Maintaining An Active Lifestyle Is Key To Achieving Healthy Aging

As we begin September 2023, it’s important to remember the significance of staying active for both physical and mental well-being. Consistent effort is required to promote good health in older adults, considering factors such as biological, psychological, and social elements that impact daily life. September marks Healthy Aging Month, which aims to highlight the positive aspects of growing older. With around 70 million Baby Boomers and 65 million Generation X individuals aging each year, it’s crucial to stay informed about healthy aging. Doing so can help improve physical and mental health, as well as independence and overall quality of life throughout the aging process. It’s important to note that vision loss can increase the risk of various health issues, including depression, diabetes, hearing impairment, stroke, falls, cognitive decline, and premature death.

According to a February 2022 report, approximately 12 million people aged 40 and above in the United States suffer from vision impairment, and about one million suffer from blindness. Globally, the World Health Organization reports that over 2.2 billion people have eye and vision problems. It’s known that 1 in 6 Americans aged 65 and older have a vision impairment that can’t be corrected with glasses or contact lenses, and the risk of eye disease increases with age. Unfortunately, many older adults neglect to visit an ophthalmologist for eye care. In celebration of Healthy Aging Month, the American Academy of Ophthalmology raises awareness of the signs and symptoms of vision loss and provides critical steps for helping seniors take care of their sight.

Ways to Lower the Risk of Chronic Diseases and Delay Aging:

• Getting enough physical activity
• Limiting alcohol and stress
• Healthy Eating; Fruits and Vegetables
• Adequate sleep

The National Institute of Health (NIH) Defines Healthy Aging As Identifiable To:

• A specific age
• Being free of long-lasting diseases
• Self-sufficient in activities of daily living
• Wellbeing
• Good quality of life
• High social participation
• Mild mental or functional loss
• Little or no disability.

Healthy Eating To Enhance And The Benefits

A lack of vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc, and Lutein in your diet can increase the risk of age-related vision conditions such as macular degeneration. NIH/NEI recommends the following for healthy vision:

• Eat healthy foods like dark, leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens
• Eat fish like salmon, tuna, and halibut which are high in omega-3 fatty acids
• Be physical. It can also lower your risk of health conditions that can cause eye health or vision problems — like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
• Stop smoking. It is bad for your lungs, eyes and increases the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts diseases, and harms the optic nerve
• Wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB radiation
• Wear protective eyewear like safety glasses and goggles
• Don’t overwork your eyes. Given them a break every 20 minutes to look at something about 20 feet away for 20 seconds
• Take the appropriate steps to prevent eye infections due to contact lenses

Healthy Lifestyle And The Benefits

Medline Plus believes that the following things can help keep your eyes healthy and make sure you are seeing your best:

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Get regular exercise
• Wear sunglasses
• Wear protective eyewear
• Avoid smoking
• Know your family medical history
• Know your other risk factors

Contact us if you have concerns about your health. We welcome the opportunity to examine your eyes and ensure your vision health.