September’s Healthy Aging Month Ends, But Your Next Great Wellness Adventure Begins!
As September draws to a close, NOVA’s Office of Wellness and Wellbeing (OEWW) wants to remind you of another important health awareness month: Healthy Aging Month. This national observance, now in its 32nd year, encourages us all to embrace the positive aspects of growing older and to continue to cultivate healthy habits that will serve us well in the years to come.
Why Healthy Aging Matters
Aging is a natural part of life’s journey, and OEWW believes in supporting our community members at every stage. Healthy aging isn’t just about adding years to your life—it’s about adding life to your years. It’s about maintaining physical vigor, mental sharpness, social connections and financial wellness as we grow older.
10 Tips for Healthy Aging
- Move More, Sit Less: Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week. Try cycling or walking. Join our NOVA Monday Campaigns for ideas and tips on resetting your health goals weekly.
- Stay on Top of Check-Ups: Schedule any outstanding annual physical and health screenings this month. Remain familiar with your benefits plan and use the tools they offer to help you stay well. Employees participating in one of the state health plans are strongly encouraged to visit the DHRM website and review the health and wellness programs included in their health insurance plan.
- Give Back: Volunteer your time and skills. It’s a great way to find purpose and joy. Consider using your skills and passion to benefit our vibrant and varied Virginia State Parks. Join a committed team of staff and volunteers to keep our parks running smoothly, trails clean and well-maintained, gardens weeded, visitors’ questions answered, and fee stations and retail stores staffed. Click here for more.
- Connect: Combat loneliness by reaching out to friends and colleagues. Why not schedule a lunch meet-up?
- Pursue Your Passions: It’s never too late to learn something new or rekindle an old interest.
- Consider a Furry Friend: Pets can provide companionship and encourage physical activity.
- Manage Stress: Learn to say no and don’t overwhelm yourself. Try our free NOVA REC Well yoga Zoom classes. Click here for these and other physical wellness opportunities.
- Nourish Your Body: Choose nutrient-rich foods. Take a recipe from the NOVA Collection of Healthy Recipes from a number of resources, including Weight Watchers, the American Heart Association, CommonHealth, AARP, and the Meatless Monday Campaign. Meet your movement diet by picking your favorite experiences from the Move Your Way: Community Events- OEWW Curated Resources.
- Keep Learning: Join the NOVA Makers program at the NOVA Fab Lab—it’s free for faculty and staff! Also, did you know you might be eligible for tuition assistance through our employee benefits? If you meet the requirements, you could earn up to six credits per semester for classes offered through NOVA. Alternatively, you might qualify for up to $1,900 in tuition assistance for courses taken outside of NOVA at approved and accredited institutions per fiscal year. To learn more and see if you qualify for this benefit, visit the policies and procedures at: NOVA Credit Courses and External Courses. Please note that this benefit is available on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted. Do not miss this valuable opportunity to further your education and take advantage of the benefits available to you! If you have any questions, please contact hrlearn@nvcc.edu.
- Plan Ahead: Think about your next life phase and how you want to spend it. Develop new hobbies. Redefining your purpose to maintain a sense of identity and purpose is essential to a healthy lifestyle.
Remember, it’s never too early or too late to start prioritizing your health and wellbeing. Let’s make the end of September the beginning of your next great wellness adventure!
Submitted By:
Dahlia Henry-Tett, OEWW-Chief Wellness Officer; employeewellbeing@nvcc.edu