National Senior Health and Fitness Day

National Senior Health and Fitness Day is celebrated on the last Wednesday of May, this year on May 25. It is a day dedicated to the betterment of the health of seniors. The common goal is to help senior Americans stay fit and healthy. Numerous organizations around the country organize events to spread the word about the importance of eldercare and the various ways of doing it. There are also local events organized at neighborhood parks, gyms, and other similar places.

HISTORY OF NATIONAL SENIOR HEALTH AND FITNESS DAY

National Senior Health and Fitness Day is celebrated every year on the last Wednesday of May as part of the Older Americans Month activities. The day is commemorated by the Mature Market Resource Center, a national-level clearinghouse organization for the older adults market in collaboration with various non-profit organizations and private NGOs. National Senior Health and Fitness Day is the largest health and wellness movement for seniors in the U.S.

It is high time that we explore the various options of physical activity available for our seniors and acknowledge the importance of nutrition and exercise for the prevention of ill health. A healthy diet boosts immunity and energy while regular exercise retains bone mass and lowers the risk of fractures as well as that of any other disease or condition.

Around the country, assisted-living communities provide intermediate care for the elderly who, although they do not require a nursing home, are no longer able to carry on living independently. Different kinds of senior care and housing have emerged, such as communities for continuing care retirement, respite care, in-home care, and memory care.

National Senior Health and Fitness Day is celebrated in over 1,200 locations including senior centers, recreation centers, hospitals, health clubs, health departments, retirement communities, and more. Local health and senior organizations organize, sponsor, and host events with the help, guidance, and aid of the Mature Market Resource Center team. Different kinds of popular programs are held at such events, like group exercises, walking tours, health fairs, and many more.

NATIONAL SENIOR HEALTH AND FITNESS DAY?FAQS

What is the number one health problem in America?

Heart disease is the number one health problem in America. According to estimates, every 43 seconds, someone has a heart attack in the U.S.

What is the federal healthcare program for senior citizens called?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older. It consists of two parts: part A is hospital insurance and part B is medical insurance.

What is the most prevalent health problem of persons over the age of 65?

For the past two decades, heart disease and cancer hold the leading positions for the causes of death for people of 65 and above in the U.S.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL SENIOR HEALTH AND FITNESS DAY

Spend time with the elderly

1. Take a moment to spend time with your grandparents, parents, and in-laws. This day is there to make them feel special.

Host an event

1. Organize an event in your neighborhood for the seniors. Talk about the significance of good health and spread the word on social media using the hashtags #NationalSeniorHealthAndFitnessDay, #SeniorHealthAndFitnessDay, #SeniorHealthDay.

Volunteer

1. Volunteer at health fairs to spread the word. It is a chance to extend help to the elderly in your community, which in turn will add to your own well-being.

5 FACTS ABOUT AGING THAT YOU DIDN’T KNOW

The world is aging

1. The world is aging rapidly and people of 60 years and older will rise in numbers from 900 million to 2 billion between 2015 and 2050.

Ageism is increasing

1. Today, ageism, discrimination against people based on their age, is more pervasive than racism or sexism.

No to nursing

1. Only 3.6% of seniors above the age of 65 are in nursing homes.

High poverty rates

1. In the U.S., 10.5% of people over the age of 65 are living in poverty and they have the highest poverty rate in the country.

The minority is the majority

1. In America, 42% of the older population, 65 and above, are part of minority groups.

WHY NATIONAL SENIOR HEALTH AND FITNESS DAY IS SIGNIFICANT

It acknowledges the seniors of society

1. This day serves to acknowledge how important our elders are and their health. Since they are our seniors, it is our job to help them live a healthier life.

It focuses on health

1. This is a day dedicated to health. In the present times, in which many of us are living more sedentary lives, it’s becoming more and more necessary to take care of our elders' health.

It immortalizes respect

1. This day highlights the importance of respecting our seniors and taking care of them. Ageism needs to be abolished.