The Importance of a Health Aging Plan

As you (or someone that you love) ages, it is important to continue to have a good quality of life. This is especially true for those who want to continue to live at home and be independent. It may be time to think about making a healthy aging plan. However, in order to do so, it is important to know what that means.

What is a Healthy Aging Plan?

A healthy aging plan is a way to help you age with grace, while living safely and as independently as possible. It combines both physical and mental health, along with striving for a good quality of life.

It is also important to know that your healthy aging plan can change as you age. You may need more help in some areas than others as you grow older. Just because you already have a plan in place, it doesn't mean that you can't adjust it as needed, so that you can continue to live your best life.  

Why it is So Important?

Making sure that you age in a healthy way is very important. It is crucial for those who want to continue to live as autonomously as possible in their own home, while also staying safe.

What are the Components of a Healthy Aging Plan?

Staying healthy consists of many components. These include: 

• Staying active.
• Staying busy, by doing things that you enjoy doing. 
• Staying safe. 
• Eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated, depending on your specific needs.
• Staying connected with friends, family, and your community. 
• Taking care of your brain and mental health. 
• Taking care of any health conditions that you may have. 

How Do You Go About Putting Together a Healthy Aging Plan? 

Once you decide that you need a healthy aging plan, you may not be sure where to start. You can begin with a look at your health (or the health of your loved one). You may want to ask yourself the following questions.

• How do you feel on a regular basis? Are you feeling good and happy? Are you starting to slow down?
• Do you think that you need help now? Or are you just planning for the future? 
• Do you have any medical conditions that you need to think about? What does the future look like with that medical condition? Could you get worse and need more help? 
• What is your nutrition like? Are you eating as healthy as possible? Do you need some help in the kitchen to make sure that you are eating a better diet? Are you getting enough water to stay hydrated?
• Are you connected to others? Are you able to spend time with your family and friends? Do you spend time doing things with others? Or are you staying home by yourself more? 

At this point, you should really take a look at what you want your future to look like. Does it involve staying home and getting help? Would you prefer to move to a community where you can spend time with others who are retired like you and just want to enjoy life? Once you narrow down your preferences, you can start to prepare your healthy aging plan. Remember that it can continue to change as your needs change - or even if you just decide you want to do something different. 

 If you require some assistance to stay healthy and safe in your day-to-day life and environment, you may want to contact us at Senior Helpers of Greater Oklahoma City. We will be happy to provide you or your loved one as much (or as little) assistance needed so you can continue to live your best life at home - or wherever home might be. Please contact us today at 405 608 4339 to learn more about how we can support you and your healthy aging plan.