Aging is a natural process that we all experience and there are many things we can do to help take care of ourselves and remain happy and healthy throughout our lives. Healthy Aging Month occurs during the month of September each year and was created to bring awareness to maintaining our health as we age, both mental and physical.
Healthy lifestyle is one of the best ways to maintain strength and wellbeing as we age. It is recommended to get at least 150 min of moderate exercise weekly. This should be divided up in sessions throughout the week. Moderate intensity exercise is defined as physical activity during which you would not be able to carry on a full conversation without some difficulty. Swimming, walking, riding a bike, and aerobics are just some examples of exercise that are great for your health. It is important to exercise responsibly and safely as to not cause injuries. Talk to your doctor about which types of exercise may be best for you and safest for you. Many programs are offered for Seniors within our community for staying active and may be a great resource to seek out. Maintaining a healthy diet is also a great way to maintain health through the years. It is important to have a balanced diet with a variety of foods that provide a variety of nutrients and with proper portion sizes. Myplate.gov has wonderful resources for nutrition and defining proper portion sizes and content that should make up meals.
Preventative screenings start at age 21 for women with pap smears recommended every 3 years until the age of 29 after which they are recommended every 5 years. Also, after the age of 40, there are many important screenings that we should make sure to keep up to date so that any new problems can be identified quickly and intervened on early. It is recommended that women begin receiving mammograms at age 40, that individuals begin colon cancer screening at age 45, that women begin having bone density test to screen for osteoporosis at age 65, and, if you have smoked in the past, you may need other screenings as well. Talk with your doctor about what screens you may need to help you stay healthy.
An additional, very important aspect of staying healthy is to maintain hobbies you love, spend time with family and friends, and take days of rest. Life is all about balance and taking time for your mental health and the things that make you happy are imperative to staying healthy. Set aside a little bit of time each day just for you to do something you enjoy. These are all aspects that will contribute positively to your health as you age.
Dr. Savannah Cruz is a resident physician who sees patients of all ages and provides obstetrical services at Lone Star Family Health Center, a non-profit 501©3 Federally Qualified Health Center operating facilities in Conroe, Spring, Willis, Grangerland, and Huntsville, and serving as home to a fully integrated Family Medicine Residency Program to increase the number of Family Medicine physicians for Texas and our community.
