September is Healthy Aging Month! LifeStream is dedicated to supporting our community members by offering services and programs to promote healthy aging and maintaining quality of life. There are a number of factors that go into promoting healthy aging including physical activity, balanced diet, social engagement, healthcare access, and more. Below are a few tips on how to implement these healthy aging factors into your routine:
Physical Activity: Implementing regular physical activity helps to maintain mobility, strength, and balance. This can be as simple as daily walks through the neighborhood, at-home stretches and yoga, or organized group fitness classes. LifeStream offers a variety of health and wellness programs and classes to help promote active living among older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers. Falls Prevention Day is on September 22 this year, making this month a perfect time to join A Matter of Balance class with LifeStream!
Balanced Diet: Nutrition plans should be adapted to each individual’s unique nutritional needs, but starting with a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is a good start as these all support overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. LifeStream provides a variety of nutrition programs including senior community cafes, home delivered meals, and senior Electronic Farmers’ Market Nutrition Vouchers (eFMNP) to assist in maintaining an accessible nutrition plan.
Social Engagement: Promoting social engagement can positively impact mental and physical health by actively combatting loneliness and isolation. Social engagement can be achieved through community programs like senior centers, recreational activities, or virtual meetups with friends and family. LifeStream provides a variety of programs that offer social engagement in tandem with nutritional and wellness benefits as well as annual events throughout the year. See which LifeStream events may benefit you by searching our event calendar.
Healthcare: Access to healthcare is essential for promoting quality of life and healthy aging. This can include regular checkups and screenings, in-home care management, or government programs like Medicare. LifeStream offers services including in-home care management and options counseling to support you in your healthy aging journey.
This year, Medicare Education Week is September 15–21; a great resource on Medicare education and fraud prevention is the Senior Medicare Patrol. Protecting yourself and loved ones from Medicare fraud is an important part of healthy aging.
Caregiver Support: Caregivers play a huge role in the healthy aging of older adults and individuals with disabilities by assisting with all of the above and much more. Resources and support are essential for caregivers’ well-being, which ultimately benefits the individual with care needs as well. LifeStream can help with support, transitions, education, and planning as you step in to caregiving. LifeStream’s STEP In Caregiver Programs are a comprehensive way to educate and support family caregivers, care partners, and people with care needs.
Healthy Aging Month is an opportunity to highlight the importance of health and well-being for older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers. LifeStream Services is here to support and promote a comprehensive approach to aging that includes physical, mental, and social health. If LifeStream does not offer a service you or a loved one need, our Information & Assistance department can provide the proper information and resources.
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