We’re celebrating Active Aging Week, where we show gratitude for the healthy aspects of aging and the active role older adults play in our communities.  Active aging can be defined as a strategy to help maintain someone’s quality of life by staying active and engaged as they age. It looks different for everyone, but it has been proven to help people to live longer and more fulfilling lives.

The practice of active aging can include the following:

• Physical activity
• Socializing
• Mental health care
• Active participation in the community

 

The WHO says not only does active aging help someone live longer, but it can also reduce poverty among older people and support their participation in the economy.

How to age healthfully

 

Physical Activity

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services say older adults should aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week. Clocking in the right amount of exercise carries a huge number of benefits including:

• Lowering the risk of heart disease, diabetes and some types of cancer
• Improving strength and balance, which can prevent injuries and falls
• Improving mood and lowering the risk for depression and anxiety
• Helping to boost cognitive function

 

It’s recommended older adults mix up their workout routines with strength, balance and cardio training. Here are some activities popular among older adults to keep them moving:

Lifting hand weights

Swimming

Walking

Tai Chi

Yoga

 

Of course, couple more physical activity with proper nutrition and hydration. Experts say the average adult male needs about 3.7 liters of water a day and women need about 2.7 liters a day, although this varies depending on certain lifestyles.

Be a social butterfly

Being social and engaged with those around you also contributes to your overall health. This may become challenging as we get older. More adults become immobile, stay home more or have retired from their jobs so daily interactions can decrease. Living longer can also mean you outlive family and friends. The National Institute on Aging says social isolation and loneliness poses health risks in older adults such as weaker heart health, cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.

Boost your social wellness with a few tips:

• Volunteering, especially for those who are retired, can help older adults stay active in the communities and meet other people who are coming together for a similar cause.
• Make exercise a social activity by taking a walk with friends, doing group exercise classes or going to a gym or health club where others are also working out.
• Check in with friends and family. Strike up a conversation and stay up to date on their lives and keep them informed about yours.

 

Care for your mental health

Your mental health is equally as important to your physical and social wellbeing when it comes to aging well:

• Communicate what you are feeling. Talking through difficult feelings and telling people we aren’t feeling our best can help you process your emotions, preventing the risk for anxiety and depression.
• Manage stress effectively. High levels of stress can raise the cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, in our bodies. High cortisol levels have been linked to a number of health conditions including diabetes, obesity, heart disease and cancer.
• Step outdoors and get some fresh air. Going outside into nature, even for a few minutes, can help keep stress low and help you connect with your environment.

---

 

How does Loretto help older adults age actively?

 

Whether an older adult is an assisted living resident, living independently or participating in programs through Loretto, there are many services offered to older adults that can help them live active and healthy lives.

• PACE CNY is a program that allows older adults to stay in their homes while receiving proper care from healthcare professionals. It also offers day care services to keep participants in a warm and social environment, along with daily activities to enrich their lives.
• Recreation therapy is offered at all Loretto sites. Our recreation therapists organize numerous activities such as arts and crafts, games and even trips to places around the community. These activities are done in a group setting to help create a social environment.

 

Knowing how to live an active and healthy life can make all the difference as we age.  It can decrease challenges we face when we’re older and add years to your life, helping us be more productive and feeling a sense of belonging in our community.