Activities for September is Healthy Aging Month
Ways Seniors Can Celebrate the Month by Improving Health Habits
Sep 26, 2009
Older adults can use the observance of September is Healthy Aging Month as an opportunity to get themselves on a regular path of wellness and healthy aging.
Activities for Healthy Aging Month
Some of these activities will help seniors directly with health issues; others will gently lower blood pressure and help them toward a path of living in wellness. Either way, it's a winner:
- Conduct or sponsor a discussion in a group about how to maintain healthy aging.
- Stop smoking, or get professional help with this goal if it has been challenging before.
- Limit alcohol use, or look into 12-step programs if its use has become an enemy of health.
- Visit a local garden or arboretum just for enjoyment or to find a plant for your living space.
- Follow up on those tests which the doctor recommended and have been put off.
- Pay more attention to food intake. Think of food as fuel, adding nutrition and fiber. Also go light on fats, carbs and sugar. Consider using less harmful fats and sweeteners in more moderation.
- Sharpen up social networks at church, hobby group, or other community activities. Such associations may help in re-connecting with passions and interests.
- Make it a habit to call or email someone in the family or friendship circle each week.
Healthy Aging by Simplifying Life
A simpler life has the potential to reduce blood pressure due to lessened stress. This can allow for more rest, generating more calm and focused times for doing what is most valued in one's life.
Live on purpose by simplifying the daily schedule. Look at choices and design a desired schedule which trims down undesirable events and favors activities which bring enjoyment and satisfaction.
Look at the stuff around the house and start moving things out which are not part of one's current lifestyle. Habits of organizing on a regular basis can make a striking improvement in everyday life by simplifying the living space and bringing about a more peaceful and uncluttered environment.
Small Changes To Grow Older While Maintaining Health
Healthy aging can be fostered by even choosing one or two ways to simplify and improve life and following through to make it part of the daily living patterns.
- Maintain and improve cholesterol levels.
- Floss daily.
- Use a water pick or automated toothbrush to maintain gum and mouth health.
- Walk several times a week.
- Participate in some type of fitness program, with a friend, at the Y, etc.
- While reading a book, stop to walk around the house or yard at the end of each chapter.
- Do some regular weight training, even if with canned goods in the kitchen.
- Try dancing with a favorite song, commercial, even if in a chair. Just move and enjoy!
- Eat whole grains (September is also Whole Grain Month).
- Stay connected with people by seeing friends, joining a group or church, and developing a pattern of regular attendance at events.
- Help someone. When a person is involved in helping someone else, both the mind and body become more activated and energized, promoting a healthier outlook on life.
Healthier aging is within reach. Make September is Healthy Aging Month last all year with activities to observe healthy aging month, simplifying life to promote healthy aging on a long term basis, and making small changes which increase the chances of growing older with improved health. Make the choice to maintain health and happiness as the years go by.
 |
