South Tabor Family Physicians want to recognize Healthy Aging Month to raise national attention on the health and well-being of older adults. ” If you’re interested in national efforts to improve health for older adults, check out the Healthy People 2030 Older Adults objectives. And take a look at the Healthy People 2030 Healthy Aging Custom List to find a wide variety of objectives that are directly or indirectly related to helping people stay healthy as they age.”
Here are 10 Tips From Healthy Aging®
” It’s never too late to strive for a healthier lifestyle, and September is the perfect time to make a plan.
Recapture that “back to school” feeling with a personal commitment to renew yourself. To improve yourself physically, socially, and mentally, here are ten tips to inspire you from The Healthy Aging® Campaign, which began 30 years ago and launched September is Healthy Aging® Month:
Physical Well-Being
1. Move more, sit less.
Why? Physical activity is your weapon to help control blood pressure, help prevent heart disease and stroke and possibly lower your risk for depression, anxiety, and conditions like certain cancers and type 2 diabetes. What to do? Choose something fun so you can keep at it, like cycling, walking, dancing, swimming, or aerobics.
2. How much do you need to do?
Current national recommendations are 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week and two days of muscle-strengthening training. That’s only 20 minutes a day, seven days a week, or around an hour a day if you do three days a week.
3. Get motivated
Seek out free websites and apps like All Trails to find parks and trails around the world; American Heart Association with ideas on how to join a walking club or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for individuals with a disability
Diet
4. Try to cut back on salt. A diet rich in sodium has been linked to high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack—all good reasons to try not to over-salt your food. Adding more fiber to your diet can help lower cholesterol, control your blood sugar, as well helping maintain good digestive health.
Social
5. Volunteer
Be of service. An excellent way to bring happiness into your life is to not focus on yourself. Refocus on others by volunteering your time and expertise. United Way, the American Red Cross, VolunteerMatch, and AmeriCorps are all helpful resources.
6. Beat back loneliness
Don’t wait for the phone to ring. Be proactive and call someone for a lunch date. Set up a calendar of lunch dates and challenge yourself to have at least two lunch dates per month (once a week is even better!) It doesn’t have to be expensive … pack a picnic, and head to a park. Try to mix up your get-togethers with old friends and new acquaintances.
7. Rekindle or follow a new passion
Take a hard look at what you like rather than what other people tell you to do to meet new people. Pick some activities where you might meet new friends.
8. Get a dog
If you don’t have one, get one and walk. You will be amazed how many people you will meet through your dog. Can’t have one? Check your local humane society to see if they need dog walkers.
Mental
9. Be realistic with what you can accomplish. Learn to say no … don’t overwhelm yourself with a to-do list. See more tips for reducing or controlling stress from Mental Health America, the non-profit dedicated to addressing the needs of those with mental illness and promoting the overall mental health of all.
10. Plan for your next exciting passage.
Capitalize on your career experience and start a new one. Yes, enjoy a brief “retirement.” Travel, and spend more time with family and friends. Develop new hobbies. Redefining your purpose to maintain a sense of identity and purpose is
essential to a healthy lifestyle. What is your next passage?
So, grab onto that “back to school” feeling and make September the perfect time to renew or set your lifestyle goals.
Remember, it’s never too late!
For further information and more tips, visit September is Healthy Aging® Month.