Aging Well

person stretching in front of the rising sun near a bench on the beach

Aging is an important process that we all experience. While achieving older age may include some challenges, aging well is an obtainable goal. This is not to suggest that a person will not experience chronic disease or disability. However, tips and tricks are available to reduce the risk of developing disease or disability and improve overall quality of life, even when faced with significant challenges or loss.

What is aging well? 

A key component of aging well is to delay or prevent the onset of chronic disease and disability. This is achieved through a variety of activities and behaviors shown to improve physical and psychological health and wellness outcomes.

The fundamentals of aging well

Aging well is the combination of many different things. The wellness wheel provides a good model to help you understand what helps us age well. It includes 8 different dimensions of wellness. If one of these wellness dimensions is neglected, then wellness in other areas is likely affected. 

  • Physical wellness is enhanced by incorporating movement in our daily lives, eating nutritious foods, and getting the recommended amount of sleep. 
  • Emotional/mental wellness requires us to cope with the stress and challenges of daily life.
  • Social wellness is acquired through our sense of connection and belonging to a well-developed support system.
  • Intellectual wellness emerges from our creative activities and drive to expand knowledge and skills.
  • Vocational/occupational wellness results from the satisfaction and enrichment from work, whether volunteer or paid employment.
  • Spiritual wellness refers to how an individual finds meaning and purpose in life. 
  • Environment wellness is the result of occupying a pleasant home and community that provides sufficient stimulation and support.
  • Financial wellness occurs when an individual is satisfied with current and future financial situations.

It may seem overwhelming to know where to begin for your personal journey to aging well. SDSU Extension is here to help. We have a variety of educational content and programs to help you create your own aging well plan. 

Reference

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2016). Creating A Healthier Life: A Step-by-step Guide to Wellness.

All Aging Well Content

Middle-age couple uses binoculars during a sunset hike.

Healthy Aging in Midlife: Is Midlife Crisis Real?

Midlife can be defined as a pivotal time in life where changes occur related to physical health, cognitive functioning, and well-being.

A group of older people sitting outside talking

What’s good about getting older?

Curious about the positive changes that come with getting older? Learn about some key mental and emotional changes that can occur in older adults, and the benefits that come with these changes!

Better Choices Better Health wordmark.

Better Choices, Better Health® SD

Every workshop is built on tried and true ways of achieving better health at any age or ability level.

A blank notebook sitting by eye glasses and photos.

Heirlooms: Creative Life Story Writing

Heirlooms: Creative Life Story Writing workshops offer free, professional writing guidance on a variety of topics, including life story writing, obituaries and family history.

A group of older adults performing exercises in a school gymnasium.

Strength Training for Older Adults

Strength training can be intimidating for older adults, but it plays a crucial role in keeping muscles and bones strong as we age. Learn some expert tips for starting a strength training routine today!

An extended family having a picnic at a park on a summer day.

What Does Getting Older Have To Do With the Food We Eat?

As we get older, some of our nutritional needs change. Understanding how our nutrition needs change over time can help us stay healthy and prevent disease as we get older.

Group of older adults hiking.

Overcoming Barriers to Physical Activity While Aging

There are many barriers that can impede regular fitness routines as we get older. Learn some strategies for when barriers pop up so you can maintain a healthy, active lifestyle regardless of your age.

Two older adults holding hands while walking.

Fall Prevention

SDSU Extension wants to help you avoid the chance of a life-changing fall. We offer a variety of evidence-based, community led, health education workshops to help you address factors that contribute to fall risk.

Older adult man getting assistance from a young, female caregiver.

Older Adults

SDSU Extension provides education and resources for older adults and their families.

A small group sitting around a table with notepads and computers on the table.

How to Bring Heirlooms Writing Workshops to Your Community

Life stories are pieces of history that should be valued and preserved for future generations. If you are ready to preserve these pieces of history in your community, then it’s time to sponsor an Heirlooms: Creative Life Writing workshop.