Tag Archives: healthy aging

Get Moving for Senior Health & Fitness Day

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(GIF Credit:  https://giphy.com/gifs/tvland-dance-happy-l3q2YZF3y5pwt2aXe)

Staying active and maintaining good nutrition habits are key to healthy aging.  On Senior Health & Fitness Day, more than 120,000 older adults will participate in local events that encourage them to get moving!

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the decline in strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance that occurs with aging contributes to diminished independence, diminished vitality, and increased likelihood of disabling injury.

Here are some fun ways to be active today:

  • Walk, walk, walk! Whether you visit a park or walk around a mall, get those steps in!
  • Water aerobics Check your local community pool for classes.
  • Yoga Stretch those muscles and relax your mind.
  • Zumba Gold Zumba Gold is a class designed for seniors.  Search for classes in your area.
  • Golf Play a round or two.  Ditch the cart and walk the course
  • Dance Dancing is a way to exercise without even realizing its impact.

The South Carolina Department on Aging has many resources to assist with fitness, nutrition, social and recreational activities and more.  The population of older adults is growing and living longer than ever.  Make today the day to start or maintain a fitness regime to sustain your years.

September is Healthy Aging Month

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By Michele James, Division of Healthy Aging Director

September is Healthy Aging Month, an annual national observance focused on the positive aspects of growing older and taking personal responsibility for one’s health – physically, socially, mentally and financially.  There is no getting around the fact that as we age our bodies and mind change, however, there’s a lot you can do to improve your health and longevity and reduce your risk for physical and mental disability as you get older.

Americans are living longer and better than ever before thanks to major medical and public health advances and greater access to health care. Life expectancy at birth in the United States has reached a record high of 78.8 years and many Americans are living up to their 80’s and beyond.

In South Carolina, from 2000 to 2010 the older adult population grew by 32.1%, putting the state in the top ten fastest growing older adult populations.  By 2029, it is expected that our state’s population of older adults will exceed 1.1 million, resulting in one of five South Carolinians being over the age of 65.

No matter what your age, making changes and improvements can have a positive effect on how well you age.

Healthy behaviors such as exercising regularly, good nutrition, and getting recommended health screenings can contribute to longer, healthier lives, even if someone has a chronic condition or a disability.  The SC Department of Health and Environmental Control, Division of Healthy Aging in collaboration with the Lt. Governor’s Office on Aging   promote two exercise programs and one chronic disease self-management program:

For more information on these programs, click here.