Healthy Aging Month
September 2004

About
Aging and health
Aging and mental illness
Preventing illness

What is Healthy Aging Month?

Healthy Aging Month promotes the positive aspects of aging and offers ways to avoid declines in physical, mental, and emotional health that sometimes accompany growing older. This national, annual observance is designed to increase knowledge about new treatments, to promote awareness of healthy lifestyles, and to expand the contributions of older people to families and communities. The main focus of the observance this year is to encourage involvement in local healthy-aging events.
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How does aging affect health?

Advances in science and technology are enabling people to live longer than ever, but, at the same time, chronic illnesses such as heart disease and cancer are having a greater impact on an increasingly aging population. In addition, many older adults undergo painful lifestyle changes, including retirement and relocation and the loss of spouses, friends, and, sometimes, even children. These stressful events may lead to depression or may worsen existing mental and physical illnesses.
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Are older adults more vulnerable to mental illness?

Mental and neurological illnesses, such as depression and Alzheimer’s disease, are more common in older adults. Due to physical or financial difficulties, older adults may find traveling difficult and, therefore, often are isolated physically from family and friends. This isolation can lead to feelings of despair and depression, which—when combined with physical inactivity—can bring about a decline in both physical and mental health.
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Is illness a natural part of aging?

Many conditions traditionally regarded as inevitable outcomes of growing older are treatable and even preventable. Increased physical activity, a balanced diet, and a healthy lifestyle can bring benefits at any age, including a reduced risk for some mental illnesses. For example, increased physical and mental activity can reduce the risks of depression and Alzheimer’s disease. Older people can continue to contribute fully to their communities by getting out and about, volunteering, or taking up a new hobby. In turn, other members of the community can benefit greatly from the wisdom and life experiences of these older adults by including them in community events, social functions, and other activities.
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