May 10, 2024
Across the world, people are living longer than ever before. However, according to the World Health Organization, “evidence suggests the proportion of life in good health has remained broadly constant, implying that the additional years are in poor health.” Taking a proactive approach to aging can help us live full, energetic, and healthy lives no matter how many years we have lived.
As the Director of Wellness at Vitalia Mentor, I advocate for proactive aging through various strategies. Examples include promoting regular exercise for maintaining muscle mass and flexibility. Emphasizing a healthy diet is crucial for sustained energy and overall health. Encourage activities that stimulate the brain to reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Foster social connections to combat feelings of loneliness.
When it comes to managing stress and anxiety, I recommend a multifaceted approach.
This involves maintaining a healthy diet, getting enough daily exercise, practicing mindfulness techniques, seeking social support, spending time outdoors, doing deep breathing exercises, and connecting with others. It’s crucial to tackle stress and anxiety as they can harm health as people age, raising the risk of conditions like anxiety, depression, digestive issues, heart disease, stroke, weight gain, and memory impairment.
Despite the benefits of preventative care, several barriers can prevent individuals from accessing it. These barriers may include:
However, the primary advantage of preventive care lies in its ability to identify health issues before they escalate. Preventive health screenings are instrumental in preventing diseases, disabilities, and potential fatalities.
To encourage others to adopt a proactive approach to their health, we can implement various initiatives. Options may include hosting workshops on nutrition education or exercise programs, organizing community events like health fairs, making preventive care information easily available, and actively promoting participation in events and programs focused on enhancing health and well-being.
It is never too late to invest in your health. Taking control of our well-being can be the difference between surviving and thriving, the difference between extra years of truly living and extra years in decline. Make your years count. Approach aging proactively and use those extra years to get another degree, take up a new hobby, break a record, or explore opportunities you never thought you would get to experience.
World Health Organization: Aging and Health, click here to read the full article.
VITALIA® Mentor in Mentor, OH offers independent senior apartments, assisted living, and memory care with a variety of services and a range of floor plan options. Amenities include restaurant dining, 24-hour bistro, concierge service, housekeeping, events and entertainment, personal care, transportation services, and more. Centrally located near Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals with convenient access to major shopping centers and attractions, including Little Mountain Country Club, Pinecrest Shopping and Dining, Lake Metroparks, James A. Garfield National Historic Site, Headlands Beach State Park, and Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.
