Healthy Aging  Month observed in September, offers a month-long opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of proactively preserving and enhancing physical, mental, and emotional health as individuals advance in age. It underscores the idea that aging doesn’t have to be synonymous with a decline in health or quality of life and encourages people to explore ways to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives as they grow older.

Healthy living is a fundamental component of healthy aging, and adopting and sustaining health-promoting practices throughout one’s life can significantly enhance resilience and create opportunities for a thriving, fulfilling journey through all stages of life, from infancy to older adulthood.

By making choices that prioritize health and well-being at every age, individuals can:

1. Build a Strong Foundation: Starting with a focus on health in infancy and childhood sets the stage for a lifetime of well-being. Proper nutrition, regular exercise, and early healthcare can establish a strong foundation for healthy aging.
2. Promote Longevity: Healthy living practices, such as maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking, can contribute to a longer and more vital life.
3. Enhance Quality of Life: As individuals move through adolescence and adulthood, healthy choices continue to be crucial. Staying active, managing stress, and fostering positive relationships all contribute to an improved quality of life.
4. Mitigate Age-Related Challenges: Healthy aging practices in middle and older adulthood can help mitigate common age-related challenges. These include maintaining cognitive function, preventing chronic diseases, and preserving mobility and independence.
5. Adaptability and Resilience: Adopting healthy habits throughout life enhances one’s ability to adapt to life’s changes and challenges, making it easier to navigate the transitions and uncertainties that come with aging.
6. Continued Engagement: Staying mentally, socially, and emotionally engaged in later life can promote a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Pursuing lifelong learning, maintaining social connections, and pursuing hobbies and passions contribute to thriving in older adulthood.

Healthy aging practices aren’t limited to a specific age group but are relevant and beneficial throughout the entire lifespan. They provide a framework for building resilience and creating opportunities for a fulfilling and thriving life, regardless of one’s age. By investing in health and well-being at every stage, individuals can optimize their chances for a vibrant and satisfying aging experience.

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Eldercare concerns

Shedding light on the silent suffering

September is a month that signifies the end of summer, the beginning of fall, and for many, the return to routines and responsibilities. However, September also holds another important role—it’s Pain Awareness Month. This dedicated month seeks to raise awareness about the silent and often misunderstood epidemic of chronic pain.

One of the greatest challenges with chronic pain is its invisibility. Unlike a visible injury or illness, chronic pain is often hidden beneath the surface, leaving those who suffer from it feeling isolated and misunderstood. This can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, and a sense of hopelessness. Friends, family members, and even healthcare providers may not fully grasp the extent of the suffering endured by those with chronic pain.

Pain Awareness Month is a vital initiative aimed at addressing the challenges of those who suffer with chronic pain. It serves several essential purposes:

1. Education: It provides an opportunity to educate the public, healthcare providers, and policymakers about the complexities of chronic pain, its various causes, and the importance of effective pain management.
2. Empowerment: By raising awareness, Pain Awareness Month empowers individuals living with chronic pain to seek help, connect with support networks, and advocate for their needs.
3. Research and Advocacy: It supports research efforts to better understand and treat chronic pain and advocates for policies that improve access to pain management resources.

Living with pain

If you are living with chronic pain, or caring for a family member who is, listed below are  a  list of organizations, information and helpful resources.

Pain BC is a registered charity that is transforming the way chronic pain is understood and treated.

Making Sense of Pain Making is a self-management program designed for people with pain who experience marginalization and face barriers to accessing care.

American Chronic Pain Association  The mission of the ACPA is to facilitate peer support and education for individuals with chronic pain and their families so that these individuals may live more fully in spite of their pain, and to raise awareness among the health care community, policymakers, and the public at large about issues of living with chronic pain.

Mental health is an essential aspect of our overall well-being. Making mental health care and support a regular part of our lives is a valuable gift that we can give to both ourselves and future generations.

Mental health is as important as physical health

We may all require mental health assistance at various times during our lifetime.In the years since we established Tri- City Psychology Services, seeking help has become more normalised, however there still is a way to go.

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A significant obstacle preventing people from seeking mental health assistance is the social stigma surrounding mental illness. However, it is essential to remember that there is no shame in seeking out a compassionate and understanding listener. Often, simply having someone listen to our concerns and explore potential solutions can make all the difference in improving our mental health.

Remember, taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. By prioritizing self-care, building resilience, and seeking support when needed, you can strengthen your mental health and improve your overall well-being.