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 Regional Wellness Coordinator at Cedar Trails Senior Living. I promote proactive aging through practices such as regular exercise, maintaining a nutritious diet, attending yearly checkups and preventive screenings, managing stress effectively, and incorporating laughter into daily life.
There are various natural methods to alleviate stress and anxiety, as individuals respond differently to different strategies. Examples include:
Stress and anxiety can exert both mental and physical tolls on health, manifesting as fatigue, cognitive fog, depression, gastrointestinal disturbances, cardiac issues, and fluctuations in weight.
Several factors contribute to individuals neglecting their preventive care, such as time constraints, fear of medical professionals or diagnoses, a false sense of invulnerability, and lack of insurance coverage for primary care. The advantages of preventive care are manifold, including early disease detection, comprehensive medical records for family health history, reduced doctor and emergency room visits through lifestyle maintenance, and prevention of disabilities, ultimately leading to a longer lifespan.
Encouraging proactive thinking entails community engagement, effective communication, and education initiatives. It also facilitates access to healthcare services such as vaccine clinics, blood pressure checks, and diabetic screenings. By leading by example and promoting these practices. We can inspire others to embrace a lifestyle conducive to longevity and well-being.
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.
Cedar Trails Senior Living in Freeburg, IL 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 St. Elizabeth’s Hospital with convenient access to major shopping centers, including The Orchards Golf Club, Target, Eckerts Belleville Farm, Braeutigam Orchards, and the Belle Clair fairgrounds & Expo Center.
