CELEBRATING “OLDER AMERICANS MONTH” – AGING WELL & STAYING CONNECTED

A special thanks to our Financial Planning & Investment Partner, Michael Abbate, head of our Lifestyle Planning Group, for his contributions to this article.

May marks Older Americans Month, a time to honor the incredible contributions, wisdom, and resilience of our ‘elders.’  This year’s theme, Powered by Connection, highlights how relationships foster independence and well-being in the generation of Americans aged 65 and up.

How can Older Americans celebrate themselves and each other this month?

• Share Your Story — Inspire others by documenting your life experiences through storytelling or memoir writing.
• Give Back — Volunteer at local schools, mentor young professionals, or participate in service projects, sharing your wisdom and experience.
• Prioritize Health & Wellness — Join fitness classes, attend nutrition workshops, or explore mindfulness techniques.
• Embrace Technology — Don’t let advancements in technology make you “feel” older than you are.  Take a digital skills class to stay engaged and connected online.
• Get Creative — Express yourself through art, music, writing, or photography.
• Honor Contributions — Recognize not only your own contributions, but also those of the Older Americans around you; the differences they made through leadership and service.
• Preserve Memories — Scrapbooking, recorded interviews, and memory-sharing help pass down cherished moments.
• Enjoy the Outdoors — Nature walks, gardening clubs, and outdoor activities promote well-being and connection, and have proven health benefits for longevity.

What part of an Older American’s aging plan needs attention?

For many Older Americans, plans for a prosperous financial future have been in place for a long time.  Most have spent decades building their foundation for financial stability, and are not about to let that foundation crumble by losing sight of their financial plan in their senior years.

That being said, retirement is not only about financial security – it is about embracing a lifestyle that supports long-term well-being.  In our 60s, 70s, and older years, it is important to focus on the habits, health choices, and personal priorities that support a fulfilling life, asking yourself, “How will I continue to age well?”

With your finances sorted, you can confidently focus on other important details, such as your health – your greatest asset.  According to the National Council on Aging, nearly 95% of older adults live with at least one chronic condition, and almost 80% have two or more.  The good news?  Many of these conditions are preventable or manageable with proactive choices.  Aging well is not just about adding years to your life, it is about adding life to your years.

Your ‘Everyday Habits’ Matter

Living a vibrant life in retirement starts with small, intentional decisions.

🏃 Stay Active:  Just 150 minutes of moderate activity per week – or about 30 minutes per day – can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and even cognitive decline.  In fact, more and more studies are linking regular physical activity to a reduced risk of dementia.  If you don’t want to hit the gym every morning, that is okay!  Physical activity could also come in the form of gardening, dancing, or daily walks with a friend.

🩺 Prioritize Preventive Care:  Regular checkups, screenings, and vaccinations help catch health concerns early.  Medicare covers many preventive services, yet millions of retirees do not take advantage of them.  Staying on top of your health appointments today, could mean easier treatment and faster recovery down the road.  Not on Medicare just yet?  Our ATLAS RMG team can help you understand the various options in front of you, so you can be well prepared for what lies ahead.

🥗 Eat for Longevity:  The ‘Blue Zone’ diet – sometimes thought of as a Mediterranean-style diet, which avoids unprocessed foods, and opts for vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats – is linked to better heart and brain health, as ‘blue zone’ citizens are known for having exceptionally long lifespans.  Additionally, reducing sodium (salt) intake can have a dramatic effect on blood pressure, possibly eliminating the need for medication.  The choices you make in the kitchen today, will shape your health tomorrow.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Stay Socially Engaged:  Social isolation is as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, according to research from Brigham Young University.  Connecting with family, friends, or community groups can profoundly impact mood, memory, and overall longevity.

🎯 Plan with Purpose:  Keeping life exciting plays a huge role in maintaining mental and physical health.  Book a trip, schedule outings, buy season tickets to a theater or sporting event.  Planning events gives you things to look forward to, keeping both the body and mind engaged.

As we celebrate Older Americans Month, we take a moment to say “Thank You” to the older Americans whose wisdom mentored us, whose experiences and insights helped us learn, and whose resilience paved the way.