Kirby Pines Retirement Community | The Pinecone

The Pinecone | September 2024 • 5 • HEALTHY AGING Hooray for Healthy living equates to healthy aging. Developing good habits, such as exercising regularly and well-balanced nutrition, throughout the lifespan contributes to thriving as we age. It is never too late to implement healthy living, however the earlier you can start, the greater impact it can have on your quality of life. Did you know that the aging process starts at 30 years old? Technically, since the minute you are born, you start to age! Here are some simple tips to healthy living: Drink Plenty and Eat the Rainbow – We all know the drill – stay hydrated and eat a well-balanced, colorful diet, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein, and dairy. A well-balanced diet and proper hydration can help prolong a disease-free life. It also helps promote healthy skin! Move More, Sit Less – Too much of a good thing (sitting!), can zap your energy levels, make your joints stiff and achy, and affect your overall health. Get up and move! Aim for 30 minutes per day of movement – walking, standing instead of sitting when possible, gardening, and/or parking further away from door entrances. Get Regular Checkups – Stay on top of your health by making regular appointments with your primary care physician, and any other doctors (optometrist, podiatrist, cardiologist, etc.) as needed. Brain Health Changes – Your brain needs a workout, just like your muscles. Challenge your brain regularly to help keep your mind healthy. Ways to do this include puzzles, crosswords, trivia, and/or reading. Choose TODAY to make a change in your lifestyle. Choose something you enjoy – walking, gardening, or incorporating more water into your diet – and commit to it. If you are already doing the things above – CONGRATULATIONS! If you are unsure of where to start for your own fitness journey, or if you are interested in learning some additional areas of opportunity, reach out to your Functional Pathways Therapy Team! SEPTEMBER Is Healthy Aging Month!