Eating right, staying active and planning for long-term care can maximize your quality of life

Celebrated every May, Older Americans Month is a time to recognize older Americans' contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm commitments to serving older adults in our communities.  It was established by the Administration for Community Living, a US government organization.

This year’s theme, “Champion Your Health,” focuses on prevention, wellness, and personal responsibility as cornerstones of healthy aging. These common-sense recommendations encourage older adults to take an active role in their health. Actions could include advocating for yourself, accessing preventive care, and making informed decisions that support independence.

Taking care of your health often means accessing care in the home

An enormous financial risk arises as people get older, that most don’t recognize until they are in the midst of a crisis.  Once you need care to remain in your home, that care is often – literally - ruinously expensive.  It can wipe out your life’s savings and threaten your ability to remain independent.

The costs often start out as moderate, but quickly mushroom. Often people’s savings are pouring out of their accounts like water out of a fire hose.  One of the best decisions people can make that support independence and avoid financial devastation, is to do long-term care planning.

Learning about long-term care planning is crucial, even if you are currently in good health.  Understanding the opportunities that are available, and that will be appropriate for you if and when you need health care, will empower you to take appropriate action.  Actions you take can enable you to protect yourself and your assets, and to remain at home and independent as long as possible.

How can you take charge of your health at every age?

We can all take action to remain healthy as long as possible.  The list below is not new, but bears reviewing.

• Stay up to date on preventive care and screenings.
• Build and maintain social connections that support emotional well-being.
• Choose nutritious, minimally processed foods.
• Incorporate regular physical activity to maintain strength and mobility.
• Practice daily habits that support mental health and resilience.

After tobacco use, poor diet and lack of physical activity are the second highest reason for preventable deaths in New York State. You can avoid that with health decisions you make.  Renewing your commitment to the recommendations above will benefit you directly.

Take care of your health, and plan ahead for the day when you may need assistance.  Both are key components for optimizing your health and your quality of life, and for protecting your financial future.