Article by Dana Corwin, Director
September is Healthy Aging Month, and it is the perfect time to celebrate the many things we can do to stay healthy, active and independent as we grow older.
Healthy aging does not mean trying to stop the aging process. It means taking care of ourselves so we can continue doing the things we enjoy, spending time with the people we love and remaining active in our communities.
Taking care of our health can help us stay independent and enjoy a better quality of life. Regular physical activity, healthy food choices, preventive health care, good sleep, social connections and keeping our minds active can all contribute to healthier aging.
There is another important benefit: healthy choices can also help control your health care costs. Preventing falls, managing chronic health conditions, keeping up with medical appointments and screenings, staying active and addressing health concerns early may help prevent problems from becoming more serious. Avoiding an unnecessary emergency room visit or hospitalization can benefit both our health and our wallets. I believe everyone can get behind that! But healthy aging isn't just about preventing illness or reducing health care costs. It is about enjoying life!
Make September Your Healthy Aging Month Try one—or all—of these ideas:
1. Get Moving.
Take a walk, garden, dance, stretch or try an exercise class. Find something you enjoy and keep moving!
2. Eat for Your Health.
Enjoy more fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Healthy food can also be delicious. Check out our dining out program at local restaurants and community centers.
3. Keep Up with Health Care.
Schedule those checkups, screenings, hearing, dental and vision appointments. Don't wait until a small concern becomes a big problem. Knowledge is power!
4. Prevent Falls.
Remove tripping hazards, improve lighting and use handrails. Talk with your health care provider about balance and strength exercises. We have information on fall prevention classes available on line!
5. Keep Your Brain Active.
Read a book, learn something new, do a puzzle, play music or take a class. Brain health matters! www.alz.org/rethink-your-brain
6. Stay Connected.
Call a friend, visit family, join a club, attend a community activity or volunteer for us! Relationships are an important part of healthy aging. Loneliness is a public health concern and affects your health.
7. Get Enough Sleep.
Make good sleep a priority. A regular sleep routine can help support physical and emotional well-being.
8. Spend Time Outdoors.
Enjoy a walk, sit in the sunshine, visit a park or work in the garden. Fresh air and time outdoors can do wonders for your mood. The sunshine is important to us all and vitamin D production.
9. Do Something You Enjoy.
Make time for hobbies, music, travel, grandchildren, pets, friends or whatever brings you happiness. Choose joy in every way you can.
10. Try Something New!
Healthy aging is also about continuing to grow. Learn a new skill, visit somewhere you've never been or say "yes" to a new experience. Check out GetSetUp, a free platform for learning and connecting from the New York State office for Aging www.getsetup.io/en-US/partner/nystate
At the Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services, we believe in helping older adults remain healthy, independent, connected and engaged in their communities. We also know that everyone ages differently. There is no single formula for healthy aging. What matters is finding realistic steps that work for you. So, this September, don't think about what you can't do. Think about what you can do. Take one small step toward better health. Call a friend. Take a walk. Try a new activity. Make that doctor's appointment. Eat a healthy meal. Laugh more. Have fun and enjoy all the little things. We promote independence, optimal health, and wellness in safe and secure environments so that our older adults can be equipped and informed to age well at home. Your health is an investment in yourself —and the payoff is being able to enjoy more of the life you have worked so hard to build.
