Make Health and Wellness a Priority in Your Golden Era
September is Healthy Aging Month
Celebrated every September, Healthy Aging Month serves as an important reminder to focus on the positive aspects of growing older, and to take proactive steps toward maintaining health and wellness as we age. This annual observance promotes the idea that it’s never too late to take control of your health, start new hobbies, and engage in activities that enhance your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The goal is to inspire individuals to adopt healthy lifestyles that can lead to increased longevity and improved quality of life.
Get Moving
One of the key messages of Healthy Aging Month is the importance of physical activity, which provides numerous benefits for both the body and mind. Regular exercise can improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, and enhance flexibility. Additionally, exercise can boost mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. It promotes better sleep, increases energy levels, and can even contribute to a longer, healthier life. Whether it’s a brisk walk in the park, a yoga session, or a more intense workout at the gym, incorporating physical activity into your daily routine is a powerful way to support overall well-being.
Be Mindful
In addition to physical health, Healthy Aging Month emphasizes the significance of mental and emotional well-being is a crucial aspect of our overall health, impacting how we think, feel, and behave in our daily lives. This includes our ability to manage stress, build and maintain relationships, and make decisions. Cultivating emotional well-being involves practices such as mindfulness, self-care, and seeking support when needed.
Engaging in social activities, continuing education, and pursuing hobbies can help seniors keep their mind sharp and energy levels high. Staying connected with friends and family, volunteering, and participating in community events can combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. By prioritizing our emotional health, we can lead more balanced, fulfilling lives, better equipped to handle life’s challenges with resilience and grace.
Follow a Healthy Diet
Finally, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, along with adequate hydration, can support both brain and body health. These foods are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help protect the body from chronic diseases. Aim to fill half your plate with colorful fruits and vegetables at each meal, as different colors often signify different nutrients. Fresh, frozen, and canned options (without added sugars or salts) can all be nutritious choices.
It is also important to pay attention to portion sizes and practice mindful eating. Eating slowly and savoring each bite can help you recognize when you’re full, preventing overeating. Additionally, try to limit the consumption of processed foods, which are often high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and sodium. By making these small, sustainable changes to your eating habits, you can significantly improve your health and well-being.
Healthy Aging Month is a great opportunity for seniors to review their lifestyle choices and make important adjustments that can help them live longer, heathier lives and make the most of their Golden Era.
Dr. Ken Sebastianelli has served as Medical Director for Elan Skilled Nursing and Rehab, a Jewish Senior Life Community, since 2012. Dr. Sebastianelli is a board-certified Internal Medicine practitioner with Prime Med Medical Group, and is affiliated with Geisinger Community Medical Center and Moses Taylor Hospital. He is also a member of the Medical Executive Committee at Geisinger Community Medical Center.
