Healthy aging: Your best life can still start now, living with energy, purpose
September is Healthy Aging Month, and there’s never been a better time to think about what it means to live your best life, at any age. Who says that aging means slowing down? Today’s science shows us that aging well is all about staying active, engaged and positive. Whether you’re 65, 75 or 85, you can take steps right now to live with energy, joy and purpose. Let’s dive into how you can make the most of this amazing time of life.
Stay Active, Stay Strong
You don’t have to be an athlete to reap the benefits of staying active. A simple daily walk or stretching routine can do wonders for your body. A study published last year in JAMA Internal Medicine found that staying active can cut your risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality by up to 25 percent. That’s a big payoff for something as simple as walking around Boca Grande. Plus, regular exercise keeps your brain sharp, helping to slow cognitive decline by 30 percent, according to a 2022 University of California at San Francisco study.
The key is to make it fun. Whether you love gardening, swimming, yoga or biking, keeping your body moving is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. Exercise isn’t just about fitness; it’s about feeling energized, confident and ready to live life to the fullest.
Eat Well, Live Long
You’ve probably heard about the Mediterranean diet. Think colorful vegetables, flavorful fish and a little olive oil. This way of eating can be powerful. A 2023 study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition linked the Mediterranean diet to a lower risk of dementia and a longer life expectancy. This eating plan is delicious, easy to follow, and great for your brain and heart.
But don’t stress about perfection. It’s all about balance. Enjoy your meals, savor every bite, and aim to make simple, healthy swaps, like opting for whole grains and fresh vegetables instead of processed snacks. Eating well doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s all about choosing real, wholesome foods that fuel your body and keep you feeling great.
Stay Connected and Thrive
Did you know that loneliness can actually affect your health? A 2023 study from Harvard University found that being socially connected can lower your risk of dementia and heart disease by up to 50 percent. Whether it’s joining a book club, volunteering, or catching up with family over Zoom, staying connected is essential for your mental and emotional well-being. It’s never too late to make new friends or reconnect with loved ones, and doing so boosts both happiness and health.
Keep Your Health in Check
Think of your health as your most valuable asset. By scheduling regular checkups and screenings, you’re investing in a longer, healthier future. Early detection of conditions, like high blood pressure or diabetes, can make a huge difference in managing them. In addition to regular visits, consider using tools like MyChart, which the Boca Grande Health Clinic is rolling out this season. MyChart helps you stay connected to your care, lets you easily access your medical records and stay informed about your health, from anywhere.
New diagnostic tools, such as the recently developed APS2 blood test for Alzheimer’s disease, offer hope for earlier and more accurate detection of conditions that typically affect older adults. The test is simple, non-invasive, and currently being studied for its potential to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease more reliably than traditional methods.
“As we age, it is important to evaluate the medications that you are taking to avoid polypharmacy and help reduce complications,” said Boca Grande Health Clinic’s Emily Haly, M.D. Polypharmacy is using multiple medications at the same time to treat various conditions. “Your metabolism changes as you age, which can affect how your body responds to meds that you have taken for years,” she explains. “Always bring your meds to your doctor appointments so we can make sure that we have the correct medicines. This helps us care for you.”
Attitude Is Everything
Having a positive mindset can help you live longer. A 2023 study from Yale University found that older adults with a positive outlook on aging live up to 7.5 years longer. And that’s because they practice gratitude and focus on the present. A positive mindset can turn ordinary moments into extraordinary ones and keep you feeling young at heart.
Aging isn’t something to fear – it’s something to celebrate. By staying active, eating well, fostering social connections and maintaining a positive attitude, you can make this chapter of your life the best one yet.
This Healthy Aging Month, challenge yourself to try something new, whether it’s a new hobby, a new way of moving or even a new friendship. Life is full of possibilities, and your golden years are the perfect time to explore them.
