Healthy Aging Month

 

The concept of September is Healthy Aging® Month is to provide information and inspiration to people, ages 45-plus, to improve their physical, mental, social and financial well-being. Carolyn Worthington, Editor and Chief of Healthy Aging® Magazine, created September is Healthy Aging® Month more than 20 years ago and says, “We saw a need to draw attention to the myths of aging, to shout out ‘Hey, it’s not too late to take control of your health, it’s never too late to get started on something new.’ Why not think about the positive aspects of aging instead of the stereotypes and the negative aspects?”

To get you started on re-inventing yourself, here are some ideas from the editors of Healthy Aging® Magazine. Maybe you will find some that will help you think outside the box.

10 Tips for Reinventing Yourself during September Is Healthy Aging Month:

  1. Do Not Act Your Age
    Do not act your age or at least what you think your current age should act like. What was your best year so far? 28? 40? Now? Picture yourself at that age and be it. Some people may say this is denial, but we say it’s positive thinking and goes a long way toward feeling better about yourself. (Tip: Don’t keep looking in the mirror, just FEEL IT!)
  2. Be Positive
    Be positive in your conversations and your actions every day. When you catch yourself complaining, check yourself right there and change the conversation to something positive. (Tip: Stop watching the police reports on the local news).
  3. Ditch the Negativity
    Have negative friends who complain all of the time and constantly talk about how awful everything is? Drop them. As cruel as that may sound, distance yourself from people who do not have a positive outlook on life. They will only depress you and stop you from moving forward. Surround yourself with energetic, happy, positive people of all ages and you will be happier too. (Tip: Smile often. It’s contagious and wards off naysayers.)
  4. Walk Tall
    Walk like a vibrant, healthy person. Come on. You can probably do it. Analyze your gait. Do you walk slowly because you have just become lazy or, perhaps, have a fear of falling? (Tip: Make a conscious effort to take big strides, walk with your heel first, and wear comfortable shoes.)
  5. Stand Tall
    Stand up straight! You can knock off the appearance of a few extra years with this trick your mother kept trying to tell you. Look at yourself in the mirror. Are you holding your stomach in, have your shoulders back, chin up? Check out how much better your neck looks! Fix your stance and practice it every day, all day until it is natural. You will look great and feel better. (Tip: Your waistline will look
    trimmer if you follow this advice.)
  6. How Are Your Pearly Whites?
    How’s your smile? Research shows people who smile more often are happier. Your teeth are just as important to your good health as the rest of your body. Not only is it the first thing people notice, but good oral health is a gateway to your overall well-being. (Tip: Go to the dentist regularly and look into teeth whitening. Nothing says old more than yellowing teeth!)
  7. Lonely?
    Stop brooding and complaining about having no friends or family. Do something about it now. Right this minute. Pick up the phone, landline, or cell and make a call to do one or more of the following: Volunteer your time, take a class, invite someone to meet for lunch, brunch, dinner, or coffee. (Tip: Volunteer at the local public school to stay in touch with younger people and to keep current on trends, take a computer class or a tutorial session at your cell phone store to keep up with technology, choose a new person every week for your dining out.)
  8. Walk 10,000 Steps A Day
    Start walking not only for your health but to see the neighbors. Have a dog? You’ll be amazed how the dog can be a conversation starter. (Tip: If you don’t have time for a dog, go to your local animal shelter and volunteer. You will be thrilled by the puppy love!) Make it a goal to walk 10,000 steps a day. Want to lose some weight or belly fat? Make it 15,000. You can do it!
  9. Get Those Annual Check-Ups
    Make this month the time to set up your annual physical and other health screenings. Go to the appointments and then, hopefully, you can stop worrying about ailments for a while.
  10. Find your inner artist.
    Who says taking music lessons is for young school children? You may have an artist lurking inside you just waiting to be tapped. Have you always wanted to play the piano, violin, or tuba? Have you ever wondered if you could paint a portrait or scenic in oil? What about working in wood? (Tip: Sign up now for fall art or music classes and discover your inner artist!)

Material taken from website healthyaging.net

Resources:

Healthy Aging with Dr. Parkey

read Dr. Parkey’s bio

J. Robert Parkey, MD, MTS, HMDC, CMD
Geriatric and Supportive Care Medicine

Dr. James Robert Parkey received his Doctorate in Medicine from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and completed his residency in Family Medicine at the University of Oklahoma campus in Tulsa. He is a sixth-generation Texan, who practiced rural medicine in Henrietta for nearly two decades before finding a special love for the care of the elderly and for patients with advanced and life-limiting illnesses.

He now practices Geriatrics, Supportive Care Medicine, and Homecare Medicine in Wichita Falls, Texas. He holds board certifications in Family Medicine and in Hospice and Palliative Medicine, and certifications as a Hospice Medical Director and in Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine.
He currently serves as Medical Director for Perkins-Prothro Health Care Center and The Earl W. Crawford House of Hope. Dr. Parkey also operates an office/clinic at Presbyterian Manor and serves only the residents who live on Campus.

In addition to his medical credentials, he holds a Masters of Theological Studies from the University of Dallas and is a member of the Wichita Falls Poetry Society, the Poetry Society of Texas, and the Academy of American Poets.