Healthy Aging Month – September 2023

Healthy Aging Month is in September, and we’re here with activities, facts, and much more to help you celebrate the month in the best way possible. Did you know that it has been 30 years since Healthy Aging Month was celebrated for the first time? People celebrate this month by incorporating habits like exercise, eating healthy food, and getting enough sleep into their daily routines. It is also a day for encouraging others to stay active and take steps to improve physical and mental health.

History of Healthy Aging Month

Healthy Aging Month was started to encourage people to focus on their health and take precautions to help them face the challenges that come with aging. September is Healthy Aging is a brand that started over 30 years ago in 1992 when people born in the 1940s were turning 50. It spread the message that it is possible to adopt a healthier lifestyle at any age and mature gracefully.

The origins are credited to a television special that inspired people to make lifestyle and dietary changes to prevent heart problems. The show received the American Heart Association’s Howard Blakeslee Award. Many campaigns followed, including the distribution of books, brochures, videotapes, etc.

In 1996, the United States Postal Service (U.S.P.S.) launched the Healthy Aging campaign. A letter-writing contest was initiated with the topic “What’s Your Secret For Healthy Aging?” The goal was to raise awareness about leading a healthy life and to make people recognize the importance of letter writing. The campaign also included television ads, seminars, guides and kits, and prizes.

In 2000, the “Healthy Aging Magazine” was launched. It featured articles and information on positive lifestyle changes that could boost one’s health and well-being. In 2014, the Healthy Aging website was launched. People could now get digital newsletters that included information and resources. September was chosen as Healthy Aging Month to further raise awareness on physical and mental health, especially in people over 45. It is celebrated every year by millions who pursue fun physical activities and encourage others to lead an active lifestyle.

Healthy Aging Month timeline

Healthy Aging Month FAQs

What is considered healthy aging?
Healthy aging refers to the continuous process of making lifestyle improvements that keep a person physically and mentally, throughout life.

At what age do you start aging?
When it comes to skin, there’s not much that can be done to stop the aging process completely. Signs of aging, such as wrinkles and spots result from an accumulation of defects in the cells and intracellular structures. Experts have found that skin aging typically starts around age 25.

What is the most attractive age?
A study in the United States showed that people looked their best and were considered most attractive in their thirties.

Healthy Aging Month Activities

1. Pick an activity
   Make a change in your lifestyle today. Choose an activity you enjoy. It can be anything from playing a sport, exercising, going for walks, or making changes in your diet. Pick one and commit to it.
2. Share it on social media
   Let everyone know the importance of this day. Take pictures of yourself working out or eating a healthy meal, and share them on your social media page. This will inspire more people to follow in your footsteps.
3. Read more about health and nutrition
   Leading a healthy, active lifestyle is important, especially after the age of 45, when our bodies tend to be more prone to injuries and ailments. Hence, it is important to gather knowledge to help you live a long, healthy, and happy life.

5 Facts About Exercise That Will Blow Your Mind

1. It’s good for the brain
   Exercise is not only good for physical fitness, it also stimulates the growth of new brain cells.
2. It slows down aging
   Exercise is known to slow down the process of aging.
3. It makes the skin healthier
   The pores of the skin that are often blocked by dead cells and debris are cleared when you sweat during exercise.
4. It improves sleep quality
   Research shows that exercising can help you fall asleep faster and improve sleep quality.
5. It boosts confidence
   Exercise gets you in shape and releases endorphins, which can boost your confidence levels immensely.

Why We Love Healthy Aging Month

1. It reminds us to stay healthy
   We often get so caught up with our daily routine that we forget to take care of ourselves. This month reminds us of the importance of following a healthy lifestyle to ensure we age comfortably.
2. It gives us a chance to develop a new skill
   Healthy Aging Month is an opportunity to learn new skills. Whether it is a sport that you’ve always wanted to play or include healthy dishes in your diet. This is the perfect time to make sure you have a well-balanced lifestyle.
3. It gives us a chance to expand our knowledge
   This month allows us to read and expand our knowledge on health and nutrition. Knowledge is power, and it is important to take charge of our lives with all the information we need to do the right thing and keep ourselves on track.

Healthy Aging Month dates