September is Healthy Aging Month, a time to focus on the positive aspects of growing older and to inspire adults aged 45+ to improve their physical, mental, social and financial well-being. In our previous blog, we focused on healthy aging by discussing healthy eating, exercise and regular health checks. However, keeping our minds active and healthy is just as important.
When is the last time you learned a new hobby, completed a puzzle or socialized? Keeping the mind stimulated is important, so we can continue to do the things we want and need to do. Whether it’s writing a check, completing household chores or exploring a new city, we rely on a sharp mind. When we keep our brains active and stimulated, we can create new neurons in our brain and strengthen the connections between already existing cells. This helps improve our memory and our ability to learn new information. We can learn new ways to manage our diabetes, like using a CGM (continue glucose monitor) or insulin pump, or how to eat healthily while eating out by using the Diabetes Plate.
It’s important to understand that living with diabetes can also increase our risk of developing dementia. This can be caused by low and high blood sugar levels, insulin resistance in the brain and damaged blood vessels. Preventing dementia is one more reason why it’s important to manage your blood sugar levels throughout the day and day to day. Make sure to stimulate your brain, too. Read, solve puzzles, learn a new hobby, play an instrument or learn a new language to keep your mind active.
Taking care of your mental health is important at any age but especially as you age with health challenges, experience more grief, and may not be able to do all the things you were once able to do. No one is too old to begin or benefit from therapy, and there are many medications that can help with your mood. There are also other techniques to help lift your spirit and help you relax; sound therapy, massages, relaxation and meditation, and more. Spending time with those you love, playing with grandchildren, going on trips, and enjoying time in nature are other ways to help your mental health. If our mental health is struggling, we may have a difficult time managing our health. This includes managing our diabetes. We may experience high and low blood sugar levels, difficulty planning meals, eating more carbohydrates than we should, having no motivation for physical activity, and forgetting to take our medications. Stress is even known to increase blood sugar, along with blood pressure.
A great way to stimulate your mind and improve mental health is to get a healthy level of social connection, another important part of healthy aging. Social connection gives us value, keeps our mind active and improves overall health. When you are social, you tend to be more active, with both your mind and body. You move more, learn new things, spend more time thinking and boost your mood. It may be breakfast with friends, pickleball at a community park, a class at your local senior center or gathering with a social club in your community. Social connection makes you feel important, and when you feel important, you take better care of yourself.
Celebrate your age by doing what you can to age healthy!
