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 Castlewood Senior Living, I advocate for proactive aging through maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, quality sleep, stress management, social engagement, and brain exercises, while fostering a positive outlook and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Managing stress and anxiety involves practicing meditation, engaging in physical activity, learning relaxation techniques, seeking social or professional support, journaling, and prioritizing self-care. Left unaddressed, stress and anxiety can negatively impact health, leading to physical, mental, and emotional issues such as heart disease, high blood pressure, weight fluctuations, muscle stiffness or pain, sleep disturbances, digestive problems, depression, and social isolation.
Barriers to maintaining preventive care may include lack of awareness, financial constraints, limited healthcare access, and fear of the unknown. Some individuals may feel healthy and perceive no need for preventive care. However, the benefits of preventive care include early detection of health issues and improved health outcomes, contributing to a better quality of life and longevity.
Encouraging proactive thinking involves communicating the value and benefits of proactive behavior, promoting awareness and education, and providing access to resources and support services for healthcare.
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 Castlewood Senior Living in Nixa, 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 Cox Medical Center South and with convenient access to major shopping centers, including Fremont Hills Country Club, Fountain Plaza, Smallin Civil War Cave, 160 Grand Prix Amusement Center, and the 4 X 4 Brewery-Fremont.
