September is Healthy Aging Month, a great time to look at the positive aspects of growing older—and yes, there are several! If you’re like most seniors, you want to stay active and vibrant as long as possible. That calls for looking at where you are now, working on the things that can help you move forward, and deciding what you really want to do in this exciting phase of life. Ready to get started?

Healthy Aging Month: 10 tips for growing older with gusto

1. Act how you feel, not your age. You’ve accomplished a lot and you should be proud. But you don’t have to stay “stuck” where you are. Think back… what was your best year? When you were 45? 55? 65? See yourself at this age and be it again. You’re not denying who you are now, you’re just resetting the timer!
2. Take charge of your health. Examine what you regularly eat and do each day. Are you taking vitamins and supplements? Getting enough sleep? Healthy Aging Month is a great time to consider habits that might be working against your health and change them.
3. Get moving. Stand up from the couch and take a walk. Add an extra block now and then, or try something new, like pickleball or Zumba. If you’re living in a senior living community like Clearwater Living, take advantage of the fitness center that’s specially designed for senior needs and join a fitness class. If you have mobility issues, sit in a chair and do free weights or chair aerobics.
4. Eat a healthy diet. True, you’re getting older so your metabolism is slowing. But remember, that also means you need fewer calories, so be careful what you put on your plate. Lots of fruits and  vegetables is a good idea, with regular portions of fish so you can get all the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. Avoid processed foods, and stay hydrated.
5. Stay social. The pandemic taught us all how important it is to have social connections. Loneliness is not good for our physical or mental health. So keep making friends. Phone someone you haven’t seen in a while. Regularly connect with a neighbor or family. Living in a community like Clearwater Living, you are surrounded by lots of interesting, wellness-minded people who share your interests. Reach out—it’s good for you!
6. Balance your body and mind. Think of your brain as a muscle… you need to work it every day to keep it limber and strong. Read the newspaper, do the crossword puzzle, learn to play a new game, join a trivia contest, or curl up with a classic. But don’t forget to relax your body with some soothing stretches in yoga, Tai Chi or meditation.
7. Get regular checkups and health screenings. If your body were a car, you wouldn’t want the wheels coming off! Get an annual physical and tell your physician any concerns. Schedule regular appointments with your dentist, eye doctor, dermatologist, and other providers. Don’t ignore your symptoms.
8. Try new things & explore your talents. You never know… there could be a Rembrandt inside you. Grab a paintbrush. Learn to play the flute (who says music lessons are only for the young). Maybe take up French. Empowered Living® at Clearwater Living is a lifestyle philosophy that encourages participation, engagement, and curiosity through programs, amenities, and events. After all, this is your time to expand and explore all that you are.
9. Smile more and walk with confidence.  Smiling attracts others to you. Even if it’s a cloudy day, a smile can light up a room. And walking as upright as possible with a positive stride can energize you as well. Mom always said stand up straight. Healthy Aging Month is a great time to prove her right!
10. Choose a positive, supportive lifestyle that inspires, empowers, and celebrates your relevance.  Clearwater Living is all about looking forward to what is next. A fresh vision of senior living where aging adults thrive. At Clearwater Living, every month is Healthy Aging Month!

Clearwater Living communities are here to inspire delight in your everyday life.

Whether you’re moving into a Clearwater Independent Living, Assisted Living, or Memory Care community, each resident can discover a world of options that enable choice and empower successful aging. Call the community nearest you today!