More than 20 years ago, editor-in-chief of Healthy Aging Magazine created September is Healthy Aging Month, to encourage and inspire people 45 and older with all the positive aspects of growing old. Healthy Aging Month is a good time for a reminder that you do not have to act your age, but seniors should focus more on taking charge of their physical and mental well-being. Aging with a healthy body and mind leads to longer, happier lives.
Health becomes more important as we age. With improvements in medicine and healthcare, people continue to live longer lives. It is even more important than ever to develop healthy habits as we age. Healthy Aging Month helps remind individuals to be aware of their physical and mental health. Diet, exercise, social skills and financial situations all contribute to aging successfully.
If you have always wanted to do something different or try something completely out of the norm, the only person stopping you is the reflection in the mirror. Always wanted to run a marathon? Take an art class? Start your own business? Live on the beach? Who says you can’t?
It is never too late to reinvent yourself. September is a good time to take stock of where you’ve been and recognize what it is that you’ve always wanted to do.
Tips for Healthy Aging After Age 45
The number of people age 45 and older continues to grow every year. While the senior community used to focus on the baby boomers, the Gen Exers have made their way into the 45 and up age group. Like the generation before them, people are interested in staying vibrant and active as long as possible.
There are many ways that people 45 and over can improve their physical, financial, social, and mental well-being. Taking a personal responsibility for one’s health is critical to taking charge of your life. When we take charge of our health, we look forward to what is coming next in life.
Here are some tips to reinventing yourself and healthy aging:
Do Not Act Your Age
There is absolutely no reason that someone needs to act their age. How old were you when you felt your best? 25? 38? Picture yourself as that age and emulate the attitude and energy during that time. Positive thinking goes a long way to feeling better about yourself.
Be Positive
Keep a positive attitude in your actions and in conversation. If you catch yourself complaining, change the subject and surround yourself with positive people. Here’s a tip to feel happier and make others feel happier, Smile. Research shows that people who smile often are happier.
Stay Active by Walking
Walking regularly is great for your health and also a good way to socialize with neighbors. If you have dogs, make an effort to get out and walk them regularly or consider getting a dog if you don’t already have one. Plenty of devices are available today to measure the number of steps you take, try to get 10,000 steps a day.
Learn more tips to celebrate healthy aging, subscribe for your free newsletter and keep up to date on suggestions for activities and recipes for healthy aging. Cooking and eating are among the greatest pleasures in life and you can find recipes and tips for healthy, anti-inflammatory meals. Anti-inflammatory foods like berries, broccoli and avocados can help to boost your immune system and fight inflammation.
Staying active, eating healthy and of course keeping your annual check-ups with your physician are all important to live a happier, healthier, and longer life.
Greater Waterbury Imaging Center encourages you to take control of your health no matter your age. Staying active, eating healthy and seeing your physician are even more important as we age. Contact us for all your MR imaging needs.