September is National Aging Month! The World Health Organization (WHO) defines Healthy Aging as “the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables well-being in older age”. Here are the most common tips that anyone can do to help ensure you are aging healthfully and living your life to the fullest.
- Well-Balanced Diet – Eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables with a balanced intake of healthy meats and fats. The more colorful the plate, the better!
- Move, Move, Move – The key to staying active as you age is finding activities you enjoy. Aim for moderate physical activity, like walking, at least 150 minutes a week and muscular strengthening activity at least twice a week.
- Practice Prevention – Advocate for your health and make sure to follow your health plan. Schedule and attend all annual health, dental, and vision screenings to stay on top of any changes.
- Engage Your Brain – Challenge your mind and engage in activities that are mentally stimulating. Learn a new skill, read, work or volunteer, do puzzles, or start a new hobby.
- Nurture Relationships – Maintain relationships with people who matter. Having a support system and social network keeps your mind, body, and soul active.
- Embrace Aging – Embrace the process of aging and pay attention to your thoughts and emotions. Stay positive and focus on what you can do instead of the limitations you may have.
References:
6 Tips for Healthy Aging. (2019, September 20). Retrieved August 20, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/infographic/healthy-aging.htm
Healthy Eating Plate. (2019, November 22). Retrieved August 20, 2020, from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/healthy-eating-plate/
Home Instead Senior Care. (2018, September 17). 10 Tips for Healthy Aging. Retrieved August 20, 2020, from https://www.homeinstead.com/blog/10-tips-for-healthy-aging
September is Healthy Aging Month. (2016, August 18). Retrieved August 20, 2020, from https://healthyaging.net/healthy-aging-month/september-is-healthy-aging-month/
Photo by Noelle Otto from Pexels
Original Article: August 27, 2020, by Alex Henderson
Updated Article: September 8, 2023 by Alex Gawel (Henderson)
About the Author:
Alex Henderson is the Assistant Fitness Manager at Western Digital Corporation. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Movement and Sport Sciences from Purdue University and a Master’s of Public Health Degree from the University of San Francisco. Alex thrives on personally connecting with her clients and making physical exercise fun but also helping them realize how beneficial it is for the mind, body, and soul. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, hiking, biking, or playing with her dog Maple.
My parents never made it even close to 100 years old, but I would love to live as longa s possible and soak up everything life has to offer. Thank you for the great read! I read some interesting facts and tips here, https://www.ez.insure/landing/2021/08/10-tips-for-getting-to-100/ and suggest you give it a read through and tell me your thoughts on it! It can be done, just have to try and be healthier…well and avoid accidents haha