National Healthy Aging Month

The mission behind September is Healthy Aging® Month, is to draw attention to the importance of healthy lifestyles for adults, 45-plus,” according to Carolyn Worthington, president of Healthy Aging®, an international multi-media platform.

It’s never too late to strive for a healthier lifestyle, and September is the perfect time to make a plan. Recapture that “back to school” feeling with a personal commitment to renew yourself. To improve yourself physically, socially, and mentally, here are 10 tips to inspire you:

Exercise

1. Move more, sit less. Why? Physical activity is your weapon to help control blood pressure, help prevent heart disease and stroke and possibly lower your risk for depression, anxiety, and conditions like certain cancers and type 2 diabetes. What to do? Choose something fun so you can keep at it, like cycling, walking, dancing, swimming, or aerobics.

2. How much do you need to do? Current national recommendations are 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week and two days of muscle-strengthening training. That’s only 20 minutes a day, 7 days a week, or around an hour a day if you do three days a week.

Diet

3. Try to cut back on salt. A diet rich in sodium has been linked to high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack—all good reasons to try not to overly salt your food. Adding more fiber to your diet can help lower cholesterol, control your blood sugar, as well helping maintain good digestive health.

Social

4. Volunteer. .. Being of service is an excellent way to bring happiness into your life and not focus on yourself. Refocus on others and volunteer your time and expertise.

5. Beat back loneliness. Don’t wait for the phone to ring. Be proactive and call someone for a lunch date. Set up a calendar of lunch dates and challenge yourself to have at least two lunch dates per month (once a week is even better!) It doesn’t have to be expensive … pack a picnic, and head to a park. Try to mix up your get-togethers with old friends and new acquaintances.

6. Rekindle or follow a new passion. Take a hard look at what you like to do rather than what other people tell you to do to meet new people. Pick some activities where you might meet new friends.

7. Get a dog. If you don’t have one, get one and walk. You will be amazed how many people you will meet through your dog. Can’t have one? Check your local humane society to see if they need dog walkers.

Mental

8. Be realistic with what you can accomplish. Learn to say no … don’t overwhelm yourself with a to-do list.

9.Capitalize on your career experience and start a new one. Yes, enjoy a brief “retirement.” Travel, and spend more time with family and friends. Develop new hobbies. Redefining your purpose to maintain a sense of identity and purpose is essential to a healthy lifestyle.

So, grab onto that “back to school” feeling and make September the perfect time to renew or set your lifestyle goals. It’s not too late!