May 10, 2024
Across the world, people are living longer than ever before. However, according to the World Health Organization, “evidence suggests the proportion of life in good health has remained broadly constant, implying that the additional years are in poor health.” Taking a proactive approach to aging can help us live full, energetic, and healthy lives no matter how many years we have lived.
As the Director of Wellness at Vitalia Highland Heights, I advocate for proactive aging through activities such as part-time work, volunteering, traveling, and engaging in fitness and exercise routines.
To manage stress and anxiety, individuals can seek support from professionals, practice exercises like meditation, yoga, or tai chi, and participate in support groups. Stress and anxiety, if unaddressed, can lead to headaches, sleep disturbances, mood changes, poor dietary habits, depression, and feelings of isolation, particularly as individuals age.
Several factors may hinder individuals from accessing preventive care, including financial constraints, geographical distance from healthcare providers, lack of transportation, physical discomfort, and anxiety about their health. However, preventive care offers benefits such as monitoring existing conditions, early detection of potential health issues, and guidance on lifestyle changes like smoking cessation, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
Encouraging proactive thinking involves providing education and counseling, promoting immunizations, and offering pre-screening services for illnesses.
It is never too late to invest in your health. Taking control of our well-being can be the difference between surviving and thriving, the difference between extra years of truly living and extra years in decline. Make your years count. Approach aging proactively and use those extra years to get another degree, take up a new hobby, break a record, or explore opportunities you never thought you would get to experience.
World Health Organization: Aging and Health, click here to read the full article.
VITALIA® Highland Heights in Highland Heights, OH offers independent senior apartments, assisted living, and memory care with a variety of services and a range of floor plan options. Amenities include restaurant dining, 24-hour bistro, concierge service, housekeeping, events and entertainment, personal care, transportation services, and more. Centrally located near Hillcrest Hospital | Cleveland Clinic with convenient access to major shopping centers and attractions, including Stonewater Golf Club, Beachwood Place, North Chagrin Reservation, Euclid Creek Reservation, Lake County Captains, Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, and Great Lakes Science Center.
