For more than three decades, September has served as a national spotlight for healthy aging -- raising awareness, inspiring action and celebrating growing older with vitality and purpose. Sure, the mirror may reveal a few more silver strands and wrinkles, but growing older doesn't automatically mean slowing down or growing weaker. You have the power to keep your body strong and your mind sharp while embracing each chapter of aging with vitality and grace.
This year's theme, "Never Too Late to Reinvent Yourself," reminds us that no matter our age or stage, it's always possible to chart a new course, whether it's through a career shift, new lifestyle habits or personal growth goals.
The second half of life can be some of the most rewarding years you'll ever know. With age comes a greater confidence, deeper wisdom and a calm patience that only time can teach. You can nurture both your body and mind to stay vibrant and strong. Here's how.
Enjoying your free access? Help support the local journalism you love. Subscribe People are also reading... Got $25 million? You could buy this former Ocean City amusement park. Behind-the-scenes work at Atlantic City casinos cost millions Vineland man accused of shooting Millville man in head ordered held until trial Ex-Hamilton Township schools supervisor accused of sexual assault Hundreds join anti-Trump march in Ocean City on Labor Day Dooney's Pub to open this fall at former Tilton Inn site in Egg Harbor Township Lone member of Atlantic City housing board urges empowerment in first meeting since takeover Fire damages multimillion-dollar Ocean City home on the water Hamilton Township advises residents to boil water; bottled water available Jalen Day stars in the sun as Atlantic City stuns Mainland Regional Egg Harbor Township man charged in fatal crash that killed star Pleasantville athlete What does Allegiant Air's arrival at Atlantic City International Airport mean for the region? State Police investigating possible human remains found in Estell Manor Galloway church event helps more than 100 homeless people Ventnor police officer accused of recording woman engaging in sexual act in holding cell
Take charge: Taking charge of your health means more than reacting when something feels off. Regular checkups with your doctor, dentist and eye doctor aren't just routine, they're powerful tools for prevention. These visits can catch issues early, sometimes before symptoms even appear. The screenings and tests you need will vary based on your age, gender, family history, lifestyle habits like smoking and exercise, and other personal factors. Staying proactive can help protect your health for years to come.
Exercise/physical activity: When you maintain an active lifestyle and exercise regularly, you're unlocking a powerhouse of health benefits. You're fueling your brain, strengthening your body and protecting your future. Commitment to walking, stretching and exercising supports your long-term health, helping you manage your weight, lift your mood, fight stress, build strong bones and muscles, improve your sleep quality and slash your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
And get outside into nature! When you put yourself out in the world, you think on new things, form new thoughts and memories, and draw from the amazing wonders of nature.
Eat healthy, nutritious foods: Fuel your body with nutrient-rich healthy foods and invest in your future. It helps you live longer while helping shield you from heart disease, cancer, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Fascinatingly, scientists believe this kind of eating doesn't just support your health, it may actually alter parts of your chromosomes tied to aging and disease, meaning your food choices could be rewriting your biological story.
How to recognize the signs of a concussion, and what to do if you get one: Dr. Nina Radcliff
Being able to recognize the causes and symptoms of a concussion is important so you can reduce the risk of getting one.
Get enough quality sleep: Sticking to a consistent sleep and wake schedule (including weekends) helps regulate your body clock while improving the quality of your rest, helping you stay healthy, sharp and active. Quality sleep helps you learn, respond quickly, solve problems, pay attention, make decisions and be creative. Overall, it helps protect your mental and physical health, quality of life and personal safety. Make quality sleep and good sleep hygiene a priority.
Stay socially and mentally active: Staying socially and mentally active is crucial for healthy aging. Social interactions significantly enhance the quality (and vitality) of life while improving mental, physical and emotional well-being. Interacting with others exercises your brain -- it's one of the best ways to improve your cognitive flexibility (studies report that it's more beneficial than doing crossword puzzles or other brain games). Health risks associated with loneliness include depression, anxiety and other chronic conditions. For some, social isolation, loneliness and poor social relationships are associated with increased risk of premature death, dementia, heart disease and stroke.
Maintaining a healthy mind involves nurturing positive thinking, managing stress, emotional balance and mental flexibility, which are crucial for overall well-being. How we live has a significant impact on the aging brain, from brain mass to chronic health conditions to hormonal changes to environmental factors.
And beware of myths and misconceptions associated with brain health, cognitive performance and aging. Research shows that as we age, the brain retains a high degree of plasticity that can be called upon to help cope with changes. As a result, the brain can compensate for deficits that occur with aging by other means, such as frontal recruitment, where the brain is able to modify its function and neural connectivity over its lifetime. Adopting these positive strategies and habits supports healthy aging.
Healthy aging depends on each of these habits, as well as working with your health care provider to manage any chronic conditions, keeping up with preventive care and making informed lifestyle choices. Healthy Aging Month is a timely reminder to prioritize habits that protect your body and mind, lower disease risk and promote lifelong well-being -- for you and those you care about.
Dr. Nina Radcliff, of Galloway Township, is a physician anesthesiologist, television medical contributor and textbook author. Email questions for Dr. Nina to [email protected] with "Dr. Nina" in the subject line.
This article is for general information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions and cannot substitute for advice from your medical professional.
Build your health & fitness knowledge
Sign up here to get the latest health & fitness updates in your inbox every week!
Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.