When you think of aging, you may picture the dated image of a person alone in a rocker. But, becoming older doesn’t mean losing your social life and activities!
Since 2003, the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) has celebrated Active Aging Week. It’s meant to remind people over 50-year-old to stay healthy and take an active role in their lives!
To maximize participation, there are tons of videos from the ICAA online. This year, they are also celebrating themes, focusing on the importance of nutrition and hydration, sports for seniors and customizable fitness plans. The ICAA usually focuses on meeting in person. They are emphasizing the web because of the ongoing pandemic.
“To support and promote maximum participation from global communities for our 17th annual signature initiative, ICAA is making a large collection of videos, provided by One Day University and Spiro100, available for free,” said Colin Milner, founder and CEO of the ICAA. “These videos include movement classes as well as lectures on history, the arts and lifestyle — all designed to engage healthy bodies, minds and spirits.”
That doesn’t mean there aren’t events in your area. There are usually thousands of local events annually for Active Aging Week. We’ve been seeing posts on our newsfeeds about special events from bingo games to outdoor gatherings — things are happening! So take a look: your local community center may have an event.
The in-person events and foster a sense of community! They can be a great way to meet people in your area who are interested in healthy aging. If you are looking to make some new friends to have walking buddies, this could be the week to meet them! You’ll find other people who have the same goal of staying active as they grow older and making positive habits and routines! It’s also just a fun change of pace.
Anyone who reads our blog knows we always love celebrating any silly national holiday. But this international week-long event genuinely is worth observing. This week, you can start new habits and use the great videos to learn new skills to keep long after it’s over. Every day is an excellent opportunity to begin new healthy habits. You can use celebrating this week as your motivation to get into a healthy routine that will last beyond Active Aging Week.
Take the time to find out if any events are taking place in your area. Even if there aren’t dedicated events, there are always groups meeting in every town. Senior centers, libraries, the Y and community centers constantly have something happening. Get out there, meet some new people and stay active. Getting your body moving and your mind learning new things is one of the best ways to stay healthy and maintain relationships as you age.
