The numbers of people over 45 is growing every year. People are hoping to stay active and vibrant as long as possible. There are over 76 million baby boomers today over 50, and the first of the 82.1 million Generation X-ers reached that milestone in 2015, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
According to Carolyn Worthington, editor-in-chief of Healthy Aging® Magazine and creator of September is Healthy Aging Month, it’s never too late to find a new career, a new sport, passion or hobby. Healthy Aging Month is an annual observance month designed to focus national attention on the positive aspects of growing older that began over 20 years ago.
The Benefits of Aging
Aging is a natural part of life that we all must experience, and it is important to embrace it with a positive attitude. Aging presents us with a range of opportunities to discover new passions and activities, such as traveling, pursuing new hobbies, and spending time with loved ones. Let’s delve into the benefits of aging and the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle to remain vibrant and active as we grow older:
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Travel
The unique advantage of aging is that it allows you to travel and explore new places with greater ease and experience. Whether it's reconnecting with your ancestral roots, visiting exotic destinations, or pursuing cultural experiences, aging opens a world of travel opportunities that you can savor and enjoy. Not only does travel offer new experiences and adventures, but it can also provide benefits such as stress reduction, boosting mental health and creativity. -
Increased Wisdom and Knowledge
By the time we reach our senior years, we have accumulated an extensive amount of life experience. This experience contributes to increased wisdom and a greater understanding of the world around us. Having lived through many different situations, we have a better ability to empathize with others, offer advice, and apply judgement to decision-making. Because of this, we become cherished members of our communities and are called upon for guidance and perspective. -
Financial Stability
With retirement often comes financial stability. For many, the long years of working and saving culminates in a comfortable financial position that allows independence and freedom. This means having the opportunity to travel, pursue hobbies, and indulge in experiences we may not have been able to afford before. It's never too late to spend that extra money on things we enjoy, and that experience in and of itself is incredibly liberating. -
Increased Sense of Self
As we age, we become more comfortable in our own skin. We have learned to love ourselves and accept our strengths and weaknesses. We become more confident, assertive, and clear in our life objectives. This often results in being able to advocate for ourselves and our opinions in a way that is powerful and effective. We have less of a need for external validation and can rely more on our own self-worth. -
New Opportunities for Personal Growth
As we enter new life stages, we are presented with opportunities to continue learning, growing, and striving for new things. By focusing on accomplishing our goals in later years, we can experience a renewed sense of vitality and a sense of fulfillment that we may have thought was unreachable. Whether it’s learning a new skill, going back to school, or immersing ourselves in a new hobby, the possibilities for self-improvement and growth are endless. -
Strong Social Bonds
One of the positive aspects of aging is we develop deeper, more meaningful relationships with the people in our lives. These bonds are initially formed from decades of shared experiences, enduring hardships, and countless memories. Friends and family members become less like acquaintances and more like pillars of support and strength. With age, we tend to reprioritize our relationships and focus on those that are most significant to us. We have more time to invest in our loved ones, building an emotional safety net that is unmatched in its importance.
How to Age Well
The Importance of Physical Activity
Staying physically active is crucial for aging adults as it enhances cardiovascular and muscular health, reduces the risk of chronic diseases, enhances metabolism, and boosts mental health. Engaging in activities like walking, playing games, stretching, and swimming can help maintain your body's fitness and improve your mood. Always discuss your physical activities with your healthcare provider before beginning any new exercise routine.
The Value of Healthy Eating
Consuming a healthy diet is a requisite for healthy aging. Eating a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and lean proteins provides the right amount of nutrition to keep our bodies healthy and active. Avoid processed or unhealthy foods as it could lead to adverse health complications. This article, 7 Healthy Foods to Eat to Promote Senior Nutrition, can help you understand how to age healthy by focusing on your diet!
Tips for Reinventing Yourself As You Age
To get you started on re-inventing yourself, here are 10 tips from Healthy Aging Magazine:
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Do not act your age or at least what you think your current age should act like. What was your best year so far? 28? 40? Now? Picture yourself at that age and be it.
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Be positive in your conversations and your actions every day.
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Have negative friends who complain all of the time and constantly talk about how awful everything is? Distance yourself. Negative people will keep you from moving forward in life. Find others who have a positive outlook and make you happier.
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Walk like a vibrant, healthy person. Make a conscious effort to take big strides, walk with your heel first and wear comfortable shoes.
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Stand up straight. You can knock off the appearance of a few extra years with this trick your mother kept trying to tell you. Fix your stance and practice it every day. You will look great and feel better.
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How’s your smile? Research shows people who smile more often are happier.
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Lonely? Stop brooding and complaining about having no friends or family. Do something about it now. Right this minute.
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Start walking not only for your health but to see the neighbors.
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Make this month the time to set up your annual physical and other health screenings.
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Find your inner artist. Sign up now for fall art or music classes and discover your inner artist!
WebMD - Healthy Aging Tips
As you grow older, it's important to stay on top of your health. But that can be a challenge when there are so many demands on our time and resources. Fortunately, WebMD offers a wide range of tips designed to keep us healthy as we age. From fitness advice for seniors over 50, to nutrition guidelines based on the latest research findings, these tips will help you to feel energized and ready for the years ahead:
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Get moving - Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy body and brain.
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Stay social - Take a class, volunteer, play games, see old friends, and make new ones.
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Bulk up - Eat beans and other high-fiber foods for digestive and heart health.
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Add some spice - Add herbs and spices to your meals if medications dull your taste buds.
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Stay balanced - Practice yoga or tai chi to improve agility and prevent falls.
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Take a hike - Brisk daily walks this September can bolster both your heart and lungs.
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Sleep well - Talk to a sleep specialist if you don’t sleep soundly through the night.
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Beat the blues - If you’ve been feeling down for a while, see a doctor.
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Don’t forget - To aid your memory, make lists, follow routines, slow down, and organize.
Fall Prevention
Fall prevention is an important component to healthy aging. Elderly people can lose their sense of balance, judgment, and motor skills as they get older. This results in awkward falls, and with weakened bones, extreme cases can lead to severe breaks or even further gravely complications.
Get Regular and Yearly Doctor Checkups
As we age, it’s important to prioritize our health more than ever before. One of the best ways to stay on top of our physical well-being is by scheduling regular doctor checkups. These appointments are beneficial in a number of ways, from catching and treating potential health issues early on, to getting essential advice on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. By visiting the doctor at least once a year, we can also build a stronger relationship with our healthcare provider and feel more empowered to take control of our health in a proactive way. So, whether you’re a senior or approaching your golden years, make sure to factor in regular doctor checkups as a key for wise and healthy aging.
BrightStar Care Supports All Your Healthy Aging Goals
BrightStar Care is proud to bring healthy aging into the spotlight during Healthy Aging Month. With the support of our experienced in-home and community living teams and innovative home care technology, we are dedicated to providing support and compassion when needed most. Our customized care services enable you to continue independent living in the comfort and safety of your own home and in one of our communities, while having reliable aides that promote your overall well-being. Age need not be a deterrent--brighten your golden years with BrightStar Care! We enthusiastically invite you to find out what our community has to offer and embark on an enriching experience as you nourish your body, mind, and spirit for healthier aging today! Learn more about how BrightStar Care services can help you or a loved one at a location near you or call 866-618- 7827.
Sources:
https://www.dhs.gov/employee-resources/news/2022/09/06/healthy-aging-month https://www.leehealth.org/health-and-wellness/healthy-news-blog/health-hub/celebrate-healthy-aging-month-by-staying-young-here-s-how