September is the celebration of Healthy Aging Awareness Month. Healthy aging is something everyone should be aware of and advocate for because it affects all of us, and it is never too early to make small changes or start new habits that have big impacts over a lifetime. For example, studies show that people walk for 20 minutes each day, had 43% fewer sick days than those who did not exercise at all. Healthy Aging is not about changing your lifestyle, it is about maintaining and improving it one day at a time. Other ways to promote healthy aging is to schedule regular doctor visits and eat a balanced diet.

Healthy Aging Awareness Month is also a time for us to also reflect on our mental wellbeing. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, one in two adults experience loneliness and isolation have been deemed public health issues. This greatly impacts our older adult population, and research shows that the highest rates of social isolation are among older adults and even then, lower-income adults are more likely to be lonely than those of higher incomes.

At Givens Gerber Park, we work to combat loneliness and isolation every single day. Living in a community is a huge benefit to addressing loneliness. Residents have created a welcoming, inclusive environment that has made all the difference in residents who recently moved in. They feel a part of the family, taken care of, and supported through their transition. Our Resident Service Coordinators and Community Nurse go above and beyond to support our residents and plan enriching and educational programming that helps residents foster connections that contributes to healthy aging. We are proud to partner with organizations like Manna Food Bank, Moment for Life, Arthritis Foundation, Asheville Parks and Recreation, etc. to support physical activity and mental/ emotional stimulation. Our bodies and minds are connected, and we pride ourselves on fulfilling the Givens Communities Wellness Philosophy’s seven dimensions: Emotional, Spiritual, Intellectual, Physical, Social, Environmental, and Recreational/ Avocational. Fulfilling one or two of these dimensions is worthy, but we’re so fortunate that our community — with the involvement of residents and team members — sustain and support all these dimensions.

Healthy Aging Awareness Month is about spending time wisely and with people who matter. It is about setting a small goal, one that you’ve thought about for some time but never prioritized such as painting or walking each day and setting forth to accomplish it. This month is about reflection and self-care. It is about honoring yourself and what healthy means to you. So, we challenge you to think about that:  What does healthy aging look like and feel like to you? What small change can you start doing today that may make all the difference?

We know one thing to be true.  We are healthier when we are together, and we’re so grateful to our residents who call Givens Gerber Park their home and have built a community we can all be proud of.