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May 10, 2024

Thrive with Proactive Aging

Category: Health & Wellness

Author: Holly Belanger, Regional Wellness Coordinator

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 for Rock Creek Senior Living, I emphasize proactive aging through a multifaceted approach, including regular exercise, balanced nutrition, cognitive engagement, social connection, and consistent health check-ups.

An elderly senior resident raises their glasses in a toast, enjoying their smoothies at a table in a senior community. Cheers to good times!

To effectively manage stress and anxiety, individuals can incorporate practices such as:

  • deep breathing exercises
  • meditation
  • regular physical activity
  • maintaining a healthy lifestyle encompassing proper nutrition
  • sufficient sleep

The adverse effects of stress and anxiety on aging individuals can lead to a host of physical and mental health challenges, including weakened immune function, heightened cardiovascular risks, and exacerbation of conditions like depression and insomnia.

Several factors may impede individuals from prioritizing preventative care, such as lack of awareness, financial constraints, limited healthcare access, and apprehension about medical procedures or diagnoses. The benefits of preventative care are manifold, encompassing early detection and treatment of health issues, ultimately enhancing overall well-being and quality of life as individuals age.

Elderly man with gray hair and glasses smiling happily.

Cultivating a Culture of Health Through Education and Collaboration

Encouraging proactive thinking can take diverse forms, such as setting a positive example through personal actions, offering educational materials and resources, and cultivating an environment of open communication and collaboration within our communities. By embodying proactive behaviors ourselves, sharing knowledge and information, and fostering an atmosphere of mutual support and cooperation, we can inspire others to embrace a proactive approach to health 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.

Rock Creek Senior Living in Ankeny, IA offers senior villas, 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 Mercy One Medical Center with convenient access to major shopping centers and attractions, including Briarwood Golf, The District Shopping Center, Saylorville Lake Marina, Big Creek State Park, and Ankeny Community Theater.

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