May a month to celebrate older Americans, mental health services
Once again, we are celebrating May as Older Americans Month and Mental Health Month. I am happy to recognize the importance of each.
Across the country, older Americans are taking part in activities that promote wellness and connection to their social environment. These older Americans are sharing their wisdom and experience with future generations and they are giving back to further enrich their communities. They are keeping busy by volunteering, mentoring, learning, leading and engaging.
For 55 years, Older Americans Month has been observed to recognize older Americans and their contributions to our communi- ties. May offers an opportunity to hear from, support and celebrate older adults. This year’s national theme is “Engage at Every Age.” This theme emphasizes the importance of being active and involved, no matter where you may be in life. You are never too old to participate in activities that can enrich your physical, mental and emotional well-being.
It is clear that being socially engaged can improve the quality of life for older adults. To this end, once again, the Woonsocket Prevention Coalition will be partnering with Landmark Medical Center and the YWCA RI to provide a free May is Older Americans Month breakfast on Wednesday, May 30, at 9 a.m. in the Christiansen Conference Center at Landmark Medical Center. Please join us as information on stroke prevention, the “Count it, Lock it, Drop it” campaign, and other health-related topics will be presented and discussed. Any older adult wishing to attend can contact Carolyn at 7694100, ext. 2345.
Each year, since 1949, Mental Health America leads May is Mental Health Month throughout the nation. This year’s theme is “Fitness #4Mind4Body.” This campaign focuses on what individuals can do to be fit for their own futures.
When we speak about be- ing “fit,” it means more than just physical. Equally important is brain health.
I’d like to share some of the key messages that Mental Health America would like to impart…
• Mental health is critical to each person’s overall health and well-being.
• Mental illnesses are common and treatable.
• A healthy lifestyle can help the onset or worsening of mental health conditions, as well as physical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity and other chronic health problems.
• Eating healthy foods, managing stress, exercising and ensuring that you get proper rest keeps you physically and mentally healthy.
• Exercise helps with weight control, improves mental health and improves the chance of living longer and improving the quality of life.
Staying active through exercise is especially important at every age and stage of our lives. Exercise can help you maintain your agility, mobility, strength and maintain a strong immune system to help in fighting off disease and illness. As well as with any exercise regimen at any age, please consult your physician. Staying active also means seizing the opportunity to get involved in meaningful activities and sharing your talents, expe- rience and knowledge with others. Greater Woonsocket is very fortunate to have a fantastic Senior Center operated by Senior Services, which provides a wide array of physical activities, group meetings, social engagements, not to mention a nutrition program as a regional meal site.
Just as our body needs exercise, so does our mind. You can exercise your mind through continued learning, becoming involved in community/group activities or taking up a hobby.
We know that living a healthy lifestyle isn’t always easy and poses its challenges, but simple, small changes can prove to be big successes in the length and quality of our lives.