Cass Regional Medical Center | Wellness Matters | Fall 2017

1 2 3 Some things are a normal part of aging: reading glasses, say, or laugh lines around the eyes or mouth. But chronic health problems aren’t one of them. Here’s why: More and more research shows that aging well depends largely on our habits. Yes, having good genes certainly helps. But the six steps that follow can help you stay healthy enough to do the things you love—no matter your age. And together, these steps can help you not only live longer, but better. 6 steps aging well to 4 cassregional.org | 816-380-3474 | Fall 2017 Many older adults stay active by volunteering at our hospital. Want to join them? Call 816-380-5888, ext. 7830, to talk to our volunteer coordinator. Eat smart. Treat yourself to plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables and make most of your grains whole ones. Aim for two servings of fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon or sardines, each week. And go easy on red meat and full-fat dairy products. Get your shots. Kids aren’t the only ones who need shots— vaccines also help prevent serious and sometimes deadly diseases in older adults. Must-have shots for seniors include those that protect against pneumonia, shingles and tetanus/diphtheria. And don’t forget your yearly flu shot. As an older adult, you have a raised risk of dangerous complications from the flu, which kills thousands of seniors in the U.S. every year. Fight falls. Falls are a major cause of serious—and even life-threatening—injuries in older adults. To stay upright, exercise regularly. Walking as little as 30 minutes, three times a week, can strengthen your bones and help prevent falls. Keep your home bright with lots of lights, and don’t leave clutter on your floor or stairs. Also, be sure to stand up slowly. Getting up too quickly can make you feel wobbly. Finally, tell your doctor if you’ve fallen since your last checkup.