10 Tips for Reinventing Yourself During Healthy Aging Month

happy older adults sitting in the autumn leaves

September is Healthy Aging Month, a time that provides inspiration for adults to improve their physical, mental, social and financial well-being. Thorek Retirement Home in Chicago has 10 tips for reinventing yourself this month.

Remember, it’s never too late to start living your healthiest life!

1. Do NOT act your age
Don’t act how old you are, but how old you feel.

2. Be Positive
This can be especially difficult with the year we are having this year, but when you catch yourself having negative thoughts, try to change directions and focus on the positive.

3. Ditch the Negativity
Surround yourself only with positive people who enrich your life. Happiness is contagious.

4. Walk Tall
Get out and get walking. It’s the easiest way to get some exercise while also getting some fresh air. And Fall in Chicago is the best time to be out walking! While you are out, analyze your gait. Make a conscious effort to take big strides, walk with your heel first, and wear comfortable shoes. And remember to wear your mask! 

5. Stay Balanced
Practice yoga or tai chi to improve agility and prevent falls. Yoga also helps improve flexibility and balance, and is great for the mind- helping reduce stress that comes with aging.

6. Don’t forget
To aid your memory, make lists, follow routines, slow down, and organize.
Learn more about our Memory Care services here.

7. Sleep Well
When it comes to sleep it’s about the quantity — adults ages 65+ are recommended to get 7-8 hours per night — and the quality — have a comfortable, supportive mattress and pillow, disconnecting from devices prior to bedtime, ensure your room is dark and cool, and implement a relaxing pre-bedtime routine.

8. Get Those Annual Check-Ups
Make this month the time to set up your annual physical and other health screenings. This would include your eye doctor and dentist as well as your physician. Take care of your health. Our retirement community has a convenient location next-door to Methodist Hospital of Chicago offering our residents a safety net of round-the-clock medical care when necessary.

9. Maintain A Healthy Diet
Incorporate a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet daily. Eating beans and other high-fiber foods is good for digestive and heart health. Additionally, stay hydrated by drink a lot of water, at least 6-8 glasses per day.

10. Stay social
Take a class, join a book club, volunteer, play games, see old friends, and make new ones. It is especially important this year to stay social and stay connected with others. Call your loved ones – especially those in senior living communities – to check in as often as you can.
At Thorek Retirement Home, we offer a variety of social opportunities for our residents from card games, to fitness classes, to services for a variety of faiths. See our calendar of events here.