The Power of Aging: Why You Should Celebrate Aging Awareness Day
Aging Awareness Day is celebrated side by side with National HIV/AIDS Day on September 18. In 2008, the AIDS Institute launched this day to celebrate the growing number of people living longer and fuller lives with HIV according to their health and social needs.
As people with HIV live longer, issues of aging are gaining more attention from researchers, clinicians, and advocates, including the AIDS Institute, which is sponsoring the 12th annual National Aging Awareness and HIV/AIDS Day, on September 18, 2019
Why is that?
While the longevity and quality of life has improved for people living with these health issues, there are still over 1 million Americans living with this and the number keeps increasing. Nationwide, half of the people living with this within the US are over the age of 50. In Pennsylvania alone, there are over 2.5 million residents over the age of 60, making it the state with the fourth-highest portion of older adults in the nation.
Whether or not you’re living with these health issues, these past couples of decades have brought around a new era of medical opportunity, promise, and hope. While no one knows what the next year will bring, there is one truth we can’t escape: We are all older than we were last year. Aging is a natural part of life, and it’s up to us to make the most of it. No matter your age, you can always feel your best.
So here are 6 easy ways to stay active and healthy:
- Eat Smart: A healthy diet can reduce your risk for major health issues. Start by making small changes: pick leaner proteins and whole grains. Swap sugary drink for water and work fruits and vegetables into every meal, by either topping your morning cereal with berries or adding vegetables to your pasta.
- Move More: Regular exercise not only helps you live longer but it also helps you sleep better, stay at a healthy weight, and feel good about yourself. How much exercise do you need? Aim for at least 2.5 hours of moderately intense activity a week. That’s only about 30 minutes a day. If you could add two or more days of strength training, then the more the better!
- Ditch the Cigarettes: Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for your health and for the health of those around you. It’s difficult to quit, and many even relapse after quitting previously. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, your plan may offer no-cost services and medication to help you quit smoking.
- Monitor Your Health: Schedule your well-visit yearly. Even if you feel fine, a yearly visit allows you to connect with your doctor or nurse. It’s your time to get important screenings and discuss your health habits, family history, and future plans for your health. It also gives your Health Care Provider (HCP) the chance to identify problems early, when they are the easiest to treat.
- Supplement Your Nutrition: When you take supplements, ensure that your body gets enough essential nutrients to maintain or improve your health. For example, curcumin, the active component of turmeric, is one of the most promising ingredients for promoting health inflammation response. Even taking supplements that support our bones as we age, helps the cartilage surrounding our bones that naturally wear out. Some of our featured supplements specialized in this exact area including Cartiflex, Cartiquil, or Cartilast. They directly improve joint flexibility and mobility as well as help cushion and lubricate joints.
- Make Some “Me Time”: Life gets busy. It’s time we put ourselves on our to-do lists. Carve out time for yourself every day — even if it’s only for a few minutes. Do something you enjoy or that feels relaxing and satisfying. Maybe it’s meditating, or a crossword puzzle, or a cup of tea. Do what makes you feel good.
Aging Awareness Day is something that applies to all of us. It’s a reminder to make the most of the days, weeks and years ahead. Small changes can make a big difference in your overall health, so take one step toward a healthier you today!
