September is Healthy Aging Month — a great time to educate people of all ages about habits that support healthy aging. While it’s often associated with older adults, aging is a gradual, lifelong process. Practicing healthy behaviors at every stage of life can improve our chances of staying healthy as we get older.
People of all ages and abilities can build habits that support healthy aging, like:
- Staying physically active in ways that work for them
- Eating a healthy diet, including plenty of whole, nutrient-dense foods
- Maintaining support networks with friends and family
- Playing an active role in their health care
Individual behaviors are just one part of healthy aging. Other factors play a major role in staying healthy as we age. The social determinants of health (SDOH) are the conditions in the environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that affect health outcomes. Evidence shows that SDOH like access to quality health care, healthy foods, safe housing, and quality education have a major impact on health, well-being, and quality of life. Considering SDOH can help guide public health efforts, policy, and investments to help people live longer and healthier lives.
ODPHP supports Americans’ well-being by promoting national public health priorities, developing guidance and tools, and increasing access to clear, actionable health information. All these efforts can help people live healthy lives today and experience the best possible quality of life as they grow older. Check out ODPHP’s Healthy Aging Resources webpage for educational materials for older adults as well as resources to inform healthy aging programs, policies, and outreach in your community. Here are just a few highlights:
- Healthy People 2030 has 20 objectives specifically focused on reducing health problems and improving quality of life for older adults. Healthy People 2030 also has a variety of resources related to healthy aging, including SDOH sample scenarios that uniquely affect older adults and a quick start guide [PDF - 8.3 MB] with strategies for partnering with organizations that support older adults’ health and well-being.
- The Move Your Way® campaign has a set of materials for older adults. These resources provide physical activity guidance tailored to older adults along with guidance on preventing chronic disease and fall-related injuries.
- MyHealthfinder provides evidence-based health information to help older adults and caregivers make informed decisions about preventive care and healthy living.
- The 2025–2030 edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans offers tailored guidance to help older adults build a healthy eating routine and prevent disease as they age.
Visit the Healthy Aging Month page for social media posts, graphics, and newsletter or blog content to help promote Healthy Aging Month to your network.
