September is Healthy Aging Month! Follow These Three Tips to Help You Maintain Your Health and Function
Journalist Betty Friedan said, “Aging is not ‘lost youth,’ but a new stage of opportunity and strength.” From taking care of your body with regular screenings to getting moving, there are many ways you can positively influence your health. Here are three habits you can add to your life to age healthily.
1) Regular health screenings.
Regular preventative screenings can help your doctor determine a baseline for your health and can help them preemptively identify symptoms of illness. It’s also important to consistently consult with your doctor about the medicines you’re currently taking to ensure they are right for you and your situation.
Did you know? Blood pressure screenings, colonoscopies, bone density scans, mammograms, and hearing tests are just a few of the many screenings that may be covered by your health insurance. Contact ARC Benefit Solutions today to find out more.
2) Challenge your mind.
Maintain your cognitive health by continually challenging your mind. According to the National Institute on Aging, changes in the brain as a person gets older, such as reduction of neuron communication and reduced blood flow, can affect mental function, even in healthy older people. Learning a new language, reading, and taking dance lessons are just a few of the ways you can improve brain health. Connecting with your family, friends, and community are also great ways to reduce your risk of cognitive impairment.
3) Stay active.
Among numerous other benefits, regular exercise can improve your health, your balance, and your mobility, and can reduce the impact of illness and chronic disease. Finding an activity that you enjoy doing on a consistent basis is a good start for maintaining a fitness routine. According to Go4Life, an exercise and physical activity campaign from the National Institute on Aging at NIH, exercise falls into four different categories: endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility. Mixing these different workouts has been proven to improve your overall health. Walking, Tai Chi, yoga, and water aerobics are just a few of the many fitness options for older adults.
Did you know? Many Medicare plans include access to the SilverSneakers® program, which is specifically designed for adults 65 and older. Contact your ARC Client Care Advisor for more information!
Consult your healthcare provider before taking on a new exercise plan, especially if you have a pre-existing condition.
Resources
How the Aging Brain Affects Thinking (National Institute on Aging) Ten Tips for Healthy Aging (Dartmouth-Hitchcock)
Healthy Aging (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
Health Highlights: September, Healthy Aging Month (WebMD)
5 Healthy Aging Tips for Women (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
4 Types of Exercise (Go4Life, National Institute on Aging at NIH)
