10 Tips for Healthy Aging Month

 

Renew Yourself During September's Healthy Aging Month

 

Healthy Aging Month is a great time to renew your Retirement life. Most of us spend our younger days working our way to retirement. However, some of us find our retirement days to be sad, lonely and even depressing. The good news is, you can change that. Retirement can be a whole new adventure – even exciting.

 

 

With little changes, you can renew yourself. Build self-esteem. Accomplish something you have always wanted but never had the time to.  And September is a great time to do it. During Health Aging Month you can renew yourself while aging as healthy as you can.

 

Here are some tips to get you started with Healthy Aging:

 

1.  GO BACK TO SCHOOL

 

It’s never too late...to go to College. Whether you are returning to College or attending for the first time, it is a great way to spend some of your time. Take courses you have always wanted to take. Learn things that interest you instead of taking classes you have to take. Take a cooking class or an art class. Learn new skills. Learn new technology. Many colleges even offer discounts for seniors who want to take classes. Plus it’s a great way to get out and meet people – an added bonus to healthy aging.

 

 

2.  LEARN HOW TO PAINT OR DO OTHER CRAFTS

 

Learning new things is a great way to celebrate Healthy Aging Month. If college is not for you, try a one day class. See if you like painting. Who knows - you may find it to be a new hobby. Paint a Landscape, seascape, floral or still life painting in one class. No painting experience necessary. Michaels, the arts and crafts retailer with locations nationwide offers classes on painting, scrap booking and other creative crafts. Painting with a Twist is another company that offers one day painting classes where you go home at the end of the class with a beautiful painting.

 

 

3.  INTERNSHIP AT YOUR DREAM JOB

 

Was there a job you always wanted to do but never got a chance to? Did you give up your dream job to support the family? Now’s your time to try that job your always wanted. You are never too old to be an intern. Check with places you have dreamed of working at and see if they have interns. Who knows you may even end up with a part-time job doing what you have always wanted to do. Many employers now hire only after they've seen your quality of work, so an internship is your opportunity to show off your mature skills.

 

 

4.  VOLUNTEER

 

Retirement is a great time to volunteer and focus on healthy aging. Don’t sit at home with nothing to do. Do something you are passionate about. Volunteers are always needed. And with so many different opportunities, there is sure to be one you would like to try. Volunteers are needed at hospitals, schools, shelters, non-profit organizations and even as foster parents for homeless animals. Plus there are unique experiences, such as the program at Big Cat Rescue, in Tampa, Florida, where you can volunteer in a sanctuary for big cats.

 

 

5.  TAKE A VOLUNTEER VACATION

 

Visit new places, meet new people, and give back to the community. Retirement is a great time to take a volunteer vacation. These trips are a great way to try something new, fulfill a dream, or experiment living in a different place, for a short or longer time commitment. Check with your church or other volunteer programs in your area to see if there are any opportunities available. You can also visit Volunteer Vacations Across America for more information.

 

 

6.  HIT THE ROAD

 

Retirement is a great time to Hit the Road. Jump in the car for a short day trip to area attractions or take that cruise you have always dreamed of. Travel is one of the top picks when people are asked what they would do if they had more time. Sometimes family commitments or money is a factor but its important to take time for yourself. Enjoy the good years. Here are several travel sites for finding good fares and rates: Travelocity.com, Expedia.com, Priceline.com and Kayak.com.

 

 

7.  BECOME A ROCK N ROLL STAR

 

Have you always dreamed of being a Rock Star? Well here’s your chance to be one – well for the weekend at least. Check out Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp, where mere mortals jam with rock legends, write/record an original song and play live on stage at a major concert venue. Past camps have been held in New York City, Woodstock, and London.

 

 

8.  TRY A NEW SPORT OR ACTIVITY

 

Try a new sport or pick up on one you left behind in your early days. Try anything from Baseball to Hiking to Kayaking. Whatever you are passionate about or have always wanted to try. It’s never too late and there are many locations offering courses, trips, and lessons. There are even classes you can take if you are not as mobile as you once were. Water Aerobics and Yoga are great low impact exercise classes you can take. And both are great ways to improve flexibility and movement – resulting in healthy aging.

 

 

9.  DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY

 

Surprise your friends and family at the next wedding or social gathering. Take a dance class or two. Learn how to salsa, waltz or even belly dance. Plus seniors who get regular physical exercise are 60% less likely to get dementia. And the more active you stay the better you will feel and the more mobility you will retain.

 

Contact your local recreation department, YMCA, community center. Many of them offer enrichment classes such as dance and exercise. You can also check out these websites for dance studios in your area: National Dance Council of America, or Dance Studios USA .

 

 

10.  VISIT FARM MARKETS & ORCHARDS

 

Fall is a great time to add more fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet. Fruits and vegetables are an important part of your daily diet. Make sure you are eating the recommended daily amount by stocking your fridge with fresh produce. Plus you can make it into a fun activity or day trip. Visit local farm markets, for fresh produce. You may even spark a conversation with people you meet on your travels. Go to an orchard and pick your own apples or just enjoy the fresh cider and donuts.

 

 

These are just a few suggestions on how you can renew yourself during Healthy Aging Month. Just remember staying active physically and mentally will help you age healthier. It can even reduce your risk of Alzheimer's and other memory impairments. Keep your brain busy and you'll be on your way to healthy aging.

 

 

If you find its time to move to a senior housing community, where daily activities and nutritious meals are on the menu daily, call a senior specialist (888) WE-ASSIST. You can also visit AlternativesforSeniors.com to search for senior housing nationwide.