Taneia Surles, MPH
Tue, August 25, 2026 at 1:20 PM UTC
A new survey from Home Instead found that older adults who prioritized self-care also reported higher levels of happiness. Self-care is often framed as massages, bubble baths, meditation apps, and expensive wellness trends, but there’s much more meaning to it than that. For older adults, experts say that self-care can be much broader — and more practical. Self-care in later life may include caring for your body, strengthening your relationships, creating supportive living spaces, planning, and making time for fun and a sense of purpose.
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Why Self-Care Matters More When You Age
The physical and emotional changes you experience as you age can make self-care especially important. “Self-care is important for all adults, but particularly those of us in the 50 and older category,” says Jamie Gold, CKD, CAPS, MCCWC, a Mayo Clinic Certified Wellness Coach and Certified Aging in Place Specialist. “This is when we need to support our brain, cardiac, and bone health the most.”
Self-care can support healthy aging, quality of life, daily functioning, and can help ease strain on future caregivers. “Self-care is important to older adults because it is something they need to do for both themselves and their loved ones,” says Iris Waichler, MSW, a licensed clinical social worker. “If they don’t take care of themselves, they may need a relative or healthcare professional to become a caregiver. That may not be something they want or can afford.”
Self-care isn’t just for relaxation — it can also be a practical way to support long-term health and prevent future problems
Create a Home That Supports Your Well-being
“Aging in place” is likely a term you’ve heard of before, and it ties in well with self-care in later life. If you’re managing chronic conditions, changes in mobility, or other age-related health concerns, having a safe living environment can be critical to your physical and mental well-being
“There are powerful links between our homes and our health,” Gold explains
Here are some ways you can implement self-care into your home:
Improve lighting
Add accessibility and convenience features (e.g., handrails, grab bars, walk-in showers, non-slip rugs)
Create calming areas for reading or relaxing
Designate a small exercise or stretching space
Consider home protections that give peace of mind, such as smoke detectors, leak sensors, or easier-to-reach storage
“Our living spaces can either support our well-being or sabotage it,” Gold says. “We have the power to shape our home environment in ways that help us thrive.”
Make Preventive Health Part of Self-Care
Keeping up with your health can be another form of self-care for older adults, especially preventive care. Staying proactive about health concerns may help seniors maintain independence and continue participating in activities they enjoy
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Teri (Dreher) Frykenberg, RN, recommends getting vaccinations and cancer screenings. “Mammograms and colonoscopies save lives,” she says. “If you’re at risk for lung cancer, get screened for that.”
She also advises women over 65 to get a bone density scan every two years. “And while you’re at it, see a healthcare provider at least once a year so you avoid ‘silent killers’ like high blood pressure and diabetes,” she says
The Overlooked Self-Care Habits That Support Happiness
Aside from creating a comfortable home environment and engaging in preventive care, there are other often overlooked ways you can add a bit more happiness into your life
“There are powerful links between our homes and our health.”
Jamie Gold, a Mayo Clinic Certified Wellness Coach
Prioritize Connection
Social connection has been linked to healthier aging and improved well-being. Here are some ways you can become more socially connected in later life:
Have a weekly call with a friend
Join a club or community activity
Volunteer
Attend faith-based or community gatherings
Share meals
“I personally have made it a goal to meet more of my neighbors, so I host an easy appetizer potluck every few months,” Frykenberg says. “My neighbors love it, and it builds a sense of community as well as defeating isolation.”
Protect Your Mental and Emotional Health
Don’t forget to care for your mental and emotional well-being. Practice self-compassion, limit doomscrolling or social media overload, and take note of any significant mood changes. If you’re constantly feeling down, Frykenberg recommends requesting a depression screening. If you receive a diagnosis, your healthcare provider can refer you to a <a href="https://healthylife7.com/perez-hiltons-brother-in-law-shares-update-on-his-injuries-mental-health-amid-hospitalization/" title="Perez Hilton’s Brother-in-Law Shares Update on His Injuries, Mental Health Amid Hospitalization”>mental health professional for additional support
Stay Connected to Purpose
Research suggests that having a sense of purpose is associated with better well-being and may encourage healthy habits in older adulthood. Having purpose can support brain health, keep you physically active, and encourage longevity
You can find purpose in life by:
Revisiting hobbies
Mentoring others
Learning new skills
Volunteering
Continuing meaningful traditions
“Think about your interests, values, and passions and find places to keep them growing,” Waichler says
Start Small — and Define Self-Care on Your Own Terms
Self-care in later life doesn’t have to break the bank or be time-consuming. You don’t need to make drastic lifestyle changes to bring more happiness into your life. Instead, try one small habit at a time, and see what brings you joy — whether that means creating relationships or exploring new hobbies
What brings happiness looks different for everyone, so give yourself permission to explore routines, relationships, and activities that help you feel your best
