As September arrives, it comes with the changing seasons and an opportunity to celebrate the beauty of embracing a vibrant and fulfilling life. This is the essence of Healthy Aging Month. Duringthis month, people raise awareness of the potential physical and mental transformations accompanying the journey of growing wiser.
It’s a chance to remind ourselves and our loved ones how to navigate these changes gracefully and acceptably. Moreover, by adopting a proactive mindset and setting healthy goals, we can take significant steps in preventing common age-related illnesses and other concerns. Read on to delve into the origins of Healthy Aging Month, explore the telltale signs of aging, and discover ten invaluable tips for aging with grace and vitality.
Who created Healthy Aging Month?
Healthy Aging Month was created in 1992 by Carolyn Worthington to “draw attention to the positive sides of growing older.” Now the editor-in-chief of Healthy Aging® Magazine, Worthington continues to inspire individuals to focus on their physical, mental, social, and financial skills despite their years, knowledge, or experiences.
The stigma surrounding age limits what activities people partake in based on constant comparisons to the younger generation. However, with this movement, these comparisons have now become a relic of the past.
Common Signs of Aging
Humans are in a constant state of transformation. Every day, we wake up one day wiser, and with this comes apparent physical changes in our bodies and minds. However, the aging process is gradual and typically unfolds at a constant pace that we learn to adapt as we go.
Aging, without a doubt, represents every human’s most natural journey. The fear of growing older shouldn’t trouble you; on the contrary, it is one of life’s most exquisite phenomena. Many people embark on a remarkable voyage of self-discovery, unearthing their passions and forging profound connections with their innermost selves.
Five common signs of aging:
Wrinkles and fine lines: The skin’s elasticity decreases with age, leading to wrinkles and fine lines.
Reduced muscle mass: Muscle mass tends to decline with age, affecting strength and mobility.
Decreased metabolism: Metabolism typically slows down, making it easier to gain weight and more challenging to maintain muscle.
Change in hair color or loss: As the years pass, hair follicles make less melanin, causing hair to turn gray. As for hair loss, hormones and stress may trigger hair thinning and loss.
Worsened hearing: As humans grow older, the amount of blood pumped to our ears reduces, making it much harder to hear high-pitched sounds and hold a conversation within a crowd of people.
10 Tips for Healthy Aging
As you and your loved ones grow older together, you collectively undergo numerous developments. To age gracefully and maintain a high quality of life, consider the following tips:
Stay social: Regularly engaging with friends and family to combat loneliness and boost your mood may reduce your risk of developing cognitive dysfunction like Dementia.
Get regular check-ups and physicals: Routine medical check-ups like annual hearing exams can catch issues early and help you stay on top of your well-being.
Maintain a clean diet: Consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Get moving: Regular exercise is essential for maintaining physical fitness and agility.
Stay away from tobacco: Avoid smoking and limit exposure to secondhand smoke to protect your respiratory condition.
Know your family medical history: Understanding your genetic predispositions can help you take preventive measures.
Drink lots of water: Proper hydration is vital for overall well-being and can improve skin appearance.
Think positively: A positive mindset can reduce stress and boost mental health.
Understand that age is just a number: Embrace the wisdom that comes with age and focus on your unique strengths.
Smile: A smile is contagious, reduces heart rate and blood pressure, and enhances the immune system. Ultimately, it helps release a natural painkiller and serotonin, which are both great for your body.
Healthy Aging Month is an excellent opportunity to reevaluate your lifestyle choices and make positive changes that will benefit you as you age. By following these ten tips, you can enhance your physical and mental state, ensuring that age truly becomes just a number.
As part of Healthy Aging Month, we encourage you to take a proactive step toward your prosperity. Book a free hearing test with Beltone Tristate to safeguard one of your most valuable senses: your hearing!