Active aging is a paradigm, a way of life that promotes good health while aging. The idea behind it is that there are seven dimensions of wellness, emotional, physical, cognitive, vocational, social, and spiritual, and by remaining active in all these areas of our lives, we will age better.

By “age better” we mean that those who make an effort to appeal to or stimulate all of the seven dimensions will feel better as they grow older. These people following this paradigm will experience a happier existence, be healthier, and live longer.

Not only can active aging slow the aging processes such as cognitive declines, but in some cases, it can reverse certain declines. For example, regular exercise can reverse bone density loss and make you stronger.

Senior communities are aware of active aging and strive to include activities and experiences for the residents that appeal to all seven dimensions of wellness. For example, a group exercise class, is not only good for you physically, but it is also a social event. If you are teaching a class, then you have the added benefit of the vocational dimension.

All of us are aging, all the time. But how we age varies from one person to the next. Using these seven dimensions will help us to maintain our cognitive skills, health, and good humor. Our environment affects our mind and our body. A healthy environment contributes to a healthier and happier individual. And that’s why even the World Health Organization (WHO) endorses active aging, and so do we at the Hamlets at Penticton.