Healthy Aging

Healthy Aging

What exactly is healthy aging? According to the Centers on Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) “Healthy aging means living a long, productive, meaningful life and enjoying a high quality of life.” In the State of Aging and Health in America 2013 report, the authors describe how chronic disease management accounts for a majority of healthcare costs.  A few key strategies and services are listed below which may help you manage and/or prevent chronic diseases and promote healthy aging.

Services

  • Education and information are provided through handouts, educational programs, articles in the Council on Aging newsletter, and on our Facebook page
  • Programs and social/educational activities and a variety of exercise classes are available that facilitate healthy aging
  • Health Screenings and/or immunizations are offered each month (e.g. flu shots, hearing screening, blood glucose screening, blood pressure screening)
  • The Living Healthy Workshop is an evidence-based structured participant workshop held for 2.5 hours weekly over six weeks. This evidence-based program helps individuals with chronic health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, lung/heart diseases or many other chronic conditions learn how to: deal with frustration, pain, and isolation; maintain and improve strength and flexibility; manage medications; eat healthy, and communicate effectively to family, friends, and health care providers.

 See our calendar, newsletter and Facebook page on upcoming events for more information.

Council on Aging Home Modifications

To find out more information about the listed services, please contact the Healthy Aging Specialist at 252-752-1717 (see the Injury Prevention section of the website for additional information).

Handouts on a Variety of Healthy Aging Topics

 

 

Healthy Aging Strategies

  • Exercise regularly (with physician approval)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that older adults without a health condition try to perform strengthening exercises two or more days a week and participate in 75 or more minutes of aerobic activity each week (amount varies depending on the intensity of the exercises)

  • Receive age appropriate immunizations (with physician approval).

View the CDC website for a schedule of recommended immunizations.

  • Eat a healthy diet

Try to eat a balanced diet which includes a variety of food groups. Choose different colored fruits and vegetables which contain different nutrients. Read nutrition labels to ensure the food you are eating is healthy.

  • Avoid tobacco use

If you currently smoke, consider participating in a tobacco cessation program

  • Obtain recommended preventative health screenings

(e.g. cholesterol, colorectal cancer, diabetes, breast cancer screening for women)

Reference: The State of Aging and Health in America, 2013; CDC, National Institute on Aging

Additional Resources and Information