You Matter
September is Healthy Aging Month. I encourage you to celebrate by reinventing yourself this month! It’s never too late and you are worth it! September is the perfect time to begin something new, especially if that something new improves your physical, mental, spiritual and social well-being.
The population group that is age 45 and up continues to grow every year and has expanded to include not only the “baby boomers” but also “gen-xers” who are often sharing many of the same interests.
Historically, as a population we’ve avoided conversations about growing older. Today however, the vibe is much different. The interest in positive measures that can make lasting impacts to health continues to grow. More people are interested in taking charge of their lives, following passions and are happily looking forward to the next seasons.
What do we know about healthy aging? Your health throughout your lifespan is influenced by many factors. Some of those are out of our control such as genetics. But many are within reach.
Healthy aging looks at ways to take control of your health and to focus on the healthy aspect of aging rather than the negative or stereotypes of “being old.” September is the perfect month for this as most of us are moving past the summertime season and looking at the new beginnings that are associated with this month. Most schools are back in session and families are returning to normal routines. Even if you don’t have anyone in your home returning to school, this is a perfect time to look at activities and programs that can rejuvenate you.
It just so happens that several new small group studies have launched this month at Long’s Chapel. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to check out the exciting classes and groups to find something that speaks to you.
Other ways that you can reinvent yourself:
Refuse to act your age! By choosing to not act your age, or what your age should be acting like, you are effectively using the power of positive thinking. Think about a time in your life that you believe was your best year so far. Now picture yourself at that age. (Don’t look in the mirror but just FEEL IT!) Now…..BE IT! Don’t worry about what others think or say. This is your life, gifted to you each day by God. Enjoy it!
Remain positive. Be conscious of your conversations and actions each day and keep them positive. I find it helpful to avoid watching the news. If you catch yourself falling into the complaining trap, stop and check yourself. Change the conversation to a positive one. Complaining is detrimental to those Fruits of the Spirit and are destructive, both personally as well as spiritually, in our witness to the world. It is important to note that it is very appropriate to complain to God. He wants to hear not only the desires of our hearts but also the frustrations we experience. This is how we grow in our relationship with Him.
Toss out the negativity. Surround yourself with energetic and positive people who exude happiness. You’ll find that by doing so, even on the days that you aren’t feeling super positive, their energy will rub off on you. Also, don't forget to smile. Smiling is contagious and it’s so hard to be negative when you are smiling.
Walk and stand tall. Your gait matters. Walk like a vibrant, healthy person. Stand up straight. I heard that from my mom for years. But it turns out, Mom was right. Standing tall and walking vibrantly makes a difference. When you stand tall, you are also holding in your tummy, throwing your shoulders back and keeping your chin up. It not only changes your appearance, but provides the benefits of good posture including better breathing, reduced energy and fewer headaches! Walking with big strides, eyes forward and walking with your heels first is also impactful. Maintaining the proper technique when walking can reduce stress and strain on your joints and your muscles. It can also help reduce back pain. Practice until it feels natural and you will look and feel great.
Remember your pearly whites. I’ve already mentioned the benefits of smiling. Your oral health is just as vital and important to your overall good health as caring for the rest of your body. Your teeth are the first thing that people notice about you. Oral diseases are a major public health concern. Neglecting your teeth impacts your speech, smile, taste, chewing and swallowing abilities and more. Additionally, oral diseases can lead to significant pain and disability for many. When your mouth is happy, the rest of your body is as well. There are links between oral disease and illnesses including heart disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and increased risks of both heart attacks and strokes. Avoiding tobacco products, maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental visits can help combat these problems.
Reject loneliness. Loneliness and isolation have major impacts on our mental health and overall wellbeing. We have seen this reflected in our society throughout the pandemic. But you don’t have to suffer. You can do something about loneliness (without contacting FarmersOnly.com!) Normal aging changes can sometimes make it difficult to maintain social connections. You can take action by volunteering your time. Long’s Chapel has so many opportunities to volunteer and serve! Children’s and Youth Ministries, Hospitality, Choir, Handbells and so many more areas would be thrilled to have you! You can also take a class either at the church or in the community, invite someone for coffee, explore a hobby or passion and connect with others. There likely are things that you’ve always wanted to try. Why not do it now?
Be active. I urge you to start walking. Your physical health will benefit but so will your social health. Whether you love it or hate it, physical activity is the cornerstone of healthy aging. Walking is one of the easiest forms of physical activity. Grab a buddy or two and make it a goal to achieve 10,000 steps each day. Start small and build up. If your buddies aren’t available, walk your dog or volunteer at the shelter to walk dogs there. Dogs are amazing conversation starters and a great way to meet and connect with your neighbors and community. If walking isn’t your thing, there are a variety of options including gardening, low impact yoga, swimming and more. Many of these can also be free and indoor activities.
Remember your annual check-up. If you haven’t already, make this the month that you schedule your annual physical and health screenings. Then keep those appointments and show up. Regular check-ups can help catch chronic diseases earlier as well as reduce your risk factors for diseases. Early detection is so important for good health outcomes.
Find your inner joy. Who says it’s just for children? You may have an inner artist waiting to be released through cooking, music, art, woodworking, theater, creative writing classes or a multitude of other options. Maybe you enjoy sporting events or museums. When you find what speaks to the joy in your soul, you will find that you are energized, engaged and excited about life. Your cognitive function, memory and self-esteem will receive a boost as well.
Get good sleep. Getting seven to nine hours of sleep each night is still important as you age. The lack of quality sleep can result in irritability, depression, forgetfulness and other risks of injuries such as falls and accidents. Studies have shown that those who get 6 or less hours of sleep nightly are also at increased risk for dementia later in life. Try to follow a regular sleep schedule; avoid daytime naps. Mindfulness and meditation can improve your sleep quality.
If interest in healthy aging leads you to consider anti-aging therapies such as restrictive diets, supplements or expensive treatments that claim to postpone or reverse the process - be cautious! There isn’t a quick fix when it comes to healthy aging. The fountain of youth does not exist. Growing older has many benefits. Each day you wake with more knowledge than the previous day. Your wisdom and experience is invaluable to you, your loved ones, the world around you, and to your Lord. Scripture after Scripture says that age is not a barrier to the workings of God’s plans.
God promises to stay by your side. Isaiah 46:4 reminds us that “I will be your God throughout your lifetime - until your hair is white with age.” The Bible also reminds us that growing older is a blessing. Life is short and fleeting. There isn’t a promise in the Scriptures that we will or will not grow old. Recognizing that life is short and wanting to live life fully for God helps to embrace the process of aging and allows us to grow older gracefully.
Authored by:
Cynthia D. Warner, RN, HM, FC
parish.nurse.cynthia@gmail.com
Parish Nurse, Long's Chapel UMC
