September: Healthy Aging Month
Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength- Betty Freidan
As we age, we often tend to seek new and innovative ways to stay active and healthy. Over twenty years ago, just as the Baby Boomers were turning 50, Healthy Aging Magazine and HealthyAging.net started “September is Healthy Aging® Month” to support the older population’s efforts, as well as to celebrate the positive aspects of aging.
With our tips below, we hope to inspire you with ways to improve your overall health and mental well-being.
- Get active! – Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy body and brain. If you don’t already exercise, don’t worry, it’s never too late to start! Something as simple as a daily walk is a great way to get moving!
- Exercise your brain! – Brain games, such as crossword puzzles, sudoku, chess, or even the latest addictive phone app game are thought to “help with improving select brain skills and can play an important role in maintaining overall brain health.” says Dr. Julie Brody-Magid, clinical director of the Memory Disorders Assessment Clinic at Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital.
- Stay social- There is no shortage of opportunities for residents at ICR to stay social! Our monthly calendar is full of activities that encourage residents to take a class, participate in clubs, and making new friends.
- Stay balanced- Practicing yoga or tai chi can help improve agility and reduce the risk of falls.
- Remember: Age is just a number! Healthy Aging magazine explains that one way to feel younger and healthier is to think that way. Ask yourself what age you felt the best- maybe it was 25, 35, 45? The goal is to picture yourself at that age and challenge yourself to act that age! Don’t let your actual age limit yourself in what you think you can’t do !
This September, make it a priority to plan your approach and take the necessary steps toward creating and maintaining a healthy, vibrant lifestyle.
Often times, getting started is the hardest step. It can be challenging to change bad habits for healthier ones, much less sustain them. The key is to change your mindset: Look at what you are changing as a lifestyle change rather than a quick fix.
When it comes to living a long, healthy, and happy life, it’s simple – the little things you do today affect the rest of your tomorrows!
See how our residents are staying healthy!
