Healthy aging is a hot topic these days … and for good reason. The concept of healthspan, which is the amount of time someone is in good health during their life, is top of mind for many people. And it’s no wonder why; the average healthspan is 16 years lower than the average lifespan. That means the average person is only able to enjoy their good health until they’re 63, despite living until they are 79. So whether you’re wanting to brush up on ideas about how (and why) to stay physically active, address cognitive clarity or simply live life with a positive emotional outlook, increasing research echoes the same sentiment: it’s actually a combination of many factors and activities that influence and contribute to healthy aging.

Although we can’t stop aging, taking steps – even small, steady ones – to practice healthy habits has been shown to improve overall well-being which, in turn, plays a role in quality of life.

When it comes to wellness and healthy aging, you may wonder, “Where do I even start?” You’ll notice many of the suggestions below have cross-over benefits. Let’s take a closer look.

Keep Learning
Stay connected! Several recent studies have shown that socially isolated older adults are at a higher risk for health issues, including cognitive decline. The good news is that meaningful, face-to-face activities and spending time with others not only plays a crucial role in staving off cognitive decline, but being sociable helps form bonds that support brain health. A few thought-starters include:

• Teach a favorite hobby or skill to friends or the younger generation: building models, woodworking, quilting or sewing
• Volunteer at your favorite charity organization
• Attend lectures or join a dance club, book club, gardening group or other community group
• Travel, meet new people and experience new cultures

Practice Self-Care                                       
The benefits of regularly engaging in self-care extend far and wide – including better physical health, reduced stress, and preserving emotional and mental health, just to name a few. An enhanced quality of life and improved ability to do everyday activities goes hand-in-hand with staying physically active. 

There are countless physical and emotional self-care activities that are beneficial at any age, but they’re especially helpful in the later years. These ideas will help kick-start ways to focus on a lifestyle that promotes healthy aging:

• Low-impact exercise. It’s gentle on your body but still offers a great workout. Look for activities to do on a regular basis that are both physically engaging but also enjoyable – swimming, yoga, tai chi or going for a bike ride.
• Kill two birds with one stone with an activity offering both socialization and physical activity: dancing, kayaking, or a walking group
• Eat nutritious meals, incorporating these tips from some of the healthiest people in the world; get plenty of sleep and start a bedtime routine to energize your active lifestyle
• Seek out restful and relaxing ways to rejuvenate your mind and spirit. Revamp your state of mind through journaling, meditating, prayer or curling up with a good book from AARP’s 2022 list of fantastic novels.

Keep in Touch
Although many self-care activities can be done alone, it’s also vital to make social time a high priority on your to-do list. A socially integrated lifestyle focused on spending time with others has many evergreen benefits: boosted feelings of well-being; decreased sense of isolation and loneliness; and may protect against cognitive decline.

If you’re looking for some new ways to socialize with others, consider these ideas to get you going:

• Spend time with family, either in person or using technology to connect digitally
• Pursue a passion or learn a new skill by signing up for classes at your local recreation center, community college or library. Many offer free or discounted courses for older adults.
• Get involved in a club with others to explore a hobby such as wine pairing, play in a music group or sing in a choir

 
Although no one approach can ensure a perfectly matched healthspan and life span, a mindset focused on healthy aging – including a holistic approach to health and wellness – can increase your chances of living a longer and healthier life.

At Aspens Senior Living communities, residents are finding they have countless opportunities – often more options than they anticipated – to discover new experiences while also enjoying old favorite hobbies. Find out more about life at The Aspens.