Healthy Aging Month

September is Healthy Aging Month, celebrating the positive aspects of aging and exploring ways to enhance the wellbeing of older individuals. Healthy aging encompasses maintaining and improving physical, mental, spiritual, financial and social health. 

The population of older adults in the U.S. is steadily increasing, and people are living longer than ever before. Our minds and bodies undergo countless changes as we age, but embracing a healthy lifestyle can help us navigate through these transformations with grace and vigor. Not only does it have the power to ward off potential health issues, but it also allows us to get every drop of joy and fulfillment from our lives. It is possible to live a vibrant and full life at any age. 

What does healthy aging look like?

Healthy aging is the continuous process of making lifestyle adaptations to keep you healthy and comfortable throughout your life. Some ways to optimize your wellbeing as you age include:

Prioritize a balanced diet

Choose foods high in vitamins, minerals and fiber, and drink an adequate amount of water to stay hydrated. 

Move your body regularly

Finding movement and exercise you enjoy can help prevent chronic illnesses, enhance balance and endurance and decrease the likelihood of falls.

Prevent financial exploitation

Financial exploitation is one of six types of elder abuse impacting approximately 1 in 15 older adults and their families. Taking steps to protect your identity and assets before your risk factors increase will help to prevent you from being exploited by family members. 

Nurture relationships

Cultivating social connections can bolster independence and overall wellbeing. Social isolation is a huge issue for older adults and increases the risk of depression. 

Plan for inheritance and property transfer issues

All families have belongings that hold sentimental and emotional importance but little monetary value. These possessions are often not included in a person’s will, which leaves the surviving family responsible for making difficult decisions about “who gets what” after their relative has passed. Making an inheritance and property transfer plan gives you peace of mind and reduces uncertainty for your loved ones. 

Create a healthcare directive

Advance care planning helps you and your loved ones prepare for future decisions about your medical care in the event you become seriously ill or unable to communicate your wishes. 

 Resources for older people and their loved ones

• Anticipatory grief
• Before a natural disaster: Tips for older adults
• Elder family financial exploitation
• Minnesota Health Care Directive Planning Toolkit 
• How to support aging parents and address potential conflicts 
• Identifying financial security goals for later life
• Protecting health for older adults 
• Real Life, Good Food 
• Taking care of yourself under stress
• Walk With Ease
• Who Gets Grandma’s Yellow Pie Plate?
• Mental Flourishing Toolkit
• Trauma and healing