SEPTEMBER – HEALTHY AGING MONTH
Every September, we recognize Healthy Aging Month to raise awareness of the health and well-being of older adults. Dr. Anderson shares the importance of bettering your health and strengthening your muscles, joints and movement as you age.
The loss of strength and stamina related to aging is partly caused by the lack of physical activity. Daily exercise and movement helps maintain the ability to live independently in many ways. It can help older adults prevent both chronic disease and fall-related injuries. Physical activity is known to help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, colon cancer, and diabetes and helps reduce blood pressure related to hypertension.
Exercise can also reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improves your mood and emotional well-being. Overall, the more you move and increase your heart rate each day, the more you will improve your stamina and muscle strength, and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints.
Making smart food choices can also help protect you from certain health problems as you age and may even help improve brain function. As with exercise, eating well is not just about your weight. Prioritize healthy eating by stocking up on lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins.
Getting enough sleep helps you stay healthy and alert. Even though older adults need the same 7-9 hours of sleep as all adults, they often don’t get enough. Feeling sick or being in pain can make it harder to sleep, and some medicines can keep you awake. Not getting enough quality sleep can contribute to depression, forgetfulness, and being more prone to falls or other accidents.
In order to improve getting a good night’s sleep, you should avoid eating large meals and having caffeine late in the day, try to follow a regular sleep schedule and bedtime routine, don’t nap in the late afternoon, turn off the TV and other technology devises when you are in the bedroom, and keep your room a comfortable temperature and as quiet and dark as possible.
Chiropractic care also has many benefits for aging adults. It improves mobility, flexibility, and balance so that those who are getting older can still feel steady on their feet. Regular visits to your chiropractor can provide relief from chronic pain; regular adjustments can reduce joint pain and slow down joint degeneration, improve balance, posture & coordination. Nerve issues caused by spinal misalignments is at the root of many health concerns such as poor digestion, lower immune system function, headaches, back pain, or other health conditions that can affect aging adults.
With regular chiropractic care, you can improve whole-body health to relieve health concerns and improve overall quality of life.
