Opinion: 4 tips for maintaining health as you age
While it may not always feel like it, aging is a genuine privilege. Though our hair grays and our knees get creaky, the world remains bright, beautiful and filled with loved ones, laughter and adventures waiting to be checked off the bucket list.
Honoring the opportunities that come with aging is a big reason our nation celebrates September as Healthy Aging Month – a time to focus on maintaining healthy habits that allow us to continue enjoying life's pleasures through aging.
Across El Paso, MHP Salud Promotores de Salud – also known as community health workers – canvas communities to connect older adults to health education and support, health insurance and other resources.
Here are a few high notes you might hear them singing:
Feed your health. Nutrition is vital to any healthy lifestyle. A diet rich with key nutrients and vitamins helps combat inflammation and supports overall health. And buying healthy food doesn't need to break the bank. MHP Salud partners with many local food banks – like our partners at the Kelly Center for Hunger Relief – providing fresh fruits and vegetables along with lean meats and other brain-foods like nuts and whole grains.
Many of these items and more are also available through SNAP food assistance and our Promotores de Salud are trained experts in helping to fill out those applications. And did you know that buying generic or store brand items can save you up to 30% on your food bill?
Keep moving. As we age, physical activity becomes even more important. Exercise helps maintain heart health, strengthens muscles and improves balance to reduce the risk of falls. Walking, swimming and cycling can be tailored to fit any fitness level. The key: finding activities you enjoy and making them part of a regular routine.
Stay social. Regular connection with friends and family, participating in community activities, and volunteering can all help improve mental health and combat feelings of depression and isolation.
Be proactive. Maintaining reliable health insurance is the first step to proactive and ongoing health care. Regular doctor check-ups, essential medical care and many prevention screenings are covered by various plans.
We understand these tips aren't always as simple as they sound. Navigating the cost and complexities of healthy living and care can prevent El Pasoans from getting support and living healthy lifestyles. That's why MHP Salud offers hand-in-hand guidance completely free – no cost, no commission and no hidden fees.
In honor of Healthy Aging Month, and with federal marketplace health insurance open enrollment just around the corner, I encourage you to take your health by the horns and support those around you to do the same.
To learn more, please reach out to us at mhpsalud.org . Our community health workers in El Paso can't wait to walk with you through your healthy aging journey.
Maggie Dante is CEO of MHP Salud.
