International Self-Care Day is an annual opportunity to highlight the importance of self-care and how it can benefit individuals and healthcare systems by creating a solid foundation. However, self-care should be practiced year-round and not just on one day of the year. Practicing self-care daily involves looking after your mental well-being, incorporating exercise and movement, eating nutritious foods, practicing good hygiene, and avoiding harmful behaviours such as smoking cigarettes. While it may sound simple, it can be challenging for some older adults to do these things for many reasons—such as lack of time, injury, or disability.
No matter where you are on your self-care journey, consider working on some of the core pillars of self-care that are an essential part of aging optimally:
Mental well-being
Issues relating to peoples’ mental health and well-being affect physical health, emotional and social well-being, and overall quality of life. As a result, supporting mental health and well-being is a critical consideration for healthy aging.
Physical activity
When we exercise, our bodies release chemicals called endorphins that contribute to a positive feeling and affect our mental health. By incorporating exercise into our daily routine, we are helping both our body and our brain stay fit. No gym? No problem! Many activities can be performed at home using minimal equipment, such as Yoga, Pilates and even strength training using everyday household objects like soup cans.
Healthy eating
A healthy diet is essential to optimal aging. Malnutrition among older adults can affect immune and sensory functions and aggravate the symptoms of chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and osteoporosis. Unhealthy eating can also result in fatigue, digestive problems and anemia.
Good hygiene
Practicing good hygiene is essential as it contributes to our overall health. Consider your oral hygiene, which, when neglected, can be a barrier to communicating and having a social life. Adopting healthy habits like brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups are essential as you age.
Minimizing harmful behaviours like smoking
Over one billion people smoke tobacco worldwide. Smoking is a risk factor for cancer, heart disease, respiratory infections and illnesses, stroke, and a reduced lifespan. As the saying goes, when it comes to making healthy changes in our lives, “there is no time like the present”! If you’re a smoker, consider making quitting a part of your self-care journey.
Access to quality health and wellness information is essential for increasing awareness and empowering people to make informed decisions. Read through our resources below to learn more.
