Active Aging: Stay Active, Stay Engaged, Stay Curious and Courageous

While staying active as you get older, it is important to stay engaged and consider overall well-being, emotional health, physical activity, cognitive stimulation, social engagement and spiritual connection. 

Active aging means to focus on optimizing opportunities for health and participation that enhance quality of life regardless of age, socioeconomic status or health status. We asked Humana members who exemplify active aging to tell us about how they each approach staying active and staying engaged.

Diane Gannotti McCarthy, Humana Game Changer and breast cancer survivor, likes to play volleyball. She reminds us to concentrate on our emotional and social health, in addition to our physical health, so that we can stay engaged and active for the long haul. At age 63, Diane recommends to “stay with positive people, get rid of the stress in your life and follow your heart. You have to keep pushing ahead and do the things you love, [although it may be] a personal challenge. Do something that keeps you going for the rest of your life.”

Alan Grofe battled cancer six years ago and has been cancer-free for five years. When he chose to get back into road racing after recovering from cancer surgery, he demonstrated one way to be an active ager. “It was so great to come back,” he said. “Running has instilled a zest for life in me. It’s the aerobic activity that carries me forward. I’m 78 years old and here I am still running and racing. I’m having a great time.”

No matter the health challenges you may face, there are a variety of ways to keep active. Humana member Mary Luther stays active cognitively and socially as she participates in a book club hosted at her local Neighborhood Center. “There’s something special about this group,” said Mary, who loves to interact with like-minded, avid readers. And as she builds new relationships, Mary focuses on adventure when she says, “books take you to another place.”

Feeding your body, as well as your curiosity, is another way to stay healthy as you age. Doing so helps to address your whole-person health.

“I think that the best advice I can give to any person who wants to age healthy is to eat well,” said triathlete Rose Marie Ray. “Eat often. Don't skip breakfast. Don't skip lunch. If you gain weight, drink things. Drink a lot of water. And always try and put on a pair of shoes and get out and walk at least. Otherwise, you'll just solidify. So, try to get involved in outdoor activities, too. It will help you stay healthy.” 

An important focus of active aging is to never quit. Find something you love and do it every day. Find a reason to practice healthy habits for yourself and for those you love. Remember that active aging is about more than physical fitness; it is about whole-person health too.

Do you want to get active or encourage someone you love to get active? Visit humananeighborhoodcenter.com for free lifestyle classes like cooking demos, crafts, meditation and physical movement.