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 Director of Wellness at The Westbury Senior Living, I emphasize proactive aging by preparing for long-term necessities such as assisted living or skilled nursing care. This involves understanding needs and ensuring financial readiness. Additionally, I advocate healthy habits like regular physician visits, completing diagnostic tests, adhering to medication regimens, and maintaining a positive attitude.
Managing stress and anxiety involves personal choices. I suggest maintaining a work-life balance, staying organized, and prioritizing tasks. Techniques like meditation and engaging in calming activities can reduce stress and alleviate turmoil. Stress and anxiety can lead to several health issues. These include disrupted eating patterns, headaches, and irritability. In severe cases, they can cause cardiovascular events like stroke or heart attack.
Reasons for neglecting preventive care in aging include several factors. These factors are limited resources, financial constraints, and denial of aging-related health needs. Preventive care is crucial in aging. It offers the potential to extend and enhance the quality of life.
Encouraging others to be proactive involves providing education and resources, leading by example, and demonstrating kindness. Setting personal standards can inspire others to embrace proactive aging.
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.
The Westbury Senior Living in Columbia, MO 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 University Hospital and Boone Hospital with convenient access to major shopping centers and attractions, including Mizzou Tigers, Columbia Mall, The Broadway Shops, MKT Nature and Fitness Trail, Finger Lake State Park, and LA Nickell Golf Course.
