ACTIVE AGING

Written by Wendy Bellacomo

Active aging isn’t just a concept—it’s a lifestyle. At the Sowega Council on Aging (SCOA), we know that lifestyle choices significantly influence longevity. In fact, recent studies show that our lifestyle accounts for approximately 80% of our lifespan, with genetics playing a lesser role. At SCOA, we’re dedicated to helping seniors embrace active aging by integrating the principles of wellness into daily life.

“Active aging is about more than just adding years to your life,” SCOA Executive Director Izzie Sadler points out. “It’s about adding life to your years.”

This philosophy aligns with the International Council on Active Aging’s 7 Dimensions of Wellness, which can guide us in pursuing and optimizing life’s possibilities.

7 Dimensions Of Wellness

1. EMOTIONAL WELLNESS

Emotional wellness is pivotal to active aging. Embracing the full spectrum of emotions, from joy to sadness, helps us navigate life’s challenges and enrich our years. Emotional health involves processing and expressing feelings, which can fortify our ability to handle difficulties.

Strategies for enhancing emotional wellbeing include practicing gratitude, engaging in hobbies and seeking support from friends or professionals. Activities such as writing, painting or singing provide valuable outlets for emotions and can alleviate stress. Sharing personal experiences like finding solace in photography or using art to cope with grief, underscores the importance of emotional expression and healing.

SCOA supports emotional health in a variety of ways. We can connect seniors with counseling services, where licensed professionals can help manage stress, depression and anxiety. Our memory care programs offer specialized support for both those with memory loss or dementia and their caregivers, fostering emotional resilience and comfort. Additionally, volunteer activities such as PLARN, gardening and ramp building, as well as art workshops coordinated by some of our Senior Recreations Partners, provide creative outlets which help alleviate stress and enhance emotional expression.

2. INTELLECTUAL & COGNITIVE WELLNESS

Creativity and intellectual curiosity can thrive at any age! Keeping the brain active through puzzles, learning new skills and engaging in thought-provoking conversations helps maintain cognitive function. Creative activities such as sketching, cooking and playing an instrument also promotes brain health by challenging the mind and fostering new skills. By participating in these diverse activities, seniors can support their intellectual and cognitive wellness, leading to better overall health and mental acuity.

At SCOA, programs like Game Day BINGO provide a fun and social way to exercise cognitive skills, encouraging focus and memory recall. Similarly, the Claris Companion tablet program offers seniors access to technology that facilitates learning and connection, helping them stay mentally sharp and engaged. The AARP Smart Driver Course not only enhances driving skills but also stimulates cognitive function through the process of learning new information and strategies. Programs like the Aging Mastery Program (AMP) offer a comprehensive approach to intellectual wellness by covering topics like exercise, healthy eating and mental stimulation.

3. PHYSICAL WELLNESS

Physical wellness encompasses lifestyle choices related to diet, sleep, stress management and exercise. The Centers for Disease Control notes that many chronic diseases can be prevented through regular physical activity, yet a significant portion of U.S. adults do not meet recommended activity guidelines. Regular physical activity is crucial, offering benefits like increased energy, preserved muscle mass, improved mood and reduced stress.

Engaging in activities such as pickleball, offered by the Albany YMCA and the Lee County YMCA, two of our Senior Recreation Partners, or the weekly line dancing classes held at the Senior Resource Center can enhance overall health and help individuals recover more swiftly from illnesses or surgeries. Movement, even in modified forms like the exercises in our Chair Fitness classes, can benefit those with mobility challenges. Programs like Tai Chi, Low Impact Aerobics and Senior Stretch and Yoga offered at SCOA are low-impact ways to stay active, improving balance and flexibility while reducing fall risk.

4. PROFESSIONAL & VOCATIONAL WELLNESS

Active aging often involves pursuing new passions and finding purpose, even later in life. Whether through learning new skills, volunteering or mentoring, maintaining a sense of purpose can enhance well-being.

SCOA provides a variety of volunteer opportunities, allowing seniors to leverage their skills and experience in meaningful ways. The AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP program matches volunteers aged 55 and older with community organizations, offering flexible commitments from a few hours to 40 hours per week. Volunteers can participate in various roles, such as building ramps for seniors with mobility challenges through the Ramp Brigade, creating teddy bears and wheelchair sacs in the Sewing & Craft Station or providing companionship through our Telephone Reassurance Program. Additionally, volunteers can assist with tax preparation, transportation coordination, convalescent care visits and physical activity programs. Each of these roles not only supports community needs but also offers personal fulfillment and a sense of contribution.

Jim Ball, who leads our garden club, exemplifies how volunteering can bring new purpose. After retiring, he completed a Master Gardening Program and now shares his expertise with fellow SCOA volunteers, keeping our garden thriving with both flowers and vegetables. It’s never too late to start something new and find fulfillment!

5. SOCIAL WELLNESS

Strong social connections are integral to healthy aging. Social engagement can have benefits comparable to those of diet and exercise, including longer life and improved mental health. Practical tips for staying socially active include developing a sense of purpose through community involvement, maintaining regular contact with loved ones and participating in group activities.

One of the greatest benefits offered by SCOA is the opportunity for social connections. Participating in our various activities, including classes, volunteer opportunities, informational workshops and special events, is an excellent way to engage with others. Even online interactions can contribute to social wellness, as seen in virtual games and interest groups, as well as through our Claris Companion tablet program.

Sadler emphasizes, “Participating in group activities fosters a sense of community and belonging, which is essential for maintaining an optimal quality of life as we age.”

6. SPIRITUAL WELLNESS

Spiritual wellness involves living with purpose and aligning with personal values, helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with greater peace and resilience. Practices like meditation, spending time in nature and mindful movement—such as the yoga and Tai Chi classes offered at SCOA—can significantly enhance spiritual well-being. Our Aging Mastery Program also touches on spiritual wellness by encouraging participants to reflect on their values and goals.

Creative expression and participation in faithbased communities contribute to spiritual health by offering support and reducing feelings of depression and anxiety. For example, engaging in activities like poetry, art or music can provide a profound sense of peace and resilience. Similarly, being part of a faith-based community can offer a strong support system and a sense of belonging, further enhancing spiritual wellness.

“Our programs are designed to help our seniors find inner peace and align with their values,” says Sadler. “By supporting spiritual wellness, we aim to provide a holistic approach to aging that enhances overall quality of life.”

7. ENVIRONMENTAL WELLNESS

Connecting with nature can boost immune function, alleviate stress and increase overall vitality. Incorporating nature into daily routines, whether through regular walks in the park or spending time in green spaces, can contribute significantly to environmental wellness, providing a refreshing mental reset and encouraging gratitude and appreciation.

For seniors looking to get out in nature, SCOA provides a list of Senior Stroll Walking Sites in each of the 14 counties served by SCOA. Seniors are encouraged to start their own weekly walking groups. The list can be found on page 29 of this issue.

In addition to local activities, SCOA offers regular group trips. These excursions include fun activities and also provide opportunities to experience the countryside while traveling on a motorcoach to scenic locations. For example, on recent trips participants experienced the serene bayous of New Orleans and enjoyed the gently rolling hills of Nashville.

Embracing Active Aging

Active aging is about embracing a proactive approach to life. Studies show that a positive attitude towards aging can extend lifespan by an average of 7.5 years.

At SCOA we encourage you to embrace the 7 Dimensions of Wellness to achieve a vibrant, active and fulfilling aging experience. Remember, active living is not just a concept for a special week but a lifelong journey that enriches every day.

As Sadler puts it, “Active aging is about embracing life’s possibilities with enthusiasm and resilience. By focusing on the dimensions of wellness, we can all lead healthier, happier lives.”