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HEALTHY AGING MONTH

September is Healthy Aging Month, which is set aside to focus national attention on the positive aspects of growing older. Since 1992, the organizers have been working to help others realize their physical and mental health, diet, social skills, and even financial situations through the “Healthy Aging Campaign.” 

As we age, health becomes more important. Thanks to improvements in medicine and healthcare providers, we live longer lives today. Developing healthy habits as we age is even more important than ever.

Healthy Aging Month encourages you to act how you feel–instead of acting your age! This month seniors are being urged to prioritize their well-being with a focus on their physical and mental health.

We can use Healthy Aging Month as inspiration to celebrate life and help individuals gain a more positive outlook about growing older. While genetics influence aging, seniors can improve their well-being with targeted techniques.

Tips To Make the Most of “Healthy Aging Month”

• Get Moving

If you are not accustomed to exercise, consult your doctor before starting an exercise routine, and remember to start slowly to allow plenty of time to get used to each level of activity. I walk for exercise. I started with thirty minutes and I have moved up to 90 minutes five days a week averaging 10,000 steps a day.

Exercise can be as simple as moving your body for ten or fifteen minutes, three to four times a week, and increasing as you go. Even just taking a dance class or senior yoga, gardening, or mowing the lawn. There are countless ways to stay active that will keep your body moving.

• Maintain A Healthy Diet

Many Americans are unaware of proper portion sizes and often overeat, leading to obesity and potential health issues like diabetes or heart disease. Plus, as we age, our metabolism slows down and we need fewer calories.

Healthy eating is a big part of staying healthy, and the USDA emphasizes the need for more vegetables and fruits in the American diet – recommending five a day. Eat a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables and try to avoid excessive processed foods. Boasting the amount of fresh vegetables in our diet is an easy way to feel full without a lot of calories. The USDA suggests an easy way to balance nutrition: your plate should have slightly less than one-quarter of proteins (lean meat, fish, and grains). Stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water, at least 6-8 glasses per day.

• Stay Social

Don’t be afraid to make new friends, and attempt to see your old friends, too. A sedentary lifestyle devoid of interaction with friends and family can lead to health issues, and isolation can lead to depression. Instead of feeling lonely and bored reach out and invite friends and family over! You can socialize with others by volunteering, joining a class or playing cards/games, or simply talking.

If you can no longer drive look for transportation services that can help you get out and attend social events. If you’re computer literate, schedule Facetime conversations with children and grandchildren. Just interact with and talk to someone daily, you will do your mind and mental health a world of good.

• Balance Both Body and Mind

Keep your mind active by reading the newspaper (or reading on your tablet/laptop). Keeping your mind active may ward off brain chemistry changes that could lead to Alzheimer’s disease. Working on puzzles and reading books are also great for the mind and will help reduce the stress that comes with aging problems. I am a bridge player and enjoy competitively playing bridge on my computer. You can always take up a new creative hobby! For your body, perhaps practice yoga to improve flexibility and balance. It is great for the mind and will help reduce the stress that comes with aging.

• Get Regular Check-Ups and Yearly Physicals

Don’t ignore symptoms. If you’re not feeling well, “don’t wait for it to go away.” While you don’t need to visit the doctor for every ailment, know yourself and your body well enough to detect if there is something out of the ordinary.

Don’t neglect regular medical check-ups; have an annual physical examination and schedule the tests your doctor recommends. This would include your eye doctor and dentist as well as your physician. Many diseases can be prevented when caught early if you remain diligent about your health. Take medications and vitamins/supplements as prescribed to ensure you are feeling your best.

How Quality of Life Is Important to Healthy Aging

A positive outlook and proactive approach are some of the best ways to encourage healthy aging! Here’s how to get the most out of life as you age.

1. Positive Attitude-Keep a positive attitude through life. Focus on the positive, taking hold of any problems and addressing them properly and you will find that you will be happier in your life.

2. Don’t Act Your Age-Forget that “number”-it’s only a number, after all! Live life looking forward to activities and actions that make you smile and forget about your age!

3. Be Proactive- Take charge of your health by researching how to use your Health

Insurance to prevent illness and stay healthy. You’re entitled to a variety of healthcare screenings as you get older; and it’s important to know exactly what tests and screenings you should take, based on your age and gender.

4. Try Something New- It’s never too late to make changes and become a whole new you! Take up a new hobby, learn a language, take a class, or join a book club. Making your life interesting is one of the best ways to focus on healthy aging.

5. Embrace Your Creativity- Try something new. Attending classes on painting, sketching, or drawing may lead to a surprising discovery of your artistic side. If you lack art talents, experiment with adult coloring books using pencils. 

6. Surround Yourself With Positivity- Your mental health plays a very important part in healthy aging and surrounding yourself with people who make you smile and laugh makes healthy aging even easier.

Focusing on both your mental – and physical – well-being, to feel more “alive” as you embark on a new journey of healthy aging.

Family History and Genetics:

It’s a good idea to look at the health history of your family. Do research on your family tree to see how old relatives were when they died and talk with your physician about family history. Your healthcare provider can provide insight on how to fight nature and genetics to ensure you have the longest, healthiest life possible. 

My healthcare provider and I have been talking about my family’s history over the past several years and I have had medical screenings accordingly. You can beat some genetic diseases by adopting a healthier lifestyle. By embracing healthy options and taking preventive actions to ensure you are as healthy as you can be as you move into your 60s, 70s, and beyond.

Remaining active and engaged is the best gift you can give yourself. Staying physically and mentally active, and nurturing social connections with friends and family, are all part of the bigger picture in helping to keep your mind and body well. None of us will live forever, but we all want to remain well for as long as possible.

I prioritize caring for myself physically, mentally, and spiritually. I ensure balanced nutrition by eating three weighed and measured meals a day, incorporating a variety of vegetables, fruits, and proteins, while avoiding processed foods and snacks between meals. Water is my primary beverage. I maintain an active lifestyle, by walking 10,000 steps five days a week and supplementing with strength and endurance exercises. I am deeply involved in a spiritual community, staying connected and engaged. As a writer working on my memoir, I dedicate myself to attending numerous workshops and reading extensively. I also enjoy playing bridge and keeping my mind sharp by reading the daily newspaper and various other publications.

Remember your body keeps score!