18, Sep 2024
As we age, health becomes more critical. With advancements in medicine and health, we live longer now. As such, developing healthy habits as we age is even more crucial.
September is Healthy Aging Month, designated to focus national attention on the positive aspects of life as we grow older. Awareness of physical and mental health, diet, social skills, and financial situations contribute to successful aging.
Healthy Aging Month encourages you to act how you feel — and not act your age! Take charge of your well-being by aging with a healthy body and mind. Although genetics plays a role in aging, seniors can still take specific steps to encourage better health.
Consult your physician and start a regular exercise routine. Start slow and steady, allowing ample time to get used to each activity level.
Exercise can be as simple as walking ten to fifteen minutes three to four times a week and increasing slowly as you go. For more active people, try playing tennis or joining a local gym where you can use the exercise equipment. Other activities include enrolling in a dance class, senior yoga, or gardening.
Many of us must be aware of proper portion sizes and inevitably eat more significant portions than recommended. Overeating leads to morbid obesity, which in turn could lead to even more significant chronic health concerns such as diabetes or heart disease.
We need fewer calories as our metabolism slows down as we age. Introduce more vegetables and fresh fruits and try to avoid excessive processed foods. Your plate should have slightly less than one-quarter of proteins (lean meat, fish, poultry, or legumes,) fruits, and more than one-quarter of grains and vegetables. Drink at least 6-8 glasses of fluid daily.
A sedentary lifestyle without interaction with friends and family leads to health issues. Isolation can lead to depression.
Stay social by making new friends while seeing old friends too. You can socialize with others by inviting them to your house or volunteering in a local organization. Volunteering allows you to feel positive and give back.
Hire a caregiver who may help you engage in cooking, playing cards and games, or simple conversations at the dinner table. Stay in touch with your children and grandkids with Facetime conversations. Explore new places to travel, even places that are close by.
Balancing both body and mind is also very important in healthy aging. Keep your mind active by watching the news on television or reading the newspaper regularly. Work on crossword puzzles and read story books to maintain cognitive function and reduce stress.
You can even take up a new creative hobby. Improve your balance and flexibility by practicing yoga.
Get routine checkups and annual physicals. Follow your doctor's advice as recommended. Many diseases are preventable when caught early if you remain conscious about your healthcare. Be compliant with prescribed medications and vitamin supplements as advised by your doctor.
A positive attitude and proactive approach are some of the best ways to enhance healthy aging! Your mental health plays an essential part in healthy aging.
Surround yourself with people who make you laugh and smile so your healthy aging becomes even more accessible. Focus on physical and mental well-being to feel more lively as you embark on a new, healthy aging journey.
Age is just a number. Enjoy activities that bring smiles, and forget about your age! Take charge of your health and research how to utilize your health insurance to take proactive steps to keep healthy and happy.
You're entitled to various healthcare screenings as you age, and it's essential to know precisely what tests and screenings you should do based on your age and gender.
Remaining active is the best gift you can give yourself. Nurturing social connections with family and friends and keeping mentally and physically active are all part of keeping your mind and body well.
Dr. Sue Mitra and her staff strive to offer their patients the best care, advice and services available in the medical field with the goal to keep patient healthy & happy.
Dr. Sue Mitra is board certified in international medicine. She is seen here with a Cologuard, which is a noninvasive colon cancer screening test. (Photo by: Tim Shortt/Florida Today)