September is Healthy Aging Month, a time to celebrate life and the positive aspects of growing older. As we age, we become aware that our physical and mental health, as well as dietary and social needs, change. You can take charge of your well-being, by taking steps to age with a healthy body and a healthy mind.
September is Healthy Aging Month
People celebrate Healthy Aging Month by incorporating habits like exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep. September is a month for encouraging people to stay active and take steps to improve physical and mental health.
1. Get Moving
- Consult your doctor before exercising. Start slow, know your limitations and modify activities if needed.
- Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week.
- Beginning physical activity can be as easy as walking for ten to fifteen minutes for three to four days per week and increasing as you go.
- Regular physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight, and lower blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
- Physical activity should be FUN and something you enjoy doing!
2. Maintain a Healthy Diet
- Monitor portion sizes.
- Avoid excessive amounts of processed foods.
- Stay hydrated- adults should drink between eight to ten cups of water per day.
3. Balance your body and mind
- Keep a positive attitude.
- Activate your mind by reading or doing puzzles.
- Stay flexible by stretching or doing yoga.
4. Be proactive
- Schedule checkups, physicals, and medical tests with your primary care doctor when needed. Many diseases, can be controlled when caught early.
- Remember to schedule annual appointments with the dentist and optometrist as well.
- Take vitamins, supplements, and medications as prescribed.
5. Stay Social
- Try something new by attending online or socially distant in-person classes that interest you.
- Use Zoom or Facetime to stay in touch with friends and family members.
Engaging in social and productive activities you enjoy can help promote a healthy lifestyle. Examples of social activities include taking an art class, joining a hiking club, or becoming a volunteer in your community. All of these activities may help to maintain your well-being and independence as you age. An active lifestyle is more than just getting your daily steps in. It includes doing activities that are meaningful to you and benefit your mind, spirit, and body.
Research shows that older adults with an active lifestyle:
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Are less likely to develop certain diseases
Participating in hobbies and other social activities may lower the risk of developing some health problems, including:
- Dementia
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Some types of cancer
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Have a longer lifespan
Studies looking at people’s outlooks and how long they live show that happiness, life satisfaction, and a sense of purpose are all linked to living longer.
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Are happier and less depressed
Studies suggest that older adults who participate in activities they find meaningful, such as volunteering in their communities or being physically active, say they feel happier and healthier.
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Are better prepared to cope
When people feel happier and healthier, they are more likely to be resilient. Resiliency is a person’s ability to bounce back and recover from difficult situations. Positive emotions, optimism, physical and mental health, and a sense of purpose are all associated with someone who is resilient.
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May be able to improve their thinking abilities
Research suggests that participating in certain activities, such as those that are mentally stimulating or involve physical activity, may have a positive effect on memory — and the more variety the better. Other studies are providing new information about ways that creative activities, such as music or dance, can help older adults with memory problems or dementia.
Social Activities
There are plenty of places to look for opportunities to engage in activities you enjoy, depending on your interests and ability. Some activities can be enjoyed even from a distance using phones, computers, and other devices. Others can be done alone. Therefore, even if you’re in a rural area or have other restrictions, you can still find ways to engage in activities you enjoy.
Benefits of an active lifestyle
Engaging in social and productive activities you enjoy, such as taking an art class, joining a hiking club, or becoming a volunteer in your community, may help to maintain your well-being and independence as you age. An active lifestyle is more than just getting your daily steps in. It includes doing activities that are meaningful to you and benefit your mind, spirit, and body.
Find the right balance
Everyone has different limits to the amount of time they can spend on social or other activities. What is perfect for one person may be too much for another. You might start by adding one or two activities to your routine and see how you feel. You can always add more. Remember: Participating in activities you enjoy should be fun, not stressful.
Promedcare
Our goal is to keep you or your loved one healthy, happy, and safe at home. The Promedcare team of management and caregivers understands the importance of providing care within the comfort of one’s own home. Families choose Promedcare for different reasons. For some, it’s to provide extensive ongoing care for an aging senior. For others, we offer a much-needed break or, respite care – such as a night out with a spouse, vacation, or simply a few hours of quiet time at home – for family members who provide regular care. We offer a wide range of care services customized for each individual client. Promedcare services include Personal Care Services, Companion Care Services, Dementia / Alzheimer’s Care Services, and Respiratory Solutions.
Contact us today to see how Prodmedcare can help you!