09/30/21

Active Aging is Healthy Aging

Close your eyes and think about the future. What are the last 10 years of your life going to look like? Do you see yourself being healthy enough in body and mind to continue taking advantage of all life has to offer? Will you still be hosting family get-togethers, enjoying adventures with friends, and playing with your grandkids in the backyard? 

More often than not, aging is viewed as a negative part of life, but it really shouldn’t be. After all, aging is a natural process that we will all go through, and it doesn’t have to interfere with the life you want to live. That’s where active aging comes into play. 

What is Active Aging? 

The term “active aging” was first used when the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) was formed in 2001. In essence, active aging involves taking control of the aging process and making decisions that will lead you toward a long, healthy, and active life. It’s about staying physically active, maintaining social connections, caring for your mental health, and ultimately taking control of your aging journey. 

The idea of active aging has gained quite a bit of momentum since the birth of the council. So much so that each year the ICAA hosts a National Active Aging Week, which this year, lands next week (October 4th – October 10, 2021), and we hope you will celebrate with us!

Ways to Celebrate Active Aging Week

When it comes to celebrating active aging, there are endless possibilities. After all, anything you can do to keep your body, mind, and spirit healthy can be considered a form of celebration. But if you need a little inspiration, here are some of our favorite ways to celebrate. 

  1. Take a daily stroll. There’s no doubt that getting some fresh air and little exercise can do wonders for both your body and mind, both today and for years to come. So set aside some time next week to get some friends together for a stroll down Main Street, take your dog for a hike, or even spend time tending to your garden.
  2. Challenge your mind. It’s no secret that your memory and cognition may start to decline as you age, but thankfully, there’s a way to combat this–regularly challenging your mind. Doing puzzles, reading, playing word games, or joining a webinar to learn more about your favorite subject are all great ways to make sure you are keeping your mind sharp.
  3. Get social. We are social creatures, which means we all need some form of regular social interaction. In fact, adults who socialize regularly are more likely to be healthier and have a better quality of life. Capitalize on this by calling up a loved one or scheduling a lunch date with a friend or two.
  4. Take a nap. Who doesn’t like to take an afternoon nap? Not only can it help give your body the energy it needs to make it until bedtime, but napping for at least an hour a day has also been shown to help improve cognition. So go ahead, take that nap you know you want!
  5. Give back. Taking the time to give back to your community through volunteer service is an important part of active aging. After all, studies have found that those who regularly volunteer tend to live longer. With that in mind, find a local charity or event that you are passionate about and volunteer a few hours of your time next week. Your community, and your body, will thank you for it.
  6. Join a local active aging event. Organizations nationwide host a variety of events in celebration of Active Aging Week. Head over to the Active Aging Week Facebook or Twitter pages to find an event near you.
  7. Nourish your body with organic Wild Microalgae®. That’s right! Celebrate Active Aging Week by enjoying your favorite superfood. Whether you choose to support your gut with Essentials, feed your brain with Mind, or nourish your body with Renew, organic Wild Microalgae in any form is one of the best ways to support a long and healthy life. 

Active aging is healthy aging, which is why we consider it part of living the #NewEarthLife. How are you going to celebrate Active Aging Week? Share your celebrations with us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter by using the hashtag #NewEarthLife.