The following article appeared in the print issue of Ponca City Monthly magazine, which includes hyperlocal stories about Ponca City. Get full access to all online articles, videos, and content by becoming a paid subscriber. We offer free and paid subscription plans. Find rack locations to pick up your free print copy here, or subscribe here to get online access plus exclusive content.
The Art of Aging
Healthy Aging Month is celebrated every September and is held to raise awareness about the physical and mental health of older adults as well as to inspire adults aged 45 and older to improve their overall health and well-being. At the super young age of 45 (insert sarcasm by my teenagers here), if I haven’t started taking care of my health by now, now is the perfect time to start.
According to the CDC, the population of older Americans is living longer than ever. The added years to the average lifespan has extended the time adults are working and are being productive and creative. Aging, though, brings an increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases including high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, and dementia. It’s no surprise, especially to my aching joints, that as we age our minds and bodies change. It’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to both help deal with these changes and to help prevent some common age-related health problems.
The National Institute on Aging shares that many factors can influence healthy aging. Some of these factors, like genetics, are not in our control, but small changes can be made in daily life to help live longer and better. The Institute recommends the basic health habits that we have been taught our whole lives – to get some form of physical exercise, to eat a nutritious diet, to manage stress, to go to the doctor for routine screenings and check-ups, and to maintain social connections. Sometimes it can be overwhelming to think about all of the aspects of health and to do a total overhaul of our habits. It’s much easier and much more effective to slowly add small healthy habits over time. For example, add one fruit or vegetable to one meal per day and try to increase this to an added fruit or vegetable to two meals per day over a month or two. Try adding a ten-minute walk in the morning or after dinner to increase your physical activity. On the first day of each month, contact one healthcare provider for a screening or routine appointment.
Brain health is especially important to healthy aging. It allows us to maintain memory, understanding, communication, and quality of life. Sometimes we overlook the health of our brains worrying about other aspects of health. There are many activities that we can do even at young ages to improve the function of our brains. Check out the full list in this article and try one of the suggestions!
Mental health is also a critical part of healthy aging. Many older adults are at risk for developing a mental health condition like depression or anxiety. These conditions are often underrecognized and undertreated in older adults. The World Health Organization urges patients and caregivers to be aware of the signs of anxiety and depression and to work to promote healthy aging to decrease the risk of a mental health disorder. Key strategies include: reducing financial insecurity, social support for older adults, and healthy behaviors like adequate sleep, good nutrition, and physical activity.
Even though many of us celebrate our 29th birthday every year, aging is certain and impossible to avoid. We each have a big role to play in how we age and each aspect of our physical and mental health in our older years. The earlier we work towards overall good health, the healthier we’ll age and the longer we can live the quality of life we desire.
Mental Health American Stress Screener
➡️ Opt in or out of different newsletters on your “My Account” page.
➡️ Learn more about Ponca City Monthly+
Ponca City Monthly is a locally owned publication that delivers hyperlocal news in print and online.
Like what we are doing? Feel free to forward this along and tell a friend.
Sponsorship information/customer service: email [email protected]
