Health Matters: Key Steps to Healthy Aging

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

As you age, your health needs change. Staying on top of senior wellness activities is important, but it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Creating a list of health and wellness to-do’s can help you stay organized, so you look and feel your best.

“Aging well is living well, and it all starts with a combination of activities that can improve our mental and physical well-being,” says Dr. Scott Kaiser, chief executive officer of Determined Health and a physician specializing in geriatric medicine. “Although health and wellness may seem to get increasingly complicated with age, it doesn’t have to be a struggle. A few simple – and fun – steps can keep us on the healthy aging path. By taking a proactive approach and prioritizing health, seniors can live their best life.”

Kaiser shares a simple senior-health checklist to help keep you or a loved one focused on wellness: 1) Annual physical: Everyone’s health is different. Even if you see specialists for certain conditions, it’s typically recommended to get an annual physical with your primary physician. This is an opportunity for important health screenings that may include tests to evaluate blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, bone density, and more. It’s also a good time for you to ask any questions and discuss concerns. 2) Vaccinations: Staying current on recommended vaccinations can help you stay healthy and limit the spread of disease. When cold and flu season arrives, be sure to ask your doctor about getting an influenza vaccine. The risk of severe illness from COVID also increases with age. COVID vaccines are safe and effective in preventing severe illness and you can help protect yourself and the people around you by getting vaccinated. 3) Physical activity: All seniors eligible for Medicare benefits through a Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, or group retiree plan may be eligible to join SilverSneakers at no additional cost and have access to live and on-demand virtual workouts, including nearly 2,000 activities and classes per week in a variety of lengths and formats. 4) Social connection: Maintaining friendships and connecting with others is an important component to supporting physical, mental, and emotional wellness. Set up coffee with friends. Join community groups. Check out social engagement opportunities through programs that feature working out with a group of peers to build friendships and community. 5) Mental health: Although prioritizing mental health is now more widely accepted, it still can be a challenge for older adults to admit they need help. Talk with your doctor about how you feel and about mental health concerns you may have. There are many ways to help with a variety of mental health concerns, including mindfulness techniques to reduce anxiety, seeing a therapist, and taking medication. 6) Mental enrichment: Cognitive decline can occur as you age, so it’s important to be proactive to help support brain health

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Robotics Team Continued from page 16 have no ill effect on human health. We will powder freeze-dried bacteriophages onto biodegradable packing peanuts to be dispersed within the crates and containers of fruits and vegetables, a natural and inexpensive solution that eradicates harmful microbes before the produce reaches the store!”

The team came together in the fall of 2021 and began working on the robot that would transport the packing peanuts. They named it Voltswagen (affectionately nicknamed Volts) and constructed it from Legos and various-sized motors in a SPIKE Prime Kit donated by Lego. When last tested, Volts was able to complete 14 out of 16 tasks on a mission table in 2.5 minutes. Some of the tasks included truck missions, helicopter capabilities, delivery, pushing objects, placing a cargo container into a circular opening, and knocking down objects.

Each team in the competition was judged in three areas: 1. Innovative Solutions; 2. Tasks the Robot is Able to Complete; and 3. Core Values – life skills learned, teamwork, cooperation, and gracious professionalism. The Tigerbots decided to do a skit for all three aspects. These students worked hard all year to create this robotic invention and were proud to represent our great state of Georgia in this international competition.

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Meet Jordan Vickery Continued from page 12

Noting that there is a level of food and housing insecurity in the county they call home that is beyond comprehension keeps the Vickerys on point with prayer and service. “Young people are supposed to be our most valued treasure,” says Jordan. “But right now, efforts are sidelined. We have cold children without coats, hungry children lacking basic nutrition, and children sleeping in cars in this very county. It is wrong and we want to set an example of getting involved.”

Being involved as a couple means relying on a solid marriage. Both Jordan and Sunni have proven they can make it as singles, but found their way to each other through their faith. It is in the vow and covenant of being true to their marriage that they find the lessons they need in order to provide a good example for others. In fact, they have made it their mission.

Mission Marriage was not so much founded as a business as it was a manifestation of being surrounded by love. “I wanted to surprise my sister at her wedding by performing the ceremony, so I went online and became ordained,” says Jordan. “She was surprised, as was our whole family, but very touched that I would do that for her.” After that initial wedding, Jordan’s family, friends, and friends-of-friends began to ask him to perform their weddings. At some point, Jordan and Sunni became so involved in Mission Marriage that they made it Sunni’s full-time “job.”

Sunni describes her story as a beautiful journey. She is a goal-setter and a dreamer who sets everything “sky-high.” With an entrepreneurial spirit, Sunni set about combining her dreams with her goals to bring brides and grooms together with the wedding they always envisioned. “I love, Love, LOVE helping others,” explains Sunni. “I also love entertaining and planning parties. This is just a natural extension of everything that makes me happy.”

As with any mission, it takes a solid and devoted team to make it work. Whether he is guiding veterans, caring for his family, or working with Sunni to make marriage dreams a reality, Jordan Vickery keeps one thing at the forefront of his mind: “If it matters to you, then it matters to me.”

Taking note of all that is potentially “wrong” or “bad” in this life and then stepping away from it allows Jordan to identify all that is good. “Learning to cope and navigate through the trials and hardships is KEY to this little experiment called life,” he says.

For a dose of what is right and positive in this world, follow Mission Marriage and Jordan Vickery on Facebook and Instagram.

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through mental stimulation. Read books. Join a weekly game group. Check out GetSetUp, new for SilverSneakers members in participating health plans. This program provides an online learning platform designed for seniors with a wide range of live video classes – over 2,000 hours per week on more than 1,800 topics – to support mental enrichment. 7) Nutrition: What you eat fuels your body and mind, so it’s important to pack your pantry and refrigerator with wholesome foods. Stock up on fruits, vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, beans, and low-fat dairy. Then explore recipes you can try to experience new flavors and keep mealtime exciting. If you need help or have strict dietary concerns, consider working with a nutritionist for additional guidance.

Doesn’t it feel good to check a few things off your list? For more ideas on how seniors can stay active and connected, visit SilverSneakers.com. (BPT)

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