The Golden Years: Aging Gracefully

Megha Panda, D.O.

September is "Healthy Aging Month", and the time to focus on ways to maximize your physical and mental well-being as you get older. Aging leads to changes in your muscles, bones, joints, memory, eyes, and ears. Here are some steps to take today:

• Strengthen your core. A strong core is key to having good balance and reducing your risk of falls. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one out of four older adults falls yearly. Harvard Health warns against crunches and sit-ups, which can risk back and neck strain. Instead, they suggest bridges, planks, and opposite arm and leg raises.

• Protect your eyes. Regular eye exams can lead to early detection of glaucoma and other dangerous diseases that can affect your vision. Some of these illnesses do not always have apparent symptoms, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

• Maintain social connections. Make your friendships and family ties a priority. Consider joining a senior travel group, social group, or volunteer organization if you are looking to develop new friendships. This also helps to keep you active. Bodies that are in motion stay in motion.

• Keep your brain agile. Eskenazi Health Aging Brain Care program recommends BrainHealthMatters.org for resources and tips that can help you improve your brain’s health and reduce cognitive decline. Getting good sleep and staying active in knowledge are essential for your brain health. Check out some tuition-free classes at Ivy Tech for individuals at or above the age of 60: ivytech.edu/programs/special-programs-for-students/senior-scholars. Consider utilizing the activities and resources available at your local library branch as well.

• Stay physically active and eat well. Consider joining the Eskenazi Health Healthy Me program (eskenazihealth.edu/programs/healthy-me), which provides free exercise and nutrition groups for patients.

• Lower your stress levels. You can find Care for You, a collection of meditation and other relaxation recordings, at eskenazihealth.edu/programs/music-therapy.

• Meet regularly with your primary care provider. Paying attention to changes in your health is crucial to staying well as you age. Eskenazi Health Senior Care offers providers who specialize in working with older adults. You can fill out an appointment request from their website at eskenazihealth.edu/health-services/senior-care.

For more tips on good health as you age, see cdc.gov/healthy-aging.

Megha Panda, D.O.

Internal Medicine and Pediatrics

Chief Physician Executive, Eskenazi Health Center, Blackburn