Why Do You Want to Be Healthy?
Our Senior Advocates and Peer Advocates are SCAN members who also work part-time for SCAN. These SCAN insiders share what matters most when it comes to their health.
“Walking is a life saver for me—the sunshine, fresh air and change of scenery,” says Peer Advocate Evelyn McDonald. But Evelyn knows that a fall could keep her from her favorite pastime, so she is taking steps (literally!) to be able to do what she loves for as long as possible.
“The thought of a broken bone is not inviting,” she says. “That’s why, before sitting down at my part-time job, I walk around the block for 10 to 15 minutes. I like knowing I have some sort of muscle reflex to catch myself in case I happen to stumble.”
Find Your Focus…
Knowing your “why” can be a helpful guide for “how” to get there. So, ask yourself, “What matters to me in my life?” Is it being independent, spending time with family and friends, feeling good about yourself—or something else?
Answering these questions can help you decide what to focus on for exercise, diet and other health and wellness efforts. And when you’re tempted to let up, having a clear idea of what you’re working toward can help you stay the course.
…To Find Your Way to a Healthy Lifestyle
For many people, being able to interact with others is closely tied to their health and happiness. Senior Advocate Judy Velarde found this was true for her during the COVID-19 pandemic, which left her feeling disconnected and lonely. Now that the pandemic’s restrictions are mostly behind us, Judy is doing things to find her way back to social connections.
“What’s really helped me to feel more positive again is doing simple things, like walking in a park where I see other people,” she says. “Regular walks aren’t only good for our bodies, but they also really affect mood and attitude.” Staying in touch with friends—talking by phone, meeting for lunch and sharing books to read—has also helped her come back from the blues.
Use Your “Why” to Drive Decisions…
Recovering after an injury or illness, dealing with a chronic health condition or feeling the effects of aging can also prompt you to take stock of what’s important and then set new routines and goals.
One of our advocates spoke with SCAN member Julio M., who was facing a tough decision. He explained it was getting hard to walk, even with a walker, and he knew he was slowing down his friends and family.
So, when his doctor and family recommended he start using a wheelchair, he had to really think about what mattered most to him. Was it to be able to move under his own power, without a wheelchair? If so, that would mean a real commitment to long-term physical therapy. Or was it to be able to keep up with his family now?
He ultimately decided on both. He uses a wheelchair when going out—and says the grandkids love it! But he also does exercises to maintain his strength and has installed grab bars at home for safety.
Senior Advocate Robert Guzman agrees that you need to know your limit. “It’s important to recognize when I’m doing too much. There’s the right amount of exercise, working around the house, working at the job and eating well. But it can become hard to balance. Mental health and physical health go hand in hand, so you have to know when enough is enough.”
…And Make the Right Choices for You
Senior Advocate Susanne Perez knows what it’s like to have a change in health prompt a change in lifestyle. After experiencing a serious medical condition last year, Susanne overhauled her daily routines. She uses her Fitbit fitness tracker (included in her SCAN plan) to track her steps. She credits the Fitbit with helping to build her lung capacity and endurance. She’s also eliminated sugar from her diet to help manage other conditions.
While each of the Advocates we spoke with has their own “why,” they agreed that a healthy mindset is key. They say that choosing to think more positively helps them to take the steps needed to maintain their health, happiness and independence. And isn’t that what matters most?
“Walking is a life saver for me—the sunshine, fresh air and change of scenery,” says Peer Advocate Evelyn McDonald. But Evelyn knows that a fall could keep her from her favorite pastime, so she is taking steps (literally!) to be able to do what she loves for as long as possible.
“The thought of a broken bone is not inviting,” she says. “That’s why, before sitting down at my part-time job, I walk around the block for 10 to 15 minutes. I like knowing I have some sort of muscle reflex to catch myself in case I happen to stumble.”
Find Your Focus…
Knowing your “why” can be a helpful guide for “how” to get there. So, ask yourself, “What matters to me in my life?” Is it being independent, spending time with family and friends, feeling good about yourself—or something else?
Answering these questions can help you decide what to focus on for exercise, diet and other health and wellness efforts. And when you’re tempted to let up, having a clear idea of what you’re working toward can help you stay the course.
…To Find Your Way to a Healthy Lifestyle
For many people, being able to interact with others is closely tied to their health and happiness. Senior Advocate Judy Velarde found this was true for her during the COVID-19 pandemic, which left her feeling disconnected and lonely. Now that the pandemic’s restrictions are mostly behind us, Judy is doing things to find her way back to social connections.
“What’s really helped me to feel more positive again is doing simple things, like walking in a park where I see other people,” she says. “Regular walks aren’t only good for our bodies, but they also really affect mood and attitude.” Staying in touch with friends—talking by phone, meeting for lunch and sharing books to read—has also helped her come back from the blues.
Use Your “Why” to Drive Decisions…
Recovering after an injury or illness, dealing with a chronic health condition or feeling the effects of aging can also prompt you to take stock of what’s important and then set new routines and goals.
One of our advocates spoke with SCAN member Julio M., who was facing a tough decision. He explained it was getting hard to walk, even with a walker, and he knew he was slowing down his friends and family.
So, when his doctor and family recommended he start using a wheelchair, he had to really think about what mattered most to him. Was it to be able to move under his own power, without a wheelchair? If so, that would mean a real commitment to long-term physical therapy. Or was it to be able to keep up with his family now?
He ultimately decided on both. He uses a wheelchair when going out—and says the grandkids love it! But he also does exercises to maintain his strength and has installed grab bars at home for safety.
Senior Advocate Robert Guzman agrees that you need to know your limit. “It’s important to recognize when I’m doing too much. There’s the right amount of exercise, working around the house, working at the job and eating well. But it can become hard to balance. Mental health and physical health go hand in hand, so you have to know when enough is enough.”
…And Make the Right Choices for You
Senior Advocate Susanne Perez knows what it’s like to have a change in health prompt a change in lifestyle. After experiencing a serious medical condition last year, Susanne overhauled her daily routines. She uses her Fitbit fitness tracker (included in her SCAN plan) to track her steps. She credits the Fitbit with helping to build her lung capacity and endurance. She’s also eliminated sugar from her diet to help manage other conditions.
While each of the Advocates we spoke with has their own “why,” they agreed that a healthy mindset is key. They say that choosing to think more positively helps them to take the steps needed to maintain their health, happiness and independence. And isn’t that what matters most?
“Regular walks aren’t only good for our bodies, but they also really affect mood and attitude.”—Judy Velarde
“It’s important to recognize when I’m doing too much.”—Robert Guzman
