Healthy Aging

Healthy Aging is Part of a Happy and Long Life

Normally, the human body grows, develops, and then declines over time. There is much truth in the toll of aging. In fact, after the age of 30, the heart has a 1% decrease in its reserve pumping capacity every year. We also lose bone and muscle tissue and see a decrease in the range of motion in our joints if we do not use them appropriately especially between age 70 to 80, when as much as 40% of your skeletal muscle can be lost. Even the nervous system sees a loss in neurons from the age of 30 when the brain starts to lose thousands of neurons each day. Lung capacity and function also decreases. So does our kidney function such that by the age of 70, the function of the kidney is half of what it was at 40. Health risks and chronic conditions further lower quality of life and shortens life span.

By living a healthy lifestyle, practicing prevention, and managing any conditions early and often, you can age gracefully, live a long happy life, and reduce additional declines in your body’s system. Did you know that our personal health is made up of our lifestyle (50%), environment (20), genetics (20%), and access to healthcare (10%)? It is up to each of us personally to take our health seriously and make it a priority in life so that we can get the most out of our time on this earth.

September is Healthy Aging month where we encourage you to celebrate life, health, and happiness by focusing on the positive aspects of aging. Exploring through movement and experiencing new situations all while continuing to develop skills and performing artisan craftsmanship. Enjoying your career, your family, and friends can make life joyful and full of positivity. The campaign focuses on ages 45-plus and inspires people to improve their physical, mental, social and financial well-being.

Tips to Living Healthy Aging

1. Have a positive, preventive, and proactive attitude toward aging
2. Improve your posture and body mechanics when doing anything – this will reduce your wear and tear on your joints.
3. Get into a routine – sleep, movement, healthy eating, stress management, practice gratitude
4. Avoid risky behaviors which could lead to accidents or acute and chronic health concerns.
5. Walk tall in good posture in a vibrant way to reduce Musculo-skeletal injuries.
6. Smile more often and be mindful of the positive things in your life.
7. Spend time with positive people who practice healthy lifestyles and make healthy choices and less time in negative conversations and with negative people in your life.
8. Seek healthcare for prevention and proactive management of health concerns – build a relationship with your primary care provider and the RF&G Life team.
9. Know your benefits and resources from your health insurance plan, your providers, your employer, and your community.
10. Do something you enjoy as a hobby, sport, recreation, or leisure activity.