May is Older Americans Month, a great time to bring attention to the issues that affect older adults and create community-wide opportunities to help older Americans improve their quality of life.  This year’s theme is “Living Today For A Better Tomorrow,” and we, as a nation, must work together to give older adults the tools they need to make healthy decisions.

By 2030, one in every five Americans will be age 65 or older. Although the risk of disease increases with advancing age, poor health is not an inevitable consequence of aging. Many illnesses, disabilities and even death associated with chronic disease are preventable.

Nearly 40% of deaths in America can be attributed to poor health habits such as lack of physical exercise, poor eating habits and smoking. Older Americans can prevent or control chronic disease by adopting healthy habits such as exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy diet and ceasing tobacco use.  

The benefits of regular physical activity include weight control; healthy bones, muscles and joints; arthritis relief; reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression; and more.  Exercise does not have to be strenuous and is safe for people of all age groups. In fact, it’s healthier to exercise than eliminate it altogether. Older Americans can greatly benefit from a regular exercise routine that includes strength, balance, stretching and endurance exercises.

In addition to a regular exercise routine, good nutrition is vital in maintaining good health. Improving older Americans’ diets can reduce the occurrence of chronic diseases, but most older adults over age 65 do not maintain a healthy diet. Reducing saturated fats and eating a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and grains can help put older Americans on the right track to staying healthy.  

Tobacco use increases the risk of heart disease and cancer and is the single most preventable cause of death in the United States. Older adults who stop smoking will gain immediate and long-term health benefits.

While it’s important for older Americans to have good physical health, it’s equally important that they maintain good mental health.  Nearly 20 percent of Americans age 55 and older, experience depression and anxiety disorders.

Studies have shown that engaging in social activities and volunteering within the community can greatly improve mental health.  Benefits include improved overall well being, greater life satisfaction, lower rates of depression and lower mortality rates.

Please join Southold Town Senior Services and the Senior Options and Solutions program at Eastern Long Island Hospital as we celebrate Older Americans Month and “Living Today for a Better Tomorrow”. Throughout the month of May we will be working together to provide free health education and screening events as well as a Senior Health and Wellness Fair.  For a detailed schedule of events you can contact the Town Senior Services at 298-4460 or log on to the ELIH website geriatric center calendar of events at www.elih.org.


Written by Juliet Frodella, Director, Senior Options and Solutions, Eastern Long Island Hospital  and Karen McLaughlin, Southold Town Director of Human Services