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 North Olmsted, I highlight proactive aging by emphasizing proper nutrition. Older adults should steer clear of saturated fats, high-sodium foods, and prepackaged foods. Preventative health care, hydration, and activity also play crucial roles in proactive aging. Aging adults should engage in about 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week.
Staying connected to loved ones and maintaining a healthy social life helps older adults manage stress and anxiety. Quality sleep and rest are also beneficial. Engaging in activities such as reading books, puzzles, and games can help lower stress and anxiety. Stress and anxiety can accelerate the aging process. Chronic stress can lead to an overload of stress hormones, resulting in harmful imbalances in the body. These stress hormones have been linked to heart disease, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system.
Several reasons aging adults may not keep up with preventative care include:
Prioritizing preventative care reduces the risk of disease, disabilities, and death, ultimately helping older adults live longer and healthier lives.
Leading by example is one of the most effective ways to encourage proactive thinking. Demonstrating a proactive attitude and approach sets the tone for those around you.
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® North Olmsted in North Olmsted, 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 St. John West Shore with convenient access to major shopping centers and attractions, including Crusher’s Stadium, Crocker Park, North Olmsted Senior Center, North Olmsted Library, Bradley Woods Park (Cleveland Metro Parks), and Cleveland Zoo.
