With a change of season comes the opportunity to try something different. A fresh start to learn a new skill, try an alternate sport, focus more on healthy eating or embark on a new career. September is also Healthy Aging Month – a time to reflect on the positive aspects of aging and inspire older adults to boost their physical, mental, social, and financial well-being.
According to a recent Healthy Aging magazine post, Healthy Aging Month was first introduced more than 20 years ago when the first of the Baby Boomer generation were about to reach age 50. Now, there are more than 76 million Boomers in the United States and Generation X has entered their 50s – and they are just as interested as their older peers in staying active, healthy, and engaged as they age.
Whether you are 50-something or 70-something, staying socially connected is as important to healthy aging as eating well and getting regular exercise. Volunteering, taking classes, and cultivating a close friend group can make a huge difference in well-being as people age. Social isolation, as many discovered during the pandemic, can have serious health implications. Adopting a dog through a local shelter can help ease loneliness, encourage social engagement with others and help older adults stay active with daily walks.
Mindset is also key in how well older adults navigate aging; by approaching age with a positive attitude and surrounding yourself with like-minded people of all ages, it becomes natural to feel optimistic and enthusiastic about each new day. While it’s important to keep up with regular health screenings, vaccinations, and dental and vision appointments, it’s also beneficial for the aging brain to find ways to de-stress and stay sharp with challenging mental activities like brain games, book clubs, or language classes.
Learn more and discover tips and habits to help aging adults enjoy a longer, healthier, and happier life in a recent publication by Barbara Hannah Grufferman – Love Your Age. What new challenge will you accept this season?
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