May is Older Americans Month. The theme this year is “Making Choices for a Healthy Future.” What does that really mean? Many factors affect our health, among them are safety, good nutrition, and physical activity.

How can safety enhance one’s health? Many of the old-time comedians made us laugh as they took a spill. But for an older person, falls are no laughing matter.

Gladys’ home was cluttered. She had many “throw rugs” and piles of newspapers all over her house. When she fell over one of those piles, she broke her hip. Gladys never recovered nor returned to her home. She had to live in a nursing home because of her fall.

Fortunately, many falls and resulting injuries can be prevented. Here are four strategies to prevent falling: get regular exercise to improve strength, balance, and coordination; review medications for such side effects as drowsiness or dizziness; remove hazards in the home to reduce falls; and have your vision checked regularly.

Everyone knows the benefits of good nutrition, but not everyone eats right all of the time, particularly those who cook and eat alone. The meals program at senior centers provides a hot, balanced meal, but it also promotes healthy living by encouraging people to get out and socialize with others.

Clara loved to come into the senior center to eat and visit with her friends. She would swap stories about family, discuss the weather, or join in conversations about world events. She was content just listening to others. She wanted everyone around her to feel good and tried her best to be pleasant and positive. For Clara, the senior center was truly a “wellness” center.

Finally, physical activity is the crux of making health choices. Audrey is an example. She took up an entirely new avocation in her retirement years at age 70 – weight lifting. She owned a weight lifting record in her age group in the Senior Olympics and the Natural Athlete Strength Association and won the “Outstanding Lifter” award in 1995.

Even if weight lifting isn’t for you – you can walk, attend aerobic classes, or work in your garden to meet your physical health needs. Not only is exercise important, but so is eating right and socializing with family and friends.

Making sure you are safe, eating right, and are physically active are three excellent strategies for making choices for a healthy future. Gladys, Clara, and Aubrey are examples we can use to judge how well we are making our choices.

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