As part of a healthy aging campaign to encourage people to focus on their health and take precautions, Healthy Aging Month was created in 1992 by Carolyn Worthington. Twenty-nine years later in 2021, the senate unanimously passed their resolution marking September as National Healthy Aging month. This is an annual opportunity to raise awareness of the health, well-being, and positive aspects of growing older.
According to the U.S. Census, by 2030 one in five Americans will be 65 years and older. As we age, our minds and bodies change increasing the risk of chronic disease such as heart disease, arthritis, cancer, and dementia. Aging is inevitable but by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, older adults are often able to live more independently for longer periods. Taking a proactive approach to aging today by adopting healthy habits and behaviors can affect how you feel tomorrow.
Consider utilizing these U.S. Department of Health and Services Resources when contemplating options for maintaining a healthy lifestyle:
- Exercise and Physical Activity
Staying active is an important part of healthy aging. Find tips on how to fit exercise into your daily life safely and get motivated to get moving!
- Aging at Home: A Guide for Home Improvements
Tips for modifying your home to be more accessible helps prevent falls and injuries and provides peace of mind for you and those around you.
- Healthy Eating
Making a plan to eat healthy can keep you healthy and active for longer. Learn how to make smart food choices, shop for healthy food on a budget, and what vitamins and minerals older people need.
- Health Tips for Older Adults
Learn what you can do to stay healthy and fit—for yourself and your loved ones!
- Brain Health
Your brain changes as you age. It's natural. Learn about the conditions and diseases that impact the brain as people age.
- Older Adults and Mental Health
It is not uncommon to experience mental health issues as people age. You don’t need to live with it, however. Learn more about depression in older adults.
- Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator
Find a treatment facility for mental health issues near you.
Although, Healthy Aging month is coming to an end the work that is taking place to help improve the health and wellbeing of older adults will continue. Benton-Franklin Health District and Southeast Washington Aging & Long Term Care have partnered with Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) to identify needs and challenges, coordinate supports and services that would best serve the health and social needs of older adults, through the Age Friendly Public Health Systems (AFPHS) Initiative.
Visit the Healthy Aging webpage on the Benton-Franklin Health District website for additional healthy aging resources and an opportunity to get involved locally.