Skip Navigation
Link to HHS Website Department of Health & Human Services
 
Link to Administration on Aging HomePage
  Home > Press Room > Social Media
Home
About AoA
Press Room
Elders & Families
Emergency Preparedness
Aging Statistics
AoA Programs
Program Results
Grant Opportunities
AoA Funded Resource Centers
              

Make a Resolution to Live a Healthier Life in 2012!

A new year is here; the time of the year when people often reflect on their lives and make resolutions. Have you thought about how you can live a healthier life in 2012? Consider how you can manage stress better and promote good health in new ways in your life. You can try new ways to incorporate exercise into your life, eat healthier foods, make sure to get regular check-ups and take regular breaks and vacations to reenergize yourself physically and spiritually. Plan a getaway with friends or a family vacation to spend more time with your family and/or friends.

Americans are living longer today than in the past, but many older adults are living with multiple, chronic health conditions and greater rates of disability in old age. A healthy lifestyle is the key to preventing chronic disease. Taking steps now to live a healthier life can lead to enjoying greater health later in your life.

Older Americans tend not to engage in physical activities on a regular basis. According to the recent CDC National Health Community Survey, twenty-seven percent of adults aged 75 plus met the 2008 federal physical activity guidelines for aerobic activity. Women were less likely than men to meet the 2008 federal physical activity guidelines for aerobic activity.

In addition, CDC statistics show that older adults are less likely to do both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities. The 2011 National Health Community Survey states that thirteen percent of adults, aged 65 – 74 met the 2008 federal physical activity guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities. Ten percent of adults, aged 75 and over, met these guidelines. For both age groups, women were less likely than men to meet the 2008 federal activity guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities.

Resources for Healthy Living

The following AoA resources can help you maintain your health, care for a loved one if you’re a caregiver, keep up with health trends and share information with friends and family:

  • The Eldercare Locator
    The Eldercare Locator is the online tool that links older adults, their caregivers and aging professionals to local organizations and resources.
  • National Clearinghouse for Long-Term Care Information
    This website is an online resource with guidance and tools for planning long-term care.
  • SUA/AAA Finder
    This tool will help you locate your state unit on aging (SUA) and local area agency on aging (AAA).
  • AoA E-News
    AoA’s weekly e-newsletter features information on webinars, conferences, resources and health trends. Sign up to receive AoA E-News.
  • Widgets
    Want to learn about and share free weekly health tips? Post AoA’s Healthy Living Tips widget to your website or blog. These health tips have been created specifically for older adults. Also, AoA offers a widget that features current data on older Americans. The American older population is the largest and fastest growing segment of the U.S. population and AoA’s statistics widget features current data and research on older adults. Post AoA’s Statistics widget to your site or blog to share current statistics and information on older Americans.
    There are also Eldercare Locator widgets now available in different sizes. See the Eldercare Locator Widgets page to download one of these widgets and make the Locator available on your website or blog.
  • Healthy Aging E-Cards
    Send an e-card to a friend with health tips on exercise, nutrition and volunteering. AoA also offers e-cards for caregivers. You can send an e-card to a friend who is a caregiver to thank her/him for the caregiving work that they do for a loved one. Caregiver e-cards also encourage caregivers to take care of their own health.
  • AoA Facebook Page
    On AoA’s Facebook page you can learn about and share aging news, resources and trends.
  • Other Links to Extensive Resources http://www.aoa.gov is frequently updated and offers links to extensive resources, including the Benefits CheckUp site and federal websites.

Go4Life Health Resources

This year The National Institute on Aging at the National Institutes of Health launched a campaign that encourages sedentary older adults to reap the benefits of making physical activity a daily part of their lives. Resources on the Go4Life website include:

  • A free exercise and physical activity guide and video
  • Success stories by people who are enjoying active lives
  • Instructions for exercise
  • Tips sheets
  • Healthy aging publications

Other Government Health Sites

Also, check these government websites for health information and tools:
http://www.HealthFinder.gov
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Office on Women’s Health

Make a resolution to live a healthier life in 2012! The Internet makes it easy to get information on healthy living. Take action today to live the best life that you can.



Last Modified: 12/21/2011 8:01:11 AM