National Senior Health and Fitness Day
National Senior Health and Fitness Day is held annually on the last Wednesday of May. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of staying healthy and active as we age, promoting physical activity and overall wellness among older adults. By taking steps towards active aging, we can enjoy vibrant health in the golden years.
Tips for active aging
Stay active. Getting regular physical activity can help prevent, delay and manage chronic disease. Aim for at least 150 minutes a week (30 minutes a day, five days a week) of moderate activity, such as walking, gardening or swimming (1).
Prioritize nutrition. Eating a balanced diet of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean protein and healthy fats can help you get the proper nutrition as you age. Try to maintain a regular eating schedule that you look forward to enjoying every day (2).
Keep your mind engaged. An important part of maintaining wellness through aging is keeping your brain active. There are lots of activities to keep your mind active, such as reading, playing games, taking a class, volunteering and learning a new skill or hobby. Some scientists have stated that such activities help the brain become more adaptable in mental functions so it can compensate for brain changes from aging (3).
Get regular check-ups. Visit your doctor for preventive services, not just when you are sick. An annual check-up gives your doctor a chance to find any health problems early. Many diseases are easiest to treat when they are in the early stages (4).
Stay connected. Maintaining social connections with family, friends and community is essential to healthy aging. Interactions with others is exercise for your brain and can help reduce health risks associated loneliness and social isolation (5).
Sources:
“How much physical activity do older adults need?”, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,13 Apr 2023, https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/older_adults/index.htm
“Nutrition for Older Adults: Why Eating Well Matters as You Age”, Cleveland Clinic, 6 July 2023, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-age-better-by-eating-more-healthfully
“Cognitive Health and Older Adults”, National Institute on Aging, 1 Oct 2020, https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/brain-health/cognitive-health-and-older-adults
Watson Stephanie, “Benefits of Annual Checkups in Your 50s and Older”, WebMD, 10 Sep 2022, https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/annual-checkups-seniors-importance
“A surprising key to healthy aging: Strong social connections”, Mayo Clinic, 15 Mar 2024, https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/healthy-aging/a-surprising-key-to-healthy-aging-strong-social-connections/