In many cases, how we age has as much to do with our mental attitude as it does our physical well-being. September has been designated Healthy Aging Month, an observance designed to focus our attention on the positive aspects of growing older.
Flushing Hospital understands the importance of successful aging and wants to provide you with the following practical tips to help you improve your physical, mental, and social well-being.
- Try to remain positive in your daily interactions and distance yourself from the negative influences in your life. When you catch yourself complaining, look to change the conversation to something more positive.
- If you find yourself bored or lonely, do something about it! Pick up the telephone and make plans to meet someone for lunch. You can also try a new hobby, volunteer your time with a local organization or take a class and learn something new.
- Don’t comply with social norms and act how society expects you to act. Instead, think back to the age when you were at your happiest and be it. This is not denial; it’s a way of staying positive, which can help you feel better about yourself.
- A simple act like standing up straight can make you look and feel younger. Look at yourself in the mirror. Are you holding your stomach in, have your shoulders back, chin up? Fix your stance and practice it every day, all day until it is natural. You will look great and feel better.
- Make an appointment to schedule your annual physical or other health screenings. By doing so, you can address any potential health concerns and end unnecessary worrying about some of your nagging ailments.
Flushing Hospital encourages the older members of our community to use September as the motivation to use these tools and others in their quest for successful aging.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.