We’re not defined in life by our physical symptoms, conditions, or ailments – but instead by how we choose to live. I believe that a holistic approach to health – caring for our mind, body and soul – allows us to live a healthier, happier and more fulfilled life.
This becomes even more important as we age. Consider that by 2025, the number of people 65 and older will grow by 33.5 million people. And that each day, 10,000 baby boomers retire and begin receiving Medicare and Social Security benefits.
Aging is inevitable but the circumstances that surround it are not.
That’s why it’s important to be informed and actively participate in your health care journey so you can set yourself up for a healthier tomorrow starting today.
First, stay active and engaged. Building and maintaining supportive social relationships are vital. According to Harvard Medical School, staying connected to other people is an important part of healthy aging. Social engagement may also help sharpen mental acuity by improving memory and that can help ward off diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Recognizing the interconnectedness of mind and body to overall well-being is important. Once you do, make sure to nourish both. You can do this by staying active. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults who exercise twice a week are less likely to experience physical distress as they age. Learning new exercises can also boost mental acuity.
Another great way to remain in touch with your mind and body is by setting goals. Tangible goals and positive motivation lead to higher success rates among people who want to adopt healthier lifestyles. By setting goals, you’re building opportunities to evaluate where you are in terms of health, and make changes as needed.
Finally, lay the foundation for a healthy retirement by staying up-to-date on the medical options available to you and finding a health plan that fits your needs. At Aetna, we developed a checklist to help guide beneficiaries on choosing a Medicare plan during the annual enrollment period. The checklist identifies top things to know about your Medicare plan before you enroll.
Don’t wait to make yourself a priority. Decide what changes you need to make in your life to create the future you desire. Remember to stay informed, be active and manage your health holistically so that your retirement years are high quality, happy, healthy years.
Aetna Medicare is a PDP, HMO, PPO plan with a Medicare contract. Our SNPs also have contracts with State Medicaid programs. Enrollment in our plans depends on contract renewal. See Evidence of Coverage for a complete description of plan benefits, exclusions, limitations and conditions of coverage. Plan features and availability may vary by service area.
Source: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/holistic-approach-healthy-aging-karen-s-lynch
