September is Healthy Aging Month

 

With September being Healthy Aging Month, it reminds us that it is never too late to work on our health through physical, social and mental well-being. This isn’t just for Baby Boomers, but you Generation X people, too. There are positive aspects to growing older and it is never too late to find a hobby, a new career, a sport or to start traveling.

Don’t act your age. Act like you feel instead of your age. Acting your age can make you feel more negative about yourself. You might not think you should run in that half marathon because you are 45 or 60, even though you’re a great runner. Wrong. Start training for that marathon. You can do it!

Think positive. Negativity causes discontent and contributes to low self-esteem. It can lead to anxiety and depression. Practice mindfulness or meditation to help you lower the risk of some cognitive conditions and to help you think more positive. You could even start by simply breathing in for five seconds, then out for five seconds. Other ways to practice mindfulness or meditation can be to get a massage, do yoga or tai chi, take a hike in the woods, watch the sunrise or sunset. It is amazing what turning a negative to positive can do for your brain.

Refuse to be lonely. If you are lonely, do something about it. Take a class, volunteer, play games, go out to eat with someone, see friends, or get a part-time job if you’re retired. It is important to stay social.

Stay as healthy as you can. Get your yearly physical and health screenings. Update any immunizations that are needed. Improve your diet and sleep routines. Talk to your health care professional and ask for help if you need it.

Walk. If you’re new to walking for exercise, start slow and work on increasing your time. The cooler temperatures of fall can be a perfect time to start.

Join a fitness club. Some school systems offer adult physical activity classes and other enrichment classes like cooking, computers, cooking, dance, finance, and arts and crafts. SilverSneakers is a program that is designed to help older adults stay healthy by exercising and socializing. It is available at no cost for adults who are 65 and older with participating Medicare Plans. Eligible members get access to SilverSneakers LIVE online classes, On-Demand videos and thousands of fitness locations and classes.

Maintain a healthy diet. Watch those portion sizes at restaurants; take half of your meal home. Add more fruits and vegetables to your meals and snacks. Overeating can lead to obesity, heart disease and diabetes. As we age, our metabolism slows down and it’s easier to put on weight. Follow the USDA’s Healthy Plate: veggies and fruit = ½ of your plate, whole grains= ¼ of your plate, protein sources = ¼ of your plate. Drink a lot of water. If you become prediabetic, find a National Diabetes Prevention Program or Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program near you or one that is virtual. It is a great evidence-based lifestyle change programs whose aim is to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Keep your brain active. Work on puzzles and games. Watch Jeopardy. Read books and magazines. Make lists. Organize your house. Try something different such as learning a new language or take up a hobby you’ve never done before. It’s never too late to learn something new.

Stay active and stay vibrant for positive aging. Take charge of your life and look forward to whatever comes next. Be kind to yourself and find ways to love your life. Your age is a real number, but it is optional whether to grow old.