CPS promotes healthy ageing on International Day of Older Persons
CPS encouraged regular health checks, activity, balanced meals and social connection as the observance falls on Thursday 1 October.
The Collective Prevention Service (CPS) encouraged the St. Maarten community to recognise older persons' contributions and support healthy ageing on Thursday 1 October, International Day of Older Persons.
CPS said this year's theme, “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives,” addresses the need for health and social systems to adapt as people live longer. It said healthy ageing includes physical and mental health, social connection and independence.
CPS said the risk of noncommunicable diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers, can increase with age. It encouraged regular medical check-ups, monitoring blood pressure and blood sugar when appropriate, taking prescribed medication as directed and discussing health changes with a physician.
The service also encouraged physical activity suited to a person's age, health condition and ability, along with balanced meals, adequate hydration and social contact with relatives, friends and the wider community. CPS said families should include older relatives in activities and stay alert to changes in their emotional and physical well-being.
CPS said an age-friendly society should allow older persons to participate in community life, access healthcare and essential services, and maintain independence where possible.
File photo: Werneuchen / Wikimedia Commons · Public domain · cropped, SXM Today mark added
