Thrive with Proactive Aging

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 Vitalia Stow, I promote proactive aging through strategies such as embracing limitations with humor, adaptability, and openness to change.

Managing stress and anxiety involves regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and engaging in practices like prayer and meditation. Left unchecked, stress and anxiety can negatively impact health as one ages, leading to physical symptoms such as headaches, insomnia, fatigue, and changes in appetite.

Barriers to maintaining preventive care may include financial constraints, lack of a primary provider, and limited awareness. However, the benefits of preventive care include an enhanced quality of life and a reduced risk of chronic disease.

Encouraging proactive thinking involves leading by example and demonstrating the importance of prioritizing 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.