September is Healthy Aging Month

September is recognized as Healthy Aging Month, a time to honor the golden period in a senior’s life. It’s also a time to consider some ways to refocus on the importance of getting and staying healthy. Fellowship Square offers the following five tips for healthy, happy aging.

1. Get a Check-Up

Making an appointment with a physician is important to evaluate the current state of health. Everyone ages differently and has their own unique set of health challenges or limitations. Seniors should speak to their doctor about the status of their health to make sure they are taking care of themselves properly at this stage in life. Making regular appointments with the dentist and optometrist will also ensure optimum health all around.

2. Get Moving

Staying physically active is one of the best ways people at any age can stay young. Regular exercise is good for the mind, body and soul, and keeps people young at heart! Seniors should check with their doctor prior to starting a new fitness regime to ensure they are healthy enough for the type of activity they are planning.

3. Be a Social Butterfly

In the retirement years, seniors finally have the time to do the things they really enjoy. Whether a sport, hobby, or traveling, these things are more fun to do with people that enjoy doing the same types of things. Having an active social calendar can also do wonders towards aging healthfully.

4. An Apple a Day…

Maintaining proper nutrition habits is vital for a natural healthy aging process. A diet full of vegetables, fruits, lean protein, whole grains and “good fats” is important for people of all ages, and can help increase energy and fend off illness and disease as people age. Some of these super foods include grapes, green tea, grapefruit, sardines, clams and oysters, spinach, blueberries, walnuts and more.

5. Take it Easy

A good night’s sleep could very well be one of the most underrated health benefits. According to the Sleep Foundation, sleep is crucial for processing, restoration and strengthening of the mind and body. Sleep also solidifies and consolidates memories, helps the brain retain information better, restores and rejuvenates the body, develops muscle, repairs tissue and synthesizes hormones. Seniors needs plenty of rest, and even a short nap during the day can help with healthy aging.

They say, “age is just a number” or “you’re only as old as you feel,” and while those things can be true, depending on perspective, healthy aging is something that people can work at every day as they enter into their golden years. After all, staying young at heart is also a big part of aging healthfully and gracefully!