AGE | Wellness vs. Well-being: What’s the Difference?

Do you hear the terms wellness and well-being in the news, advertisements, worksites, the doctor’s office, and in everyday conversation? Today, it seems like these buzzwords are everywhere. But what are wellness and well-being, and what’s the difference?

AGE | Nutrition Highlight: Potassium

Potassium is a key nutrient, especially as we age. It is important for nerve and muscle function. Potassium also helps maintain a regular heartbeat, and plays a role in bone and kidney health. It may help decrease blood pressure, prevent osteoporosis, and protect against stroke. Men 51 and older should aim for 3,400 milligrams per day. Women 51 and older should aim for 2,600 milligrams per day.

AGE | Finding Your Balance

As we age, our muscle mass and strength decline. Physical activity can help prevent this decline and help you find and maintain your balance. Being mobile, strong, and steady on your feet can help you stay independent as you age. This can increase your confidence and well-being, as well as reduce your risk of falling.

AGE | Food Connect Us

Food is often a foundation for our relationships, traditions, and culture. It is also a key part of our health. As we age, the food we eat can play a critical role in managing and preventing chronic diseases.

AGE | Healthy Sleep Habits

Sleep, sleep, and more sleep! You probably hear about sleep frequently. It’s a common headline in the news and often a topic of conversation. A question I ask my family most mornings is, “How did you sleep?” Sleep is universal—we all need sleep and we’ve been sleeping since the beginning of time! Most individuals don’t get enough.

AGE | Recognizing and Managing Stress

Stress presents itself in many ways. It may show up as headaches, pressure between the shoulder blades, fatigue, insomnia, or irritability. Stress is the body’s reaction to a situation; because stress responses are unique to individuals, stress management must also be personalized.

AGE | What do we call “old people”?

Each spring when I teach my class on aging, I ask young students–who are usually in their early 20s–what we should call people over the age of or around 65.

I hear pretty much the same list year after year: elderly, senior citizens, aged, elders, senile and geriatrics.