'National Healthy Aging Month'

 

September

Are you anticipating or in the process of aging gracefully? I believe we can all agree that this will be the case for us at some point in time in our lives. Because September is Healthy Aging Month, now is the time to consider what that means for you. We all age at different rates and have different perspectives on what aging entails. Some of us don't mind gray hair; others do, and it bothers them a lot. The same is true for skin, body shape, and other factors. However, some universal rules of thumb make the process easier and help us stay healthier for longer. Let's take a look at a few of them and see how we're doing.

Here are some habits and behaviors of healthy-aging people. You can rate yourself on each using a scale 1 to 5, with 1 indicating that you rarely do this and 5 indicating that you almost always do this.

1.      Get 8 hours of restful sleep per night.

2.      Consume nutritious, well-balanced meals.

3.      Exercise for at least 30 minutes per day in a way that raises your heart rate.

4.      Keep your skin moisturized daily to prevent it from drying out.

5.      When going out in the sun for an extended period, use sunblock.

6.      Consume alcohol in moderation.

7.      Smoking should be avoided.

8.      Take medication only as directed or as needed.

9.      Laugh every day.

10.  Groom yourself daily.

11.  Volunteer your time to assist others.

12.  Every day, challenge your mind.

13.  Maintain a positive attitude.

14.  Brush your teeth twice a day, at the very least.

15.  Every day, test your memory.

16.  Maintain good mental health.

17.  You should have someone to love.

18.  Maintain your financial stability.

19.  Have a happy and healthy love life.

20.  Control your stress.

21.  Keep a healthy weight.

22.  Take good care of your ears.

23.  Regularly visit the dentist.

24.  Visit your doctor regularly.

25.  Skin cancer should be checked regularly.

 

You're doing fantastic if you got 115-125! Continue your excellent work.

If you scored 100-114, you have some work to do, but you're on the right track.

If your score is less than 100, you should pay more attention to your aging process.

Make a plan now and develop habits that will help you age gracefully.

We are now living longer and healthier lives. That is the goal for which we should all strive. We have a lot of living to do, and we want to do it well!

 

Start Walking for Exercise to Promote Healthy Aging

Our bodies change dramatically as we age. We tend to lose muscle tone and gain weight. When we are not active and tend to be more sedentary, we experience more fatigue and may have difficulty sleeping at night. As our bodies age, we must adapt our lifestyle to counteract the negative effects of aging.

A good night's sleep has numerous advantages. Most doctors recommend that we get 8 hours of sleep per night. You will have more energy to enjoy the day ahead when you wake up in the morning after 7 to 8 hours of sleep. You will be able to make better decisions more easily and with less stress.

Everyone has heard, at some point in their lives, that exercise is one of the keys to good health. Exercise has numerous advantages, including weight loss, stress reduction, a healthier heart, and a more positive outlook on life. You will sleep better if you engage in an exercise program. Imagine waking up every day with more energy and excitement for the day ahead. Walking is one of the best exercises that almost everyone can do.

After consulting with your physician or medical professional, begin your walking exercise program. A good time to go for a walk is:

·         First thing in the morning, shortly after you wake up.

·         Begin by walking a short distance at a slow pace.

·         Increase the distance you walk and your pace gradually.

·         You could start by walking "around the block," then two blocks, three blocks, and so on. Or around a small isle in the neighborhood.

·         Slow down if the pace becomes too laborious and you perspire excessively.

Your goal should be to work up to a distance and brisk pace that will result in a walk of at least 25 to 30 minutes, three to five times per week. It is critical to ensure that you cool down after each walking (exercise) session. The more quickly you walk, the faster your heart rate will be. Slower walking at the end of your workout will allow your heart rate to return to normal as you cool down.

It will be difficult to get up early in the morning and walk 3 to 5 times per week. With any exercise program, you must maintain a positive attitude. Keep reminding yourself of all the advantages. You will notice changes after the first month or so. Just take a look in the mirror. You'll be less stressed and have a lot more energy as a result. Invite a friend to join you in your walking program and be accountable to each other goal and successes.  Invite others to join you and tell them about all the wonderful benefits you've experienced because of your walking.

Don't put it off any longer. You'll feel much better, both physically and mentally!