In celebration of #OlderAmericansMonth, we are sharing ways to help you age with good health. Below are several ideas and tips to help you live longer and stronger!
Adopting healthy habits and behaviors, staying involved in your community, using preventive services, managing health conditions, and understanding all your medications can contribute to a productive and meaningful life. Whether you’re concerned about weight gain, sex drive or chronic diseases, the key to healthy aging is a healthy lifestyle. Eating a variety of nutritious foods, practicing portion control and including physical activity in your daily routine can promote healthy aging.
If an interest in healthy aging leads you to consider anti-aging therapies — such as restrictive diets, supplements or expensive treatments claiming to postpone or even reverse the aging process — be cautious. There’s no quick fix for healthy aging. Know what you’re buying and know how to spot suspicious schemes. Often, anti-aging therapies don’t live up to the claims.
Stay Active
- Exercise: Staying physically active is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Get help fitting exercise and physical activity into your daily life.
- Driving: Getting older does not mean a person’s driving days are over. Plan ahead to ensure you and your loved ones are safe on the road.
- Home Modifications: Download this booklet from HUD for tips for modifying your home to be more accessible helps prevent falls and injuries, and provides peace of mind for you and those around you.
Stay Connected to Your Community through Volunteerism
- AmeriCorps Seniors: (fka SeniorCorps) connects adults 55+ with the people and organizations that need you most. Find volunteer opportunities near you.
- Aging Network Volunteer Resource Center: Offers online resources, staff and volunteer training, and opportunities for leaders to exchange best practices to increase the number of older adult volunteers and enrich the experience of these volunteers.
- National Aging and Disability Transportation Center: This organization works to increase transportation options for older adults to support their ability to live independently in their homes and communities.
Eat Healthy food
- Nutrition is important at every stage of life. As you age, your body and life changes; so does what you need to eat to stay healthy. Healthy eating and regular physical activity are your keys to good health.
- Studies show that a good diet in your later years reduces your risk of osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart diseases, and certain cancers.
- Meals on Wheels America – If you need help contact Meals on Wheels! With over two million volunteers, they deliver nutritious meals, provide friendly visits, and safety checks that enable America’s seniors to live nourished lives with independence and dignity.
- If you are overweight, you have a greater risk of developing many diseases including Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some types of cancer. Learn how to manage your weight successfully.
- Choose Save Food – Adults 65 and older are at a higher risk for hospitalization and death from food-borne illness. Learn how to keep yourself safe.
Refereces: May Clinic; Health & Human Services – Index of resourcses
