Good Morning, this is your Wellness Wake Up Call with Kristin Bogdonas, nutrition and wellness educator for University of Illinois Extension, serving Rock Island, Henry, Mercer, and Stark Counties.
September is here, and that means it's officially Healthy Aging Month. It's a time to celebrate growing older and wiser while taking steps to maintain our health and vitality. In today's episode, I'll share some practical tips to help you age gracefully.
So, why is healthy aging important? Well, aging is a natural part of life, but how we age can vary greatly depending on our lifestyle choices. It's not just about adding years to your life, but about adding life to your years. Healthy aging involves taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
First, let's talk about physical health. Regular exercise and a balanced diet play a crucial role in keeping our bodies strong and flexible as we age. Activities like walking, swimming, or yoga can help maintain muscle mass, bone density, and improve executive functioning in older adulthood. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can provide essential nutrients that support overall health and prevent disease. Dietary patterns such as the MIND and Mediterranean diet are associated with decreased cognitive decline and protection against neurodegenerative diseases.
Now, onto mental health. Keeping your mind active is just as important as staying physically fit. Engage in activities that challenge your brain, like reading, puzzles, or learning a new skill. Social interaction is also key. People who are socially isolated or lonely are more likely to be admitted to nursing homes and the emergency room. Maintain your social connections, as they can provide emotional support and mental stimulation. People who engage in meaningful, productive activities they enjoy with others feel a sense of purpose and tend to live longer.
Healthy Aging Month is a reminder that aging is a journey we can all embrace with enthusiasm. By taking care of our physical, mental, and emotional well-being, we can age gracefully and enjoy a fulfilling and vibrant life.
As we wrap up today's episode, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your own path to healthy aging. What steps can you take to ensure that you're not just growing older but also growing better? Remember, it's never too late or too early to start.
If you enjoyed today’s content and would like additional resources, please visit wvik.org/wellness. Thank you for listening! I hope you have a happy and healthy day ahead. This has been Kristin Bogdonas, nutrition & wellness educator for University of Illinois Extension, serving Rock Island, Henry, Mercer, and Stark Counties.
Wellness Wake Up Call is produced by WVIK in partnership with University of Illinois Extension, and sponsored by The Planning Center in Moline, assisting men and women with financial wellness and preparation for life's transitions, including retirement planning, college savings, marital changes, and estate planning.
Additional Resources:
- What you do today influences your future. Learn how to take care of yourself now to embrace aging and grow gracefully, successfully, and with increased longevity with University of Illinois Extension resources Aging | Illinois Extension | UIUC
- National Institute on Aging Information Center
800-222-2225 (toll-free)
800-222-4225 (TTY/toll-free)
niaic@nia.nih.gov
www.nia.nih.gov
- Visit www.nia.nih.gov/health to find more health and aging information from the National Institute on Aging at NIH and subscribe to email alerts. Visit https://order.nia.nih.gov to order free print publications.
- DANA Foundation for brain health publications and handouts Dana Foundation | Supporting Neuroscience and Society
