Whether you’re 12 or 112, getting older is something that is constantly happening when you want it to and when you don’t. However, aging doesn’t have to be something that we dread. September is Healthy Aging Month, because it’s never too late to start healthy habits and break unhealthy ones.
Oftentimes there seems to be an unspoken age limit on making large life changes or decisions. However, Carolyn Worthington, editor-in-chief of Healthy Aging Magazine and executive director of Healthy Aging, says, “it’s never too late to find a new career, a new sport, passion, or hobby.” That means this September could be the month that you or someone that you love starts something new. Want to go back to school? Do it. Want to change careers? Do it. Want to learn a new skill? Do it.
If you are wanting a fresh start or wanting to help someone else get to the most out of their life and health, check out some of our tips to assist you in your goals to age well and in the best health possible!
Move, and don’t stop moving!
Maybe you have an injury that is keeping you from getting exercise, or perhaps a health condition is holding you back. Don’t let that stop you! Talk with your doctor and get creative on how to get active. Not only will that help to trim off those extra inches around your waist, it will also help to promote good heart health and can even improve your mood and outlook on life.
It doesn’t have to be anything strenuous either; even a daily walk can do wonders to improve your health and get you back in shape. Also, as you move, keep your head up, shoulders back, and stand up straight. That will help you avoid hunching over as you age.
Set goals and don’t give up on them!
Maybe your goals will start small like committing to taking a short walk around the block daily or even to the mailbox. Or maybe you want to start a new hobby or spend more time with friends or family. Are you thinking of something that seems even more impossible like changing careers or going back to school?
No matter what you think, it’s never too late to go back to school or to pursue the career that you have always dreamed of! In fact, at Ross Medical Education Center, we offer training in a variety of healthcare programs that may be exactly the change you have been looking for. What better way to stay healthy and achieve your goals than by pursuing a career in the healthcare field where you can help others stay healthy too!
Regardless of what your goals are, make a list of them and then stick to the list! This will help you stay motivated and focused on improving your quality of life and then maintaining it. You could even get a support group in your friends and family by sharing your goals with them and asking them to join you in some of them!
Speak, believe, and surround yourself with positivity!
Every time you find yourself complaining, stop it! Focus on and talk about the positive, exciting things going on in your life and the lives of others. If you are around someone who constantly complains and you can’t change the topic or the tone of the conversation, it may be time to stop spending time around them.
One of the easiest ways to stay positive is to smile often and take time throughout the day to reflect on everything that you are thankful for. Don’t just keep it to yourself, express thankfulness to others, and spend time celebrating exciting things in your life and in theirs!
As you work to be more positive and smile more readily and often, let your body language follow suit. Stand up straighter, keep your chin and eyes up, and greet people that you pass. As you meet people and share your positivity with them, they will be inspired to be positive in return, and you will likely experience an increase in the meaningful and enjoyable interactions that you have with others.
Share life with others
If you are lonely, make it a priority to find and build relationships! If you have family and friends nearby, make plans to spend time with them. Call them right now to make plans – we will wait.
If you don’t have anyone to make plans with, get out there and meet people! You could volunteer in a local soup kitchen, enroll in classes, go to the park, or even join a club or team. In fact, if you start getting active, maybe you’ll meet people on your daily walks or at the gym in a yoga class! Often local schools are looking for volunteers to read to children or work in the cafeteria as well.
The only person holding you back from meaningful, supportive relationships is you! Do what it takes to form and keep relationships. It will do wonders for your mood and helping you to stay active and positive. Forming relationships with those with similar goals, hobbies, and interests will also help you to continue to learn and discover things about yourself and your abilities. So, take an art class or a music lesson!
Eat well
Not only is it important to make sure that you are eating regularly, but also take the time to eat healthy foods that are delicious high in nutrients. Adjusting your diet to include all the food groups and cutting out unhealthy snacks will do wonders for your metabolism, energy level, and mood! Eating well will also keep your heart and digestive system healthy now and for years to come. If food is boring, add spices and herbs to help increase flavor! Eating healthy doesn’t have to be dull.
Want to learn more about pursuing healthcare training at Ross so that you can help to keep others at their healthiest? Visit the Ross healthcare training program page and make today the day you embark upon your new adventure!