Unfortunately, as a person ages, their risk of having a chronic illness increases. According to research by the National Council on Aging, around 90% of people over the age of 60 have at least one chronic illness, while around 80% have at least two or more. But the good news is that if you adopt a healthy lifestyle, you can live a pretty satisfying, independent life. Also, it is never too late to get started!!
Keep in mind it is never too late to boost your health as you age, and here are some tips that the National Institute on Aging suggests:
- Get moving - find a good balance of exercise that incorporates strength training, flexibility, aerobics and balance. This is important for our physical health and also affects mental health as well.
- Choose healthy food rich in nutrients - make sure you incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. This not only helps with weight management, but also with lowering the risk of certain chronic illnesses.
- Manage stress – long-term chronic stress can have major negative effects on the body, physically and mentally. Find forms of self-care that help you manage stress that you can practice on a regular basis.
- Learn something new – join a class or a club or just work on something that challenges you to learn new information is helpful in maintaining brain health and also may assist in promoting independence and purpose.
- Go to the doctor regularly – get regular exams, medical screenings and vaccinations.
- Connect with family and friends - social connectedness has been identified as one of the biggest factors in increased well-being and longevity.
There are many other things you can do to contribute to good health, but if you do have a chronic illness and want to become a better self-manager of your condition, you may want to check into a Chronic Disease Self-Management Program that may be offered in your community. You can find out if there are any in your community by contacting your local senior center, medical facility or Illinois Extension office. There are currently two coming up that will be offered virtually through Illinois Extension. To get more information and register, go online to go.illinois.edu/CDSMRegister or https://go.illinois.edu/TakeChargeofYourHealthFall2024
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Author: Cheri Burcham is responsible for family life programming in the counties of Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Moultrie, Shelby and other parts of east central Illinois as needed. Cheri’s emphasis is on healthy lifestyles throughout the life span which include family relationships, communication, caregiving, stress management and human development including early childhood and healthy aging. Her passion is to help people to be their best selves and to promote a healthier, independent older population. When Cheri is not engaged in Extension work, she can be found raising Monarch butterflies and spreading the word about their amazing life cycles and migration to anyone who will listen!