There are at least six lifestyle choices you can make for healthy aging, and you are probably doing most of them already. Knowing how important they are, however, may make you feel better about it.

One tip is to get moving. This could be going on a regular walk (join our Walking Group!), gardening, biking, swimming, playing golf, taking an exercise class or incorporating any other regular exercise. Combine this with a healthy diet rich in nutrients, and you are well on your way to healthy aging. (Take advantage of our free Nutrition Counseling to ensure you're on the right path!)

Do you go to the doctor regularly? If you do, then you are on track for healthy aging. Do you connect with family and friends (in person or virtually!), manage your stress with yoga or Tai Chi (offered on our campus!) or keep a journal? These are all lifestyle choices that lead to healthy aging.

Experts say taking a class or joining a club can also boost your health as you age.  Camarillo Health Care District has plenty of classes to keep you active and engaged, from Social Media Basics, Digital Scrapbooking and our award-winning Adventures in VR Program to fall prevention classes, yoga, Tai Chi and more.

Getting a good night's sleep is important, too. Even though older adults need the same seven to nine hours of sleep as all adults, they often don't get enough. Irritability, depression, forgetfulness and frequent falls can be attributed to a lack of quality sleep. Getting good sleep is associated with lower rates of insulin resistance, heart disease and obesity, and it can improve your decision-making abilities.

Taking care of your mental health is also essential and can improve your quality of life.  According to the National Institute on Aging, as people age, changes in hearing and vision, as well as memory loss, and reduced mobility can lead to social isolation and loneliness, resulting in higher risk of heart disease, depression and cognitive decline. Staying connected with others can help. This includes in-person meet-ups; Zoom, FaceTime or telephone chats; or engaging through social media. Join a club or take a class to make new friends. Enroll in our Senior Support Line program for those 60+ for compassionate, confidential conversation and emotional support over the phone.

Camarillo Health Care District will take a deeper dive into the topic of Healthy Aging during its first in a series called The Wellness Hour. The first session's topic is "Practical Tips for Healthy Aging." Join us 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday, May 16, in our Caregiver Center, 3687 Las Posas Road, in Camarillo. We will discuss strategies for maintaining a healthy diet, staying active, managing pain and enhanced overall well-being. Learn simple, effective habits to boost energy, improve mobility and support a vibrant, independent lifestyle. The cost is $10, or $14 for Non-District residents.

"We hope people will feel happy they came and look forward to coming again, and that they will build community from this series," said Blair Barker, the District's Program Officer.

In June, the topic will be "Caring for Yourself While Caring for Others." Each lecturette will incorporate class participation and interaction. Series topics will be relevant to the community and appeal to a broad age range.

Call 805-388-1952 to register.