Budget-Friendly Self-Care Ideas for Seniors

Seniors in retirement usually have more time on their hands than ever before, and what better way to spend it than practicing self-care? You’ve spent decades working hard, and now, it’s definitely time to relax! 

Seniors in retirement usually have more time on their hands than ever before, and what better way to spend it than practicing self-care? You’ve spent decades working hard, and now, it’s definitely time to relax! 

Some people assume that self-care always involves spending lots of money or treating yourself in expensive ways, but that’s not necessarily true. Here are a few budget-friendly ways to practice self-care that will be easily accessible for seniors! 

Keep Your Medicine Cabinet Stocked

Being prepared is a form of self-care, especially with the current spread of COVID-19. You don’t want to be caught off guard by an illness right now, so it’s smart to ensure that your medicine cabinet is stocked with everything you might need. Ideally, you’ll have plenty of cold, flu, and allergy meds on hand. You should also have an effective cough medicine. There are many options available in pharmacies and online, so check out reviews and compare prices to get a good deal on a safe, reliable brand. 

Get Plenty of Fresh Air

Going for a walk outside doesn’t cost a dime, and it’s an easy way for anyone to practice self-care! While seniors may have to eschew certain forms of exercise that could be harder on their joints, going for long walks is generally acceptable, barring any mobility issues. And walking has a surprising number of benefits! According to The Healthy, walking outdoors for just 15 minutes can make you feel happier, increase your metabolism, and even help you fall asleep more quickly. 

Being outside is also the perfect opportunity to learn how to practice mindful breathing. By inhaling slowly and holding your breath to a four count, you can help clear your mind and relax your body. Find a quiet spot, perhaps under a tree or on a park bench, and pay attention to how you breathe along with how the air feels and smells.

Check Out Free Online Resources

Many seniors are interested in learning about popular self-care practices like yoga or meditation. Anyone can become more mindful by starting a meditation routine, and according to The Chopra Center, yoga is especially beneficial for seniors, as it can help improve your balance, joint health, and respiration.

However, going to classes at a yoga studio or working with a meditation mentor can get pricey. What’s the solution? Learning from the wide variety of completely free online resources! There are many yoga and meditation teachers who share virtual teaching materials online, from e-books to YouTube videos, and accessing them won’t cost you a penny. 

Embrace Your Green Thumb

Gardening is one of the easiest and cheapest self-care practices, and it will actually help you save money in the long run since you’ll be able to cook with your fresh, homegrown herbs and veggies! Bonus: Having houseplants can actually help purify the air in your home and even boost your productivity.

Even seniors who live in small apartments or homes without much outdoor space can easily grow certain plants indoors, as long as they can ensure that their plants get enough sunlight and water. Basil, oregano, and mint are all quite easy to grow inside. 

Write in a Journal

Journaling barely costs a thing; you’ll only have to spend a few dollars on a new notebook and pens. Seniors often enjoy having the opportunity to reflect on how they spend their days, and your journal can also be a place to make to-do lists, vent your frustrations, or get creative and write poems and short stories. 

Journaling also benefits your mental health. If you’re stressed out, writing in your journal can have a cleansing effect. When you lay out all your problems on paper, they don’t seem so unsolvable after all. Plus, your grandchildren might love to read your journal one day! 

Everyone, including seniors, should make time in their schedules for self-care. Seniors who are on fixed incomes in retirement don’t need to stretch their budgets in order to practice self-care. If you get creative, you’ll find that there are plenty of ways to prioritize self-care without spending much at all!

Image: Pexels