Most of us want to age gracefully, but what about aging healthily? At The Alliance for Health Equity (a.k.a. The Alliance), we envision a thriving, inclusive and healthy community for all, including the senior members of Greater Coatesville. September is Healthy Aging Month and the perfect time to discuss steps to improve our health as we get older. Whether it’s eating more fruits and vegetables, staying hydrated, exercising, or getting enough sleep, it’s never too late to start!
According to The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (Health.gov), each September, we celebrate Healthy Aging Month across the nation “to promote ways people can stay healthy as they age.” This includes ways to get more active through the Move Your Way initiative for adults, such as muscle strengthening activities, at least 2 days a week, and aerobic exercise (anything that gets your heart beating faster), for at least 150 minutes a week. Â
In addition to eating well and other healthy habits, Health.gov notes that physical activity can boost your mood, sharpen your focus, and reduce stress. It can also help you “live a longer, healthier life” by helping to “control blood pressure, stay a healthy weight, and lower your risk of Type 2 Diabetes and some cancers.” Visit Health.gov for more information and check out these additional resources:
- Move Your Way: Tips for Getting MotivatedÂ
- Move Your Way: Interactive Activity PlannerÂ
- Federally Supported Physical Activity Initiatives and Resources for Older Adults
Reducing Health Problems and Improving Quality of Life for Older Adults
Here are some facts and statistics from the “Healthy People 2030” report from Health.gov, focusing on reducing health problems and improving quality of life for older adults.
- “By 2060, almost a quarter of the U.S. population will be age 65 or older.”
- “Older adults are at higher risk for chronic health problems like diabetes, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s disease.”Â
- “1 in 3 older adults fall each year, and falls are a leading cause of injury for this age group.”
- “Older adults are also more likely to go to the hospital for some infectious diseases — including pneumonia, which is a leading cause of death for this age group.”
The report adds that “making sure older adults get preventive care, including vaccines, can help them stay healthy.” To find out which vaccines are recommended for older adults from the NIH and National Institute on Aging, click here. And for information on where to get care, find a doctor, or find insurance in the Greater Coatesville community, click here.
The Alliance for Health Equity (formerly Brandywine Health Foundation) is a philanthropic organization striving to advance a more equitable, resilient and healthy community for all residents of the Greater Coatesville area. We pursue our mission by providing grants and scholarships to local nonprofits and students that address health and economic disparities and social justice. We also build partnership programs and give voice to those often left out of community solution building to improve the overall health of their communities. 100% of contributions go directly to those in need.