What is Healthy Aging?

We’re all going to grow old one day and when we do, we all hope to be healthy. But what does healthy aging look like? According to World Health Organization (WHO), healthy aging “’is the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age’. Functional ability is about having the capabilities that enable all people to be and do what they have reason to value.” This looks like a person’s ability to make decisions, be mobile, build relationships, contribute to society and meet their basic needs. 

There are many factors that contribute to healthy aging. These include your home and living environment, pre-existing health conditions, access to healthy food, your relationships and family connections, your community and neighborhood, and your mental health.