Content provided by the GBS Health & Wellness Team
Outdated expectations and myths about aging can negatively impact older adults and communities. As we age it’s important to continue fostering relationships, hobbies, and activities that facilitate joy.
For example, a group of older women known as the “Wild Bunch” would draw chalk art on people’s sidewalks to celebrate birthdays. They also planned tea parties and get-togethers on a regular basis. This comradery boosted moral and motivation into old age.
Enjoy some of the following activities to promote healthy aging.
- Don’t act your age. Tell jokes, plan surprises, and find reasons to celebrate life.
- Be positive in your conversations and actions. Embrace aging by focusing on what you can do instead of limitations you may have.
- Write birthday, Valentines, or thank-you cards to foster connections with loved ones.
- Combat mental decline by playing games, completing puzzles, reading, or learning something new.
- Reduce stress and anxiety by employing techniques like exercise, journaling, or meditation. Chronic stress can increase the negative impacts of aging.
- Prioritize your annual preventive checkups. Schedule eye exams, hearing tests, and preventive care screenings with your primary care physician.
- Maintain flexibility to protect against falls. Stretch daily before bed.
- Protect your bones. Reduce the risk of falling and breaking bones by completing simple exercises like walking backwards, sideways, or on your toes and heels.
- Try your hand at gardening or pickleball.
- Incorporate daily walks into your routine.
- Prevent and manage chronic conditions. For ideas of questions to ask your health care provider, view our article https://news.leavitt.com/healthy-habits/better-questions-better-healthcare/.
