Regular exercise and physical activity and mental health awareness are all components to healthy aging. And September is the month when healthy aging takes center stage, especially for the Great Care family.

This year, the National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC) and National Council on Aging (NCOA) are focusing on fitness, learning, friendship, and purpose highlighted in senior center programs.

“This year’s theme, ‘Finding Balance at Your Center,’ highlights the whole-person wellness programming that senior centers strive to provide and the support provided by staff and volunteers,” says Maureen O’Leary, NISC Program Manager. “Older adults across the age spectrum go to their local senior centers to stay active, engaged, and to find a fulfilling balance of aspiration and intention.”

According to the NCOA, senior centers generally offer four types of programming: health activities that promote physical and mental wellness and education; learning activities that expand seniors’ horizons with new choices or new adventures; social activities that help them develop friendships; and activities that help older adults connect to their purpose, whether occupational or vocational.

“Taking a painting class, listening to a lecture, exercising, planting a community garden, laughing with friends — these are all moments that allow for the daily practice of living a balanced life,” says James Firman, NCOA President and CEO. “Supporting this curiosity and community growth, while also providing practical tools and resources to maintain independent lifestyles are important to today’s dynamic generation of older adults.”

The NCOA’s Center for Healthy Aging is one way the nonprofit organization connects community organizations with proven programs that help older adults manage their behavioral health and live full lives. The Center helps community organizations offer fun and proven programs that keep seniors moving.

“Regular exercise can help older adults stay independent and prevent many health problems that come with age,” says the NCOA.

The Centers for Disease Control offers physical activity guidelines for Americans, including the recommendation of two types of physical activity each week to improve health — aerobic and muscle-strengthening.

Experts recommend older adults engage in:

• Moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes five days a week.
• Muscle-strengthening activities for two or more days a week that work all major muscle groups.
• Statistics show that less than one-third of Americans aged 65+ meet this recommendation. However, there are many proven programs that can help keep seniors active

Staying active can also better help seniors cope with mental health issues. The NCOA reports that one in four older adults experiences some mental disorder such as depression, anxiety, and dementia. This number is expected to double to 15 million by 2030.

“Depression, anxiety, addiction, and other mental health issues are not a normal part of aging. Left untreated, they can lead to fatigue, illness, and even suicide. We promote programs that can help seniors cope,” says the NCOA. “While disabilities due to mental disorders are a major public health concern, there are a number of effective programs for older adults that address mental health and/or addiction issues.”

For more information about specific programs that senior centers offer and how they are celebrating National Senior Center Month, go to http://www.noca.org/SeniorCenterMonth. To find a local NISC senior center go to http://www.noca.org/Map and click on “NISC Senior Center Member.”

The professionals at Great Care are available to talk with you and your family about all of your home care needs, including respite care. Great Care is a non medical in-home care agency providing quality and affordable elder care in Fishers, IN and the surrounding areas. Call (888) 240-9101 for more information.