As the leaves begin to change and a crispness fills the air, September signals the arrival of Healthy Aging Month, a time to celebrate the journey of growing older while embracing a healthy and fulfilling life.
To make the most of your journey and to promote healthy aging, it’s important to prioritize your overall physical, mental, and cognitive health. Here are my top 7 tips for healthy aging:
1. Stay active.
Find an activity that you enjoy doing for 30 minutes a day, five days a week. That will fulfill the recommended 150 minutes of exercise.
2. Stay socially engaged.
Have a friend over for lunch; find a walking partner; call your family or friends.
3. Pursue your passion.
Figure out what you really love to do and do it as much as possible.
4. Keep your brain stimulated.
Like your muscles, your brain needs activity, too. Play timed games and learn new things, like a language, a card game or how to play a musical instrument.
5. Eat healthy foods.
Make a point to add a variety of bright colored fruits and green leafy vegetables to the foods you already enjoy. Choose low-fat, low-salt and low-sugar items.
6. Reduce stressors.
Incorporate relaxation techniques into your life such as breathing, meditation, massage and journaling.
7. Manage multiple conditions.
Often referred to as comorbidities, this is another way of saying you have more than one health condition, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. It’s critical that you manage all of your conditions with the appropriate specialist to promote optimal health.
Home care can also be a valuable asset in your healthy aging journey. Home care offers personalized support tailored to your specific needs while helping you stay in the comfort of your own home, enhancing your overall quality of life. Caregivers can assist with things such as daily activities, medication management, mobility, and companionship, providing a hands-on approach to healthy aging.
Healthy Aging Month serves as a reminder that aging is a beautiful journey that can be enhanced through mindful choices and supportive care. By nourishing your body, staying active, and prioritizing mental well-being, you can remain on a path of vibrant and fulfilling aging.
Dr. Macie P. Smith is a licensed gerontology social worker who is focused on helping families support their aging loved ones through long-term care. Specifically, Dr. Smith educates caregivers on how to care for seniors with dementia. She is an advocate for specialized care and assists others in finding a way to provide a better quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Dr. Smith has dedicated over 22 years of her life working in gerontology and assisting families in finding personalized solutions for dementia care. For more articles by Dr. Macie Smith, go to https://synergyhomecare.com/blog/.
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For more information on caring for a loved one with dementia, download SYNERGY HomeCare’s free Memory Care Guide.
SYNERGY HomeCare offers no obligation home assessments. Find a location near you or Contact us to talk to a Memory Care specialist.
