Learn More About Healthy Aging Month

What Does Healthy Aging Mean to You?

Every September, those in the health industry recognize and celebrate healthy aging to raise national awareness about the health and well-being of older adults.

But what does it mean to acknowledge healthy aging?

Simply put, it means that we need to place a focus and understanding of the needs of older folks in terms of lifestyle, exercise, and dietary needs. Whether we’re talking about brain health or physical health, celebrating this every September gives us the opportunity to learn more about how to age in the healthiest of ways.

Below, we’ll share some of our favorite tips for healthy aging and how physical therapy plays a huge role in this.

What is Healthy Aging?

According to the World Health Organization, healthy aging is a continuous process of optimizing opportunities to maintain and improve physical and mental health, independence, and quality of life throughout the life course. Currently, we are in “The Decade of Healthy Ageing,” starting in 2021 and lasting until 2030. It is a time when we’re bringing together governments and civil society, international agencies, and professionals from all around the world for ten years to take action to improve the lives of older people and the communities in which they live.

Key Guidelines for Older Adults

As part of your weekly physical activity, older adults should ensure that they’re doing a multicomponent physical activity. This should include balance training, aerobics, and muscle strengthening.

  • It’s important to consider what your level of effort will be for physical activity versus your level of physical fitness. 

  • If you have a chronic condition, you should understand whether or not your condition will affect your ability to engage in physical activity. 

  • If you cannot complete 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity in a week, you need to consider how much physical activity your condition will allow. 

  • According to the “Move Your Way Campaign,” it’s important to do strength training twice per week. 

  • If you cannot complete this amount of physical activity per week, try for even just five minutes per day, as even this level of activity offers health benefits.

How Does Physical Therapy Come into Play?

Whether you have a chronic condition, an injury, or are healing from surgery, it’s important to make sure that you’re still getting your physical activity in, so long as whatever you’re experiencing allows it.

By working with a physical therapist, you can ensure that you’re staying within the guidelines of your healing or chronic illness but getting your physical activity in. Your physical therapist will not only work with you on a weekly basis but can give you a plan that allows you to heal and strengthen while in the comforts of your own home.

Why Choose Staat Physical Therapy

Our team is dedicated to providing you with a comprehensive plan that truly helps you. Upon arrival for your first appointment, we provide you with a comprehensive evaluation with a thorough treatment plan, customized to address your symptoms and reestablish ideal function.

Don’t hesitate to get started with our physical therapists and start on your path to healthy aging today!!