September is the month of healthy aging and the perfect time to start focusing on your health and the health of your loved ones. It is never too late to reawaken a healthy version of yourself. Don't believe me, just ask the creator and executive director of the "Healthy Aging Month" magazine, Carolyn Worthington. Carolyn Worthington is the creator of 'September is Healthy Aging Month' premier lifestyle magazine for all ages. According to their website, "September is Healthy Aging® Month, an annual health observance designed to focus national attention on the positive aspects of growing older." Healthy Aging Month aims to inspire and give realistic suggestions for adults aged 45 and older to improve their mental, social, and physical well-being. As we get older, we need to continue self-care and pay special attention to our bodies' aches and pains. The phrase, "You're only as old as you feel" rings true to many. After intensive research and studies, scientists found that older people with positive attitudes on aging had a slower decline in their ability to complete daily tasks. Tara L. Stewart, Ph.D., professor of psychology at Idaho State University, says, "These people with positive stereotypes about aging experienced health gains and better recovery, not just a reduction of health losses."
Recently the days have been running together, and the world seems bleak. We watch the rise of Covid-19 cases, natural disasters, the rise of unemployment, and now we are entering flu season. All of these things we see, and experience daily can harm our health. We must first realize that we can only control how we react to what the world throws at us, whether positive or negative. Secondly, we must actively choose a positive reaction to whatever we may be going through. When we have a positive outlook on our situation's studies show we have better heart health, we become less anxious, and overcoming these obstacles becomes easier. As we age, we become more suspectable to diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, cataracts, and depression. Most these things can be prolonged if we practice healthy aging techniques.
Why is healthy aging vital?
Every day we get older, we all age, there are no magic lotions or potions to stop the aging process. BUT there are many ways to prolong the effects of aging. Many people ask the question, why is healthy aging important? When we adopt healthy habits, stay social, and manage our health conditions, all these things contribute to a productive and meaningful life. Every day, people in the U.S. live longer, and the number of older adults is growing. Our minds and bodies change and having a healthy lifestyle can help us deal with these changes. Healthy aging has proven to prolong and prevent health problems and ensures a better quality of life. At Alvis, we have programs that give them the tools to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Here at Alvis, we provide services for newborns up to the elderly. In each of our programs, we teach clients how to cope with conflict, disappointment, and tragedy. We stress the importance of being present and "staying in the moment" so that our clients can embrace the good and bad life may throw at them. Some clients only need a few tools to get them on their feet, while other clients may require an extensive treatment program. At Alvis, we provide programs for individuals with Developmental Disabilities (D.D.). We provide individual service plans (ISP) to help clients create healthy lifestyle habits that encourage independence and accountability. We offer services like; residential care, behavioral intervention, supported living, and so much more for our D.D. clients. Many of our clients stay in our program until they pass away. By encouraging healthy aging for clients, they live happier and healthy lives.
Here is a list of things we can do daily to promote healthy aging and reap all its benefits.
- As we get older, we subconsciously start to ostracize ourselves from our friends and family. During the pandemic, feelings of helplessness and loneliness are common, but there are many ways we can reach out and connect to others. Remaining socially active, whether by phone calls, texts, or video chats, is essential to maintain a healthy mind.
- Staying active by going on daily walks or even 5-minute morning stretches improves your mind and body's overall health. By exercising, we decrease the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and reduce stress. Exercising also improves balance and reduces feelings of depression and anxiety. Staying active enhances the health of your mind and body.
- One thing my mom has always taught my siblings and me is to "listen to our body." Meaning if I'm feeling sore or something hurts, go to the doctor and get a checkup. We only have one body, so when something aches, never wait weeks on end to go to the doctor. We should appreciate our bodies have nervous systems that tell us when something is wrong. By scheduling appointments with your doctor, optometrist, and eye doctor, you can catch problems early on before they become serious.
- Lastly, one thing we can all do no matter what age is DRINK WATER. This is said many times, and most people are tired of hearing it, but drinking water is one of the best things you can do to improve your overall health. Many studies have shown that 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. Drinking water improves brain function, can boost your metabolism, and prevent kidney stones.
From working with kindergartners to those entering retirement, our highly skilled staff provide quality services to all. With our Developmental Disabilities program to our Reentry program, we encourage healthy lifestyles to combat harmful habitats our clients come in with. We should all practice self-love and embrace the aging process. Creating healthy habits prolong and prevent health issues as we get older. It's never too late to take care of our health. For more help or if you have any questions about the many programs Alvis offers, visit our website and give us a call!
Or, if you would like to be a part of the Alvis community, consider donating or join us as a volunteer for our many events we host for our clients.