Senior Resource Fair on May 27 at the Lincoln Park District

[May 13, 2009]  May is Older Americans Month, a special time to bring attention to issues that affect older adults and to create communitywide opportunities to help older Americans improve their quality of life. Accordingly, the Senior Issues Task Force of the Healthy Communities Partnership is hosting a Senior Resource Fair on May 27 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Lincoln Park District Rec Center. The public is invited.

This year's theme for Older Americans Month is "Living Today for a Better Tomorrow." In a related news release, the Administration on Aging says that as a nation, we must work together to give older adults the tools they need to make healthy decisions.

By 2030, one in every five Americans will be age 65 or older. Although the risk of disease increases with advancing age, poor health is not an inevitable consequence of aging. Many illnesses, disabilities and even deaths associated with chronic disease are preventable.

Nearly 40 percent of deaths in America can be attributed to poor health habits such as lack of physical exercise, poor eating habits and smoking. Older Americans can prevent or control chronic disease by adopting healthy habits such as exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy diet and ceasing tobacco use. The benefits of regular physical activity include weight control; healthy bones, muscles and joints; arthritis relief; reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression; and more. Exercise does not have to be strenuous and is safe for people of all age groups. In fact, it's healthier to exercise than eliminate it altogether. Older Americans can greatly benefit from a regular exercise routine that includes strength, balance, stretching and endurance exercises.

In addition to a regular exercise routine, good nutrition is vital in maintaining good health. Improving older Americans' diets can reduce the occurrence of chronic diseases, but most older adults over age 65 do not maintain a healthy diet. Reducing saturated fats and eating a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables and grains can help keep older Americans on the right track to staying healthy.

While it's important for older Americans to have good physical health, it's equally important that they maintain good mental health. Nearly 20 percent of Americans age 55 and older experience depression and anxiety disorders.

Studies have shown that engaging in social activities within the community can greatly improve mental health. In fact, research has demonstrated a strong relationship between volunteering and mental health and that volunteering provides older adults with greater benefits than younger volunteers. Benefits include improved mental and physical health, greater life satisfaction, lower rates of depression, and lower mortality rates.

For more on how older adults can live better today and in the future, visit www.aoa.gov and visit the Senior Resource Fair at the end of the month.

[Text from file received from Healthy Communities Partnership]