For more than 20 years September has been designated as “Healthy Aging Month.”  Healthy aging isn’t only about eating healthy or exercising regularly, it includes all aspects of your life.  Eating, thinking, acting, and being healthy. 

Eat Healthy

What we eat can have lasting effects on our overall well-being.  Making healthy choices is not always easy or fun.  However, there are some ways that you can enjoy a healthy diet and have fun along the way.  Plant herbs and small vegetable plants you can use for cooking; even small pots in your kitchen can yield rich rewards. 

Try out new recipes, join an online cooking class, have friends over for a potluck, or plan a summer salad party in your neighborhood.  When it is too hot to cook in your kitchen, try something light and easy.

When you struggle with a vision impairment you can think cooking is beyond your reach.  You may worry about safety in the kitchen and adding the correct ingredients.  Sometimes we just need to look to someone who has overcome these obstacles and achieved amazing things.  Consider checking out Christine Ha; The Blind Cook.  Her story is inspirational and can give you the needed push to try something new.

Think Healthy

Think yourself to better health.  You wouldn’t think it is possible but keeping a positive mental attitude can have a bearing on our physical health.  Positive thinking is an effective way of managing stress and difficult situations.  Health benefits derived from positive thinking can include less risk of catching a cold, longer life span, and lowered risk of death from cardiovascular disease.  “When you are experiencing positive emotions like joy, contentment, and love, you will see more possibilities in your life,” says James Clear in his article “How Positive Thinking Builds Your Skills, Boosts Your Health, and Improves Your Work.” What suggestions does he offer for improving your positive thinking?  Meditate daily, write about positive experiences, get out and play. 

You cannot think your eyes better or your vision improved but taking positive steps in your life can improve your outlook.  Getting out and discussing your concerns with others in a similar situation can offer you resources you never knew were available.  Join a Low Vision Support Group in your area to connect with peers, learn about the latest low vision technology, and make friends.

Act Healthy

Yoga, Pilates, walking, biking, and swimming are great activities you can do year-round, with a group, or on your own.  Join your local gym or an online workout program, walk around your neighborhood or at the local park, or take a water aerobics class at the nearby aquatics center.  Get out and get moving.  Being around your peers while maintaining a safe social distance or connecting with them online, motivates you, encourages you, and helps you keep striving to reach new goals. 

If you have low vision, sometimes leaving your house or your comfort zone can seem daunting.  Joining a group activity will help alleviate your fears and keep you safe while keeping fit.  Get connected with an Orientation and Mobility Specialist for suggestions on getting out and about safely and ask about walking groups that practice safe social distancing.

Be Healthy

Do you have a harmful habit you want to kick?  Maybe you have been wanting to quit smoking for years but have not gotten around to it.  Do you have a good habit you want to develop?  Today is the day for a new you!  Whether your goal is drinking more water, being active every day, or stopping a harmful habit, today is a great day to get started.  Get your family, friends, and neighbors involved.  Surround yourself with positive and healthy people who share your goals.

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