August
Healthy Aging: Spirit, Mind, and Body

1. Challenge your brain!

Just like an active body, an active brain continues to develop and thrive, while an inactive brain loses its power over time.

• Read
• Do crossword puzzles or Sudoku’s
• Learn a new musical instrument or language
• Play strategic games with others

Source: www.webmd.com

2. Help your memory

No matter what your age, having too much on your mind can interfere with your memory of new information. As you age, it is normal to take longer to retrieve new information.

• Write down dates, names, and other important information that you easily forget
• Use routine and repetition-keep daily items such as keys and eyeglasses in a specific place
• When you learn a new name, repeat it out loud or to yourself to commit it to memory

Source: www.webmd.com

3. Exercise, Exercise, and Exercise!

Exercise and physical activity are good for you, no matter how old you are. Staying active can help you:

• Keep and improve your strength so you can stay independent
• Have more energy to do the things you want to do
• Improve your balance
• Prevent or delay some diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer

Source: National Institute on Aging, www.nia.nih.gov

4. Watch out Arthritis

Early diagnosis and appropriate management of arthritis can help decrease pain, improve function, stay productive, and lower health care costs. Here are some self-management activities:

• Be active - make sure you get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least 3 days a week; you can split activity into 10-minute intervals
• Watch your weight - research suggests that maintaining a healthy weight reduces the risk of developing arthritis and may decrease disease progression
• See your doctor - early diagnosis and appropriate management is important
• Protect your joints - avoid joint injury to reduce your risk of developing osteoarthritis

Source: www.cdc.gov

5. Prevent depression

Depression is a common yet treatable cause of cognitive decline in older people.

• Get regular exercise and social contact

• Avoid the depressant effect of alcohol and sedative use
• Eat a healthy diet
• Include meaningful activity in your daily life, like learning, creating, working, volunteering
• If depression strikes, seek professional help; antidepressant medication and/or counseling are effective treatments

Source: www.webmd.com

6. Get involved in the Y’s Active Older Adult Program!

Our Active Older Adults (AOA) group continues to grow as we enjoy fellowship, fun and learning on a continual basis. We have numerous activities going on at any given time so you are sure to find something that fits you. Contact Kate Mansell at (704) 716-6927 or kate.mansell@ymcacharlotte.org for more information.