We've all heard the saying "age is just a number," which suggests that people can achieve anything at any age. While age signifies the passage of time, it doesn't dictate our potential for growth, happiness, or health. In fact, aging can be a remarkable chapter in life, filled with fulfillment and new opportunities.
September, designated as Healthy Aging Month, spotlights the positive aspects of growing older. It's a timely reminder that our bodies and minds evolve over time and that cultivating healthy habits early in life lays a strong foundation for vibrant late adulthood. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the average lifespan of an American born today is 77.5 years—74.8 years for males and 80.2 years for females.
A holistic approach to aging emphasizes the importance of balancing five key pillars: physical, mental, financial, social, and community well-being. Nourishing our bodies, engaging in regular physical activity, securing financial stability, meditation for mental health, and nurturing relationships contribute significantly to the overall quality of life at any age.
But what additional steps can we take to optimize our longevity and vitality? Let's explore some lesser-known healthy habits that can make a substantial impact.
- Positive Mind: As we age, it's easy to focus on the negative aspects of growing older, such as joint pain, vision deteriorating, or not being able to run as fast as we used to. However, flipping the story and focusing on good things that come with age, such as perspective, confidence, and new adventures, can help. A Harvard Women's Health Initiative study found that optimistic women were 5.4% more likely to live longer than least optimistic ones. This article by the Mayo Clinic provides valuable insights into the impact of negative self-talk and offers practical strategies to replace it with positive thinking. (View Article)
- Sense of Purpose: What is on your bucket list? What gets you up in the morning? A sense of purpose is a feeling that your life has meaning, direction, and goals. The Blue Zone's purpose check-up is a great way to check in on your gifts, passions, and values. Learn more here.
- Preventative Care: Get regular check-ups and yearly physicals to stay on top of your health and catch potential health issues early. Annual wellness visits can include physical exams, a review of your health history, and screening tests such as cholesterol, mammograms, or cervical cancer. Also, health insurance carriers have monetary rewards for getting regular check-ups/screenings so don't miss out the opportunity to be proactive on your health and make some extra money while doing it.
- Inspiration: Find inspiration in your role models, from grandparents and teachers to public figures who live life to the fullest. Examples are William Shatner going to space at 90, Diane Nyad swimming across the Florida Straight at age 64, and Minne Payne of College Station, TX, who became the oldest person to complete a master's degree at Texas University at 90 years old. Click here for 60 Inspirational Role Model examples.
- Get your ZZZs: Did you know lack of sleep has been associated with poor quality of life and increased risk for diabetes, obesity, heart disease, stroke, and cancer? Beyond physical health, sleep deprivation can also cause mood swings, difficulty concentrating, poor coordination, and increased errors. Many health insurance plans cover sleep disorder diagnosis and treatment, including sleep studies and therapy. However, coverage varies. To understand your specific plan benefits, including deductibles, copays, and coinsurance, please get in touch with your insurance provider before scheduling an appointment. And, of course, we're here to assist you with this process as well!
- Support system: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), social isolation is a growing public health issue that should be taken as seriously as more well-known issues like smoking, obesity, and sedentary lifestyles. Loneliness itself is associated with many distinct detrimental health impacts on sleep, physical health, and mental health. Creating social connections can be as easy as spending time with others, volunteering for your favorite cause, joining a social club, playing team sports or a contributing to a community garden. Eventbrite, Meetup, and GroupApp are great platforms to begin your search for like-minded individuals and potential new connections.
- Stress-free Finances: A recent American Psychological Association survey found that more than 70% of Americans report financial stress—the highest level in the last decade. Regularly reviewing your expenses to cover essential costs and scheduling annual (or more frequent) meetings with a financial planner can significantly reduce financial stress. According to a new survey from the MarketWatch Guides team, nearly half of Americans (47%) say 2024 has been the most stressful year of their lives, and another 42% say they avoid looking at their checking account balance out of fear. Your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) benefits offer free financial resources to help you overcome stress and improve your financial well-being.
By incorporating these suggestions at any age, you can create a more engaging and informative piece about healthy aging. September is Healthy Aging Month, but these tips are valuable year-round to help you live a longer, happier life. Whether you're 25 or 75, making healthy choices can significantly impact your well-being.
If you'd like to learn more, please contact me at:
Jennifer Green
Director of Wellbeing
jgreen@venbrook.com
949.652.6327
