September is Healthy Aging Month—a time to celebrate growing older while focusing on ways to stay strong, active, and vibrant. Aging well isn’t just about adding years to life but adding life to those years. With the right tools, habits, and resources, you can take charge of your health and enjoy the journey ahead.

 

Physical Health: Some physical activity is better than none! It is important to continue to move daily even if it is a short walk around the block. For most, a goal of 10,000 steps in a day is an ideal average goal.

It is important to remember if physical exercise is not common in the schedule, then start slow and go easy. Starting slow could be as easy as a 5-minute walk on a treadmill or in a neighborhood. Try to increase that amount of time over then next few days to your comfort level.

•  In a 7 day span try to achieve 150 – 300 minutes of moderate exercise
• Moderate exercise is often described as increasing heart rate and making breathing harder, but not to the extent a conversation cannot be held
• Low impact exercise are a great way to introduce exercise. This could be a lap or two in a pool or walking slowly against the water. An elliptical offer low impact movement as well

When first starting to exercise, it can be easier to join classes or work with trainers to feel more accountable! Classes and trainers offer a variety of levels for training and can adjust based on your comfort.

 

Hydration: Stay hydrated when exercising and through normal daily routines. If its hard to remember getting daily water intake then switch up the flavors or the type of drink!

• For men the average amount of water in a day is about 125 oz
• For women the average amount of water in a day is about 90 oz
• Try new hydration drinks or add water flavoring packets
• Lots of stores or online shopping offer new water bottles that offer encouragement or labeling to meet the daily water needs

 

Tracking your Sleep:

• Minimum of 7 hours of sleep is recommended for general adults
• Have a routine for bed, set a schedule for when to go to bed and when to wake up. This helps the body have a consistent circadian rhythm to help recover and relax 
• Food and drinks can play a factor in sleep quality
• Spicy foods or fast food items can lead to indigestion problems and affect sleep quality
• Alcohol can cause you to become drowsy and fall asleep quicker, however it disrupts the body's REM sleep which is important for memory and repair
• Keep a sleep diary and log the time you went to sleep and got up in the morning. You can also track the quality of sleep and what helped to get better rest.
• Write down how well rested you felt the next day and be able to compare the different nights of sleep. Then you can compare what helped to get a better sleep then other day

 

Maintaining Mental Health is Key: Staying mentally healthy is just as important as taking care of the body. As you age, changes in lifestyle, health, or social circles can bring new challenges.

• Keeping in touch with family, friends, or community groups helps maintain a sense of purpose and belonging 
• Maintain Brain Health! Activities like reading, puzzles, games, or learning new skills
• Find new hobbies or re-explore interests that kept you busy and active
• Reduce the screen time and the amount that is spent on social media. Look into new books or series that interest you

Managing stress is key for overall well-being. Simple practices like mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing, or gentle exercise such as yoga can reduce anxiety and improve mood.

Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Talking to a healthcare provider about feelings of sadness, anxiety, or changes in sleep and appetite is an important step. Support and treatment are available at any age, and caring for mental health is a sign of strength, not weakness.

 

Vaccination Status: Stay on top of routine vaccinations! These help to protect yourself as well as those around you and reduce the number of doctor's office visits.

• Schedule your Annual Flu Shot!
• New COVID19 Vaccine is expected to be available in the Fall

Ask your Hartig Pharmacist on vaccine updates and what you are eligible for!

 

Annual and New Office Visits: Regular check-ups and screenings are an important part of staying healthy as you age.

• Annual physicals give doctors the chance to catch health concerns early, review medications, and go through an overall wellness check
• Routine visits also help build a strong partnership with your healthcare team, so you can feel confident about your health plan
• Screenings and exams protect long term health
• Eye exams can detect vision changes, glaucoma, or cataracts before they affect daily life
• Colonoscopies and other cancer screenings find problems early, when they are most treatable

 

Medication Management: Keep track of your medications! Missed doses and not refilling maintenance medications play a large role in your overall health.

• Use a weekly pill pack to make sure medications are being taken
• Check-ins with your provider to see if medications need to still be taken or if you have concerns about your current regimen
• Report any side effects or problems with medications to your Hartig pharmacist!
• Did you know your Hartig pharmacist can do complete medication reviews with you? This may help address medication concerns or identify issues in your current medication regimen

 

Healthy aging is about making small, consistent choices that support your body and mind. From regular exercise and good sleep to staying connected and keeping up with check-ups, each step adds up to a stronger, healthier you. September may be Healthy Aging Month, but the habits you build now can benefit you all year long and beyond. Take charge of your health, stay proactive, and celebrate the journey of aging well.