Celebrate Healthy Aging Month with These 5 Tips
“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at 20 or 80. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.” –Henry Ford
Growing older is a beautiful thing. During Healthy Aging Month in September, find ways to celebrate your age no matter the number. Wisdom and experience come with age so think of aging as a sign of years well spent.
Whether you’re continuing an already active lifestyle or starting a new health journey, celebrate Healthy Aging Month with these 5 tips to set you up for success:
Tip 1: Eat a healthy diet
Eating well is extremely important for the body’s well being. However, healthy eating doesn’t mean strict diet foods. Of course, you’ll need to listen to your doctor, but healthy eating can be fun! It’s never too late to try new vegetables and fruits. Your taste buds can change over time, so you may want to retry foods too. Swap healthy recipes with your friends or start a supper club and make meal time enjoyable. Make sure you’re eating healthy portion sizes and saving leftovers to enjoy later! Remember that healthy foods don’t have to cost a lot. You can find affordable ways to eat healthy on any budget.
Meal time is not only something that nourishes your body and keeps you healthy, but it’s an opportunity to have fun too.
Tip 2: Exercise regularly
One of the best ways to stay strong physically is through daily exercise. However, you don’t have to go to the gym to give your body the workout it needs! Find new and creative ways to get moving. Go on a walk around your neighborhood with your dog or with a friend. Try yoga. You can even sign up for interesting classes like water aerobics at your local gym or YMCA. This doesn’t have to be something you only do during Healthy Aging Month. Keep it going all year. Physical activity is not only good for your body, but it actually releases chemicals in the brain that help you feel happy and confident.
Tip 3: Talk openly with your doctor
Part of staying healthy as you age is visiting your doctor regularly. Your doctor will be able to recommend diet tips, prescribe and recommend medicines, vitamins or supplements you can take. They will also be better able to diagnose your issues than anyone else. Developing a positive relationship with your primary doctor will help keep you healthy by identifying good and bad habits and helping you stay on track toward your health goals.
Tip 4: Learn something new
Do you have a forgotten passion that you now have time to enjoy? Is there a new hobby that you’ve always wanted to try? Now is the time! Take an art class. Pick up the tennis racket. Try piano lessons. Learn to sew, bake or woodwork. Play cards or chess to keep your mind active. Go fishing. You may even invite a friend, neighbor or grandchild to join you and have even more fun. Make time for enjoyable hobbies to stay active and healthy.
Tip 5: Spend time with your favorite people
Spending time with people you love as well as making new friends is the best way to have a healthy social life. Although it may be easier to become more independent as you age, keep your mental health strong by enjoying the company and conversation of others. Making time for the people in your life is a habit that you, your health and your loved ones can all appreciate.
Let September’s Healthy Aging Month inspire you to pursue healthy habits. Follow these tips and more for a healthy lifestyle to set you up for more enjoyable years as a senior. Remember that at any stage of life, balance is key. Find what works for your life, and make it your new routine.
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