September is Healthy Aging Month
by Ngozi Osuagwu, MD | September 2nd, 2018
This past week, I was part of a Big Table conversation on Women and Aging. We were there to share our experiences and discuss how we as a community should care for the elderly. At the time, I did not realize that September was Healthy Aging®Month. After seeing Senator John McCain’s mother on television at 106 years old, I realized how important it was to do our best to keep healthy. Under the circumstances, I thought she looked wonderful at 106 years old.
Healthy Aging Month is a reminder that it is never too late to make the decision to take care of yourself. Getting older does not mean that we stop living. As the editors of Healthy Aging®Magazine suggest, it is an opportunity to re-invent ourselves. Here are some ideas:
- Do not act your age – I met someone recently who told me that although she was 70 years old, she felt as if she were 40. I told her to rock 40.
- Be positive – Be positive in your conversations and your actions every day. When negative thoughts come in your mind, stop, release it and return to the positive thoughts.
- Ditch the negativity – It may be hard to drop those friends that are always complaining, but you may have to if you feel that they are robbing you of your energy.
- Walk Tall – Get comfortable shoes and walk with confidence. You have just as much right to the world as anyone else.
- Stand Tall– Stand up straight, hold your stomach in, shoulders back and chin up. Your posture makes a difference.
- Oral health is important – Go to your dentist regularly. You want to smile often, it is contagious.
- Find ways to connect with people – As I mentioned on an earlier blog – loneliness is not good for your health. Find ways to meet new people. Volunteer your time at a local library; offer to take care of your neighbors’ young children. Take a class at your local community college or university. Dine out with friends.
- Walk 10,000 steps a day – It is the cheapest form of exercise. No gym required.
- Get your annual checkups – Use this month to schedule your appointment for your annual physical. Make sure you are up to date with your vaccines, mammogram, colonoscopy, and bone density exam.
- Find your inner artist – This is my favorite. It is never too late to learn something new. Just do it – learn a new instrument, learn a new language, take an online free course.
We are all going to get older, if we live long enough. How you age is up to you. Every day is a gift. Enjoy the gift and make the most of it.
For more information on Healthy Aging, please visit healthyaging.net.
