Governments, communities, businesses, families and individuals can use tips to encourage older adults to achieve a healthy lifestyle.
Vancouver, BC (PRWEB) December 19, 2011
1. Expectations: If you've followed a healthy lifestyle this year, keep going. If you need to make lifestyle changes, start by anticipating success-and don't let age be a barrier. Research has shown that thinking negatively about getting older can shorten your life by as much as 7.5 years.
2. Enthusiasm: Few people are thrilled with every aspect of their lives, but many have at least one area-family, friends, work, hobbies-that they feel good about. Identify an activity or connection that sparks your enthusiasm and make it your lifeline, then do your best to extend that enthusiasm to other areas.
3. Energy: Having the energy and motivation you need to age well are hallmarks of healthy living. If you're tired all the time, don't let apathy and lethargy drag you down. Instead, get a checkup to try to determine the cause-and the solution.
4. Eating: Eating a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight are keys to physical and mental health. If you need to lose weight or make changes in your diet, keep your expectations high. You can do it!
5. Exercise: Staying physically active fuels the body and mind. If you're already exercising regularly, keep it up. If you're getting started, know your fitness level, then set goals and progress at your own pace. The key is to be consistent.
6. Engagement: Get involved in your community. Research has shown that people who volunteer have higher levels of well-being and life satisfaction than people who don't. Volunteering and other kinds of civic and social engagement can contribute to better health.
7. Emotions: Everyone feels down at times, but full-blown depression is a major cause of disability. If you're feeling out of sorts for two weeks or more, talk with your doctor or take an online screening test at http://www.mentalhealthscreening.org/. In many instances, simply exercising and eating right can change your mood.
8. Education: Lifelong learning is important to living an independent and fulfilling life as you advance in age. Start now to learn new subjects or physical activities-it's good for the brain.
9. Effort: Changing expectations and embarking on new behaviors take energy and effort, but the results are well worth it.
10. Enjoyment: A healthy life generally is a joyous one. Savor the process of being or becoming active, engaged and truly alive in 2012.
About the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA)
ICAA, the professional association that leads, connects and defines the active-aging industry, supports professionals who develop wellness facilities, programs and services for adults over 50. The association is focused on active aging-an approach to aging that helps older adults live as fully as possible within all dimensions of wellness-and provides its members with education, information, resources and tools. As an active-aging educator and advocate, ICAA has advised numerous organizations and governmental bodies, including the US Administration on Aging, the National Institute on Aging (one of the US National Institutes of Health), the US Department of Health and Human Services, Canada's Special Senate Committee on Aging, and the British Columbia ministries of Health, and Healthy Living and Sport. On October 1, 2011-the International Day of Older Persons-ICAA celebrated its 10th Anniversary and a decade of Changing the Way We Age®.
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Colin Milner
International Council on Active Aging (ICAA)
(604) 763-4595
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