not being met. Similarly, if you want to add additional supplements and vitamins into your routine, make sure to talk to a trusted professional before making any changes.

Adequate hydration is another key immune booster, as water helps your body absorb nutrients and minerals. Try to drink a glass of water before and after every meal and in-between snacks.

Stay Connected

Social distancing guidelines amid the current pandemic don’t have to prevent you from socializing and enjoying the company of people you care about. Isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression, which can compromise our health and immune systems, so finding ways to connect with others is important. Call, text, Zoom, Skype, and Facetime your friends – there are even some wonderful senior TikTok Content Creators who have found great community through social media apps. Get creative and have fun with it!

Your health and wellness are critically important and finding ways to boost your immune system through activity, education, and community can help to support your overall physical and mental health, while also providing a great way to connect and continue growing and learning.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the resources we provide, give us a call today! 503.421.0323