Whittier Street Health Center Celebrates “Healthy Aging Month” During September

September is Healthy Aging Month, bringing attention to the positive aspects of growing older.  This month encourages older adults to take charge of their well-being, by aging with a healthy body and a healthy mind. Healthy Aging Month promotes celebrating life and helps individuals gain a more positive outlook about growing older.  And while genetics play a role when it comes to aging, seniors still can take steps to encourage better health.

Tips To Make The Most Of “Healthy Aging Month”:

Get Moving: Consult your doctor before starting an exercise routine and be sure to start slowly to allow plenty of time to get used to each level of activity. Exercise can be as simple as walking just ten or fifteen minutes, three to four times a week and increasing as you go. Yoga can also help to improve your flexibility and balance.

Maintain A Healthy Diet: As we age, our metabolism slows down and we need fewer calories. The USDA suggests an easy way to balance nutrition: your plate should have slightly less than one quarter proteins (lean meat, fish, poultry or legumes) and fruits, slightly more than one quarter grains and vegetables. Additionally, stay hydrated by drink a lot of water, at least 6-8 glasses per day.

Stay Social: Don’t be afraid to make new friends, and make an effort to see your old friends, too. A sedentary lifestyle devoid of interaction with friends and family can lead to health issues and isolation can lead to depression. Your mental health plays a very important part in healthy aging and surrounding yourself with people who make you smile and laugh makes healthy aging even easier.

Balance Both Your Body & Mind: Keeping your mind active and engaged may ward off brain chemistry changes that could lead to Alzheimer’s disease. Working on puzzles, reading books are great for the mind and will help reduce stress that comes with aging problems.

Positive Attitude: Focus on the positive, taking hold of any problems and addressing them properly and you will find that you will be happier in your life.

Don’t “Act Your Age”: Forget that “number” – after all, it’s only a number!  Live life looking forward to activities and actions that make you smile and forget about your age!

Be Proactive: Take charge of your health and research the many ways you can use your health insurance to take proactive steps in keeping healthy. You’re entitled to a variety of healthcare screenings as you get older; and it’s important to know exactly what tests and screenings you should behaving, based on your age and gender.

Get Regular Check-Ups and Yearly Physicals: Don’t ignore symptoms. If you remain diligent about your health, many diseases can be prevented when caught early.  Know yourself and your body well enough to detect if there is something out of the ordinary. This would include your eye doctor and dentist as well as your physician.

To schedule a primary care appointment at Whittier, please call (617) 858-2433.

If you are 60 years of age or older and are looking to join a dynamic peer-led group, Club 1290 held at Whittier is for you! Club 1290’s mission statement is: “We are Senior Adults who have come together to intermingle after the hiatus caused by COVID-19. Our purposes are directed at improving our overall health, having fun, fellowship, pursuing happiness and enjoyment. We share a mutual belief in social justice. We will actively and mindfully pursue happiness for ourselves and our members.  We will help one another to shake off the depression brought on by the pandemic and start living life renewed”. For more information on Club 1290, please call (617) 989-3212