Staying Well

An essential part of overall health and wellness includes mental health. Good physical and mental health can support an overall sense of well-being. The Aging Well Program can help you understand the signs of aging, changes in mental health and what action you should take to stay well in mind and body. The following are resources you can access; you can also contact our Aging Well team for help.

Mental Health

There are a variety of things to consider when talking about mental health. For seniors, mental health can be about keeping the mind alert and agile in its ability to store, process and access information and daily skills. Sensory stimulation is important in helping preserve and sometimes restore the areas of our brain that help us maintain independence. Learn how sensory activities can benefit older adults.

And, what about our mental health in terms of our emotions and feelings? Seniors are at an increased risk for a change in mental health, but it is not a normal part of aging. Being aware of how to take care of your body, mind and spirit are all essential to mental health. Seeking professional help early can improve the quality of your life — no matter what your age. See what steps you can take to improve in this area.

If you have thoughts of hurting yourself or someone else you can get immediate help bycalling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or chatting with them online.

Forgetfulness

As a senior, it is easy to feel worried when you have an occasional bout of forgetfulness. Frequent forgetfulness can even be normal. So how do you know when your ability to remember is more than just forgetfulness? The National Institute on Aging shares the difference between signs of normal aging and something more serious like Alzheimer’s disease or Dementia. They also have tips for how you can approach the topic with your health care provider.

Staying Fit

Beyond having a healthy weight, there are many benefits to staying fit. Staying fit can also help maintain and improve your strength, improve balance and flexibility, increase cognitive abilities, reduce stress and the risk of depression and anxiety and can prevent or delay chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and hypertension. The National Institute on Aging provides tips for exercise and physical activity. Talk with your primary care provider or our Aging Well Team before beginning a new exercise regimen

Preventive Services

Navigating through all the various opinions on what preventive services are recommended based on your age and gender can be overwhelming. Do I need a colonoscopy? When should I get certain vaccinations? Does my family history play a role in certain conditions? Does being a tobacco user change what I need? U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ MyHealthfinder helps answer these questions and more. You can also with your primary care provider about the preventive services that are recommended for you. Contact Compass Rose Benefits Group if you have questions about covered benefits.

Healthy Weight

As a senior, maintaining a healthy weight can be difficult because (usually) our bodies no longer need the same amount of food to maintain energy demands it did when we were younger. If you eat more than your body needs, you will gain weight. And if you do not eat enough, you will lose weight. How much food do you need? There are a few factors that affect the calories you need. Use this calorie calculator to see how many calories are right for you. Talk to your primary care provider or our Aging Well Team before making any dietary changes.

Get Started

The resources on our site are a good starting point to help develop your aging well plan. Everyone’s needs are unique — that is why we have people you can talk with regarding your individual goals.