Across the country, 17.7% of our population is over age 65. Here in Ohio, that number increases to 18.7%, and in Coshocton County more than 1 in 5 people is older than 65.
The changes that come with aging seem to be hitting just a little closer to home for us this year, as both of my husband’s siblings have retired recently. Older is not as old as it used to seem − which has probably been true since the beginning of time.
The theme for this year’s Older Americans Month in May was Flip the Script on Aging. In my lifetime, I’ve witnessed a shift in the way people treat getting older. My grandmothers were part of the Greatest Generation, born more than a hundred years ago. They were healthy and active into their 90s. They each lived a modest, quiet life in their own way.
The Boomers definitely have flipped the script on aging, but sometimes with avoidance and denial rather than trying to prevent and adapt to changes. The commitment of many older people to staying physically active and connected to their families and communities is an encouragement.
Here are some suggestions everyone can consider for healthy aging:
● Plan: Think about what you will need and want in the future. Explore the home and community-based services or community activities that interest you.
● Engage: Remain involved and contribute to your community through work, volunteer, recreation or civic participation.
● Be safe at home: Make home improvements and modifications, use assistive technologies and access caregiver resources to help you to age in place.
● Stay healthy: Learn about and adopt lifestyle choices such as eating right, managing chronic health conditions, maintaining brain health and preventing falls.
Brain health and memory disorders are becoming more of a focus for many individuals and families. Ohio State has a wonderful resource that provides advice and answers to common concerns. You can find this Expert Guide to Dementia at go.osu.edu/dementiaguide. This contains many articles related to brain health research and treatment, as well as resources for caregivers of people with dementia.
Dr. Douglas Scharre, a neurologist and professor at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, shares several things we can do to reduce our risk of memory disorder like dementia. The first is preventing brain injury. This means wearing helmets when biking or riding a motorcycle and wearing a seatbelt in a vehicle. It also includes falls prevention. One of the most loving things we can do for an older adult is to walk through their home to eliminate tripping and slipping hazards.
Research shows that adequate nutrition is imperative for brain health. The MIND diet has been studied and looks promising to support the brain. MIND stands for Mediterranean-DASH intervention for neurodegenerative delay. The foods most important to include are berries, beans, fish, nuts, olive oil, dark green leafy vegetables and lean poultry. Recently, two of my OSU Extension colleagues returned from a professional development intensive study in Greece. They are quick to point out the Mediterranean diet is way more than the foods you eat. It is a lifestyle that includes physical activity and lots of social connections.
Scharre validates this, “The two best whole-brain activities are socialization and physical exercise.” It is encouraging to know getting out to take a walk, working in the garden or having conversations with friends and family is good for our physical and mental health.
Today, I’ll leave you with this quote from Emily Dickinson: “The brain is wider than the sky.”
Emily Marrison is an OSU Extension Family & Consumer Sciences Educator and Assistant Professor at The Ohio State University. She may be reached at 740-622-2265 or marrison.12@osu.edu.
This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: Are Baby Boomers healthy? Some suggestions for healthy aging
Reporting by Emily Marrison, Special to the Tribune / Coshocton Tribune
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