September is Healthy Aging Month. If there is one thing I’ve learned, it is this: you are never too old to live healthy. And hey, September is also my birthday month.
When we’re young, we take good health for granted, thanks to our natural stamina. Then, some minor problem crops up. Sooner or later we all reach the point when we start worrying about our health. But the fact is you do not have to wait that long to build the foundation for healthy aging.
So how about starting right now, no matter what age or what state of health you are at, to take steps to maintain your health and vitality!
Everyone deserves to enjoy their golden years. By adopting healthy habits right now, it is possible to prevent or at least delay and control disease. Poor health and a loss of independence are not attractive options and do not have to be a normal consequence of aging.
It is never too late to develop those healthy habits. Research proves that a healthy lifestyle is far more important than your genetic makeup in helping you avoid poor health as you grow older. Who wants to be frail and delicate? No, not fashionable! Keeping health problems at bay also helps save money – even if you have health insurance, healthcare is expensive! I’ve seen my family members suffer from chronic diseases due to a lack of self-care and it is heart-breaking to see the loss of self-esteem that comes with depending on others for routine stuff. On the other hand, I’ve also had the privilege of seeing my Grandmother live to a happy healthy 87 – she was very disciplined when it came to her health.
So let’s not wait. Here are six…
healthy aging tips:
Move it!
Did you know that many elderly people cease to get involved in any physical activity? Then again, there are those stalwarts who go out for a brisk walk, come hail or storm. Physical activity is critical to health, even if you have a health problem. I remember when my Mom underwent surgery, after the anesthesia wore off, she was advised to get up and walk a few lengths of the hospital corridor. In the normal course of life, exercise must be a part of our routine. It helps even people with heart health issues in ways that medicine cannot. If you have health problems and are nervous about starting a new exercise routine, talk to your doctor about safe activity tips.
Eat healthy
I am guilty of skipping breakfast sometimes when I am engrossed in work and have to meet a deadline. I know I shouldn’t. I know I should practice what I preach. It is important to eat healthy, nutrient rich foods as we grow older.
Quit smoking
Smoking kills. That should be enough said, but even at this point, kick the butt. It is never too late to quit. Don’t think you are too far gone or have been smoking for too long. No matter when you quit, you start enjoying the health benefits almost right away – even if you already suffer from a smoking related disease. Did you know smokers are at twice the risk of dying of heart disease than nonsmokers? When you quit, though, the risk reduces. So do it now. Quit smoking. If you don’t smoke, celebrate.
Get regular health screenings and vaccines
Don’t miss your doctors’ appointments for regular health tests, screenings and vaccines. If you see any changes in your health, let your doctor know. Also discuss any mood changes such as feelings of sadness, loneliness, a lack of energy, or general lethargy.
Drink responsibly
Ideally, give up on alcohol. But if that is not an option, be safe when you drink alcohol. As you grow older, the body reacts to alcohol in a different way. Even a little can result in impairing your judgment, coordination and reaction time. If you are on medications, don’t ask! Alcohol and medication don’t mix. This might be a good time to talk to your doc about the medication you are on, and your alcohol use.
Socialize
Stay connected with your friends. Interacting with others regularly keeps depression and loneliness away. In fact, start a hobby or join a special interest group. Volunteer.
You’re probably thinking – oh, I knew all that. But you know what? We are all guilty of too much to do and letting our health take a backseat. Tomorrow is often far away. Take action now!
Don’t put your health at risk. I’ll be writing more about healthy aging through this month with special reference to women’s health.
A big tip: Don’t get suckered by the million ads for products that promise a cure for health problems. It is easy to be desperate, but painful to live through the consequences.
Stay healthy!
What steps are you taking to protect your health?
Do you think it is too early to worry?
32 comments
Lots of good advice here, and I particularly like the quote at the end which is so true! What you say about not paying much attention when we’re young is also so true. I think I’m probably just getting to the age where all of this makes sense and I no longer feel invincible. It’s never too early (or too late) to put good habits into action. Lovely post, thanks Vidya.
Thank you, Phoebe! I am guilty of not doing everything I mentioned we should do in this post. My wake up call came when I found I was at risk for breast cancer three years ago and I am conscious of looking after myself now. 🙂 I loved your post!
I totally agree – you are never to old (or young) to live a healthier lifestyle! I recently had a wake-up call after my mother in law passed away from cancer and then 2 close relatives also were diagnosed with cancer. I made some drastic changes in my diet and have been consistently exercising. I can honestly say that I feel better now at 42 than I did 10 years ago. Great article Vidya!
That’s wonderful, Sue! I too am guilty of going through a drastic experience before realizing that the sooner we take care of ourselves and do it consistently, the better! 🙂 Thanks for commenting! Stay healthy!
Agree!! My husband’s 99 year old grandfather never missed his daily walk every since anyone remembers and he’s very disciplined about his exercise too!
That generation rocks, Roshni! They were not impaired by technology, as my great uncle says! I enjoyed your latest post!
I think we all forget in our busy lives that we need to put our selves first. That our health is key to keeping us around for a long time to come. By ignoring the signs our bodies are telling us we’re not taking care and being the best we can be.
I’m 40 this year, however no one believes me when I tell them. I didn’t drink a lot when I was younger. I only tried smoking a couple of times and it was NOT for me. And I didn’t lay out in the sun. However I wasn’t as active as I should have been and I didn’t eat the best I could have. I’m trying to teach my kids healthy habits around eating and exercise so that when they’re 40 they’ll also be mistaken for 29. I also talk with them about their mental health, as stress, depression and anxiety can also impact a person’s wellbeing.
What a wonderful thing to do, Tracie – making people conscious about self-care! It is so sad that our busy lifestyle can make us develop all sorts of health issues – some of which are silent killers and we never find out until we’re far gone. May you always look a couple of decades younger than you are! 🙂 I wish you great health.
U know what they say wisdom comes too late in life and only then u are wiser 🙂
PhenoMeon
Indeed, Pheno. Better late than never, no?
As always, to the point, helpful and beautiful content! I am in the take-your-health-for-granted stage as of now, gotta get out of that cycle soon. It’s funny, we all know all of these things that you have mentioned to stay healthy, yet only a few practice them in reality. Thanks for the reminder 🙂
Akhil, health is like a bank. We take out what we put in. 🙂 Thank you for your wonderful comment!
If you have an aging parent, grandparent, or neighbor in your life, helping them reduce their risk of falling is a great way to help them stay healthy and independent as long as possible.
You are very right, Emma. Sometimes just a simple adjustment can prevent accidents. Thank you for commenting! 🙂
I have stop, drinking and smoking, when I was younger these to habits were part of me! Now I’m older I have my children and I was diagnose with High Blood Pressure after having my second child. That means that I need to live healthy for me and them. I gain lot of weight too, after my baby, and It took me almost 2 years to loose that weight. I’m still working in a few things, but thanks for sharing these tips!
Kudos to you, Remy! I know how much will power it takes to take action – sometimes even simple things are tough to do. You are a fine example! Hugs! You’re welcome!
Health is the the most wonderful gift one could ever ask for. Vidya those were very useful tips. Both physical activity and mental health are so important and essential to our lives. I desperately need to start my walks.
Diana, the best thing is, we are aware of all this – yet we always assume that we can get around to taking care of ourselves whenever we want. Do start walking – it is the easiest way to keep off health issues and stay healthy!
Ah Vidya-
I never tire of hearing solid, common sense advice about staying healthy.
You are so right about it never being too late to become healthy. There have been several studies done on people starting to lift weights in their 70s- 80s and how it has helped them – especially women – from getting osteoperosis (sp?) as well as with their balance .
So much to learn always – thanks for all of the good reminders…xxxoo-Fran
Dear Fran! Same here! In our area, we see a lot of elderly people out on brisk walks in the morning and I always say a silent prayer that I may also walk straight like them, when I get to that age. I was lucky to grow up in a family where people live long and more importantly, healthy. We still have five living generations in branches of our family tree :-). All with a nice sense of humor and lots of stories to tell.
Thank you Fran!
Whenever I go for walks ,I observe people and I find that people in the age bracket of 35+ are more interested in fitness. The younger ones in their twenties are sitting and chatting around. But everyday I see in the playground school children being coached by a P.T teacher and I have hope in our future gen.loved your post Vidya.
Kalpana, that is because we become conscious around that age, I guess. 🙂 Suddenly the word “middle-aged” feels like a curse! Actually I see a lot of lazy teenagers and youngsters living the fast-food lifestyle, with zero concern for their long term health. Yes, thank God for school’s compulsory ground activity! 🙂 Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Kalpana.
GREAT! Post, I concur with all of the above…. I wasted so much time before I decided to try to do, think and eat healthy. I was to bust trying to make sure everyone else was doing the right thing. So many of our health issues can be avoid if we made the right choices. Living F.A.B.ulously on Purpose
Thank you, Margaret! You’re perfectly right about making the right choices! I am grateful I had a supportive family that almost banned outside food until a couple of decades ago 🙂
Hi Vidya,
Sounds good to me. Keep the clock ticking I say. It ticks better and for longer when you ARE healthy. Thank You.
Be good to yourself
David
That’s the absolute truth, David! I fully intend to focus on my health, for therein lies the health of those around me! 😀 Thank you!
Okay, I’m putting my peanut M&M’s away now….you are so right! We all know these things, but many of us (at least I do) don’t make the mental decision to implement them. It’s all in the follow through 🙂
🙂 Samantha, I so hate it when I get the desperate urge to gobble down a chunk of sinfully oozy chocolate. I try to console myself that I read in many places that chocolate is good for health. Sigh. I’ve just stopped buying anything that is likely to tempt me. Incidentally I’ve found that chewing on a carrot puts me off junk food! 😀
When we’re young we think we’re immortal. When we get older we see how fragile our bodies truly can be. I started taking care of myself just a few years ago, when I realized I had better take care of this body I’ve got so I can not only be around for years to come, but enjoy that time as well. These are great simple tips. My parents and grandparents are excellent examples to me of healthy aging. They are always active and taking care of themselves. I love the picture at the end — it is so true.
All these tips are super important, but I think being active for the body and socializing for the brain and soul are key. Thanks for bringing awareness, Vidya!
You are absolutely right, Delia – being busy mentally and physically takes care of a long list of health-related things. 🙂 I had a great example in my Mother – she was always active, in spite of physical illnesses. Thank you so much for visiting. 🙂
Great advice! I’ve been taking my health seriously and trying to be healthier! I love the stay social tip- it’s SO important!