September is Healthy Aging Month

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), aging increases the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, cancer, and dementia. The good news is that adopting and maintaining a few key behaviors can help older adults live longer, healthier lives. Healthy behaviors can help aging adults live more independently as well.

Ten Tips for Healthy Aging According to the CDC:

1. Eat and Drink Healthy. A nutritious diet involving a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins also can help boost immunity and lower the risk of specific health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and some cancers.

2. Move More, Sit Less Throughout the Day. Exercise can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, improve balance and lower the risk of falls, enhance sleep, and decrease feelings of depression. Most importantly, people who exercise regularly not only live longer but also may live better — meaning they enjoy more years of life with less pain or disability.

3. Don’t Use Tobacco. If you use tobacco, take steps to quit. It is never too late.

4. Get Regular Checkups. Checking in with doctors annually, and possibly more often, depending on overall health, may help reduce risk factors for diseases such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Regular check-ups can also help catch concerns early and improve the chances for effective treatment.

5.  Know Your Family History. Discuss recommended screenings and additional testing with your doctor that is recommended based on your family history. 

6. Be Aware of Changes in Brain Health. Discuss any memory changes or concerns about your brain health with your doctor.

7. Add Play to Your Day. Find movement that’s fun—like pickleball, dance fitness, or cycling.

8. Reset Your Relationship with Technology. Instead of endless scrolling, explore free courses like Techboomers or Senior Planet from OATS to learn new digital skills.

9. Cook One New Healthy Recipe a Week. Find inspiration and step-by-step recipes from cookbooks and on the web. Ideas: Oldways, which promotes cultural diets for longevity, or Allrecipes.com, for recipes; follow French chef Jacques Pepin on Facebook for daily inspiration how-tos.

10. Be a Lifelong Learner. Take free courses online on learning platforms like Coursera, from gardening and photography to coding and neuroscience, or join your local library book club for low-cost learning.

Creek Fit offers 33 Group Exercise classes weekly, which include Yoga, Spinning & H.I.I.T at the Recreation Complex and Community Center, along with 30-minute personal training sessions for $20. Classes available to all Creek Fit Fitness Plus members. Contact the Creek Fit Front Desk at (954) 545-6650 for more information.

Source: CDC HEALTH OBSERVANCE Well Balance Health Corner