This month we are shedding light on Healthy Aging Awareness Month and what healthy aging is. Healthy Aging is the process of developing and maintaining functional ability that leads a person to greater wellbeing as they age.
Fun facts about Healthy Aging Awareness month:
- It was established in September of 1992 when the first Baby Boomers were turning 50.
- Healthy Aging is meant to emphasize the importance of staying healthy and not focus on age alone.
- Healthy Aging awareness includes the following age groups:
- Greatest Generation-those currently over the age of 93
- Silent Generation-those currently 75-92 years old
- Baby Boomers- those currently 56-74 years old
- Generation X-those currently 40-55 years old
Healthy Aging is developing and maintaining functional ability. Functional ability is a person’s ability to do the things that matter most to them. This can include bathing, dressing, preparing meals, mobility, building and maintaining relationships, whatever is most important to you as an individual. However, above all it means the ability of a person to continue feeling like they are a valued member of society.
Feeling valued is something every person has the right to and should be able to feel every day. Our ability to do these things however depends on our health and wellness, the environment we live in and our ethnic diversity. Together, all of these components can have an effect on our level of function. Given that, all of our schedules have been thrown off track these past 6 months, below are some tips to embrace the “Back to School” mentality of September and look at our own routines:
- Take a look at your diet. If you haven’t been eating well, consider trying a new diet such as the DASH or Mediterranean diet. Even on a limited budget, there are ways to eat healthier.
- Increase your activity level. This one speaks for itself as we have all heard ‘the more you move, less you lose’ and the healthier you will be.
- Get plenty of rest. Adequate sleep helps our bodies reset at the end of the day which helps to repair cell damage and refresh the immune system. It also improves concentration and memory.
- Schedule doctor’s appointments or medical testing you may have been delaying. If you have a new pain or health issue, call your doctor. They may want to see you sooner than your next appointment.
- Mental health is just as vital as physical health. Do your best to take steps to build a good support system to surround yourself with.
- Get involved. Right now there is no ‘normal’ and while that can be scary, try to embrace the unknown. If you hear of an event online, ask a friend or family member to help you. It may be a little scary at first however it also may make a world of difference for you.
- Stay Positive! This is especially important now. Focus on what we know and don’t fret about what we don’t know. Prayer, meditation and reflection can help ease stress.
- If all else fails, trying laughing. Laughter is a good medicine for everyone and often helps us forget, even briefly, about what we are stressing about.
We hope you have enjoyed learning about Healthy Aging awareness month. If you would like more information on any of the tips we have mentioned above, please reach out to us at VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services. If you or someone you know is struggling to be as functional as they would like, we encourage you to call our Resource and Referral Help Line at: 1-888-268-4825. VITALity is here to help you stay in your home and live your life to the fullest. Our goal is for you to live healthy as you age surrounded by those you love.
Stay healthy, safe and well.
