The Four Key Parts of Healthy Aging – and How to Strengthen Each One

By Kelly Jones, MSN-Ed, RN, PHN, Program Director of GRHS’s Senior Life Solutions

When you first think about “healthy aging,” you might picture eating right, exercising, taking your medications, and accepting aging as a normal part of life. While those are important, healthy aging goes much deeper.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines healthy aging as: “The process of developing and maintaining the ability that supports well-being in older age.” In other words, it’s about taking care of the whole person.

Breaking the Myths: What Healthy Aging Really Means

What Society Thinks is Typical	What Healthy Aging Really Looks Like
Aches, pains, and slower movement mean you have to stop doing the things you love.	Staying active through walking, stretching, and strength exercises helps keep you moving and enjoying life.
Memory loss and confusion are unavoidable as you get older.	Some memory changes are normal, but dementia is not an automatic part of aging. Staying mentally and socially active supports brain health.
Feeling sad, lonely, or anxious is “just part of aging”.	Mental health challenges are common but treatable. Connection, counseling, and support programs like Senior Life Solutions can improve well-being.
Older adults are a burden to their families and society.	Seniors continue to contribute wisdom, volunteer time, caregiving, and community support. Aging brings value and experience.
Retirement means losing purpose.	Many seniors find new meaning through hobbies, faith, friendships, volunteering, or mentoring younger generations.
Decline is inevitable, and there’s nothing you can do about it.	A growth mindset helps seniors adapt, learn new skills, and embrace change to stay healthy and fulfilled.

Healthy Aging has Four Parts: Physical, Mental, Social, and Adaptability

Support programs like Glacial Ridge Health System’s Senior Life Solutions help seniors experience what Healthy Aging really looks like.

Physical Health

Staying healthy means more than just treating illness. It includes eating nutritious meals, staying active, managing health conditions, and working with your primary care provider.

Local resources to help with physical health in Pope County, MN:

Glacial Ridge Wellness Center in Glenwood, MN, offers senior membership rates and special classes for older adults.
Meals on Wheels (Glenwood) can be reached at 320-634-9961 and delivers nutritious meals to your home. Something that many seniors lack.
Glacial Ridge Homecare Program provides help with medications, vital sign checks, and support to age safely at home.
The Healthy Aging Series by Senior Life Solutions is a monthly class taught by a registered nurse on topics important to seniors. Information about upcoming sessions can be found here: Calendar of Events and Classes at GRHS.

Social Health

Human connection is a basic need. As we get older, friendships and family connections can change. Retirement, loss of loved ones, or moving away from community ties can leave you wondering, “What now?” Without connection, many seniors feel lonely, guilty, or even depressed. Finding purpose through a hobby, volunteering, church, or community groups helps bring joy and keeps you engaged with others.

Adaptability

Aging can bring big life changes, sometimes ones we did not choose. You may need to move out of your home, you may not be able to do certain activities anymore, or you may take on new responsibilities after a spouse’s passing. These changes can feel overwhelming. Being adaptable means learning new skills, accepting help, and finding new ways to enjoy life. This makes transitions easier. Without adaptability, sadness and isolation can grow, which may also affect physical health.

Mental Health

Mental health ties all of this together. Too often, people believe that sadness, loneliness, or sleep problems are “just part of getting older.” That is not true. You do not have to go through it alone. At Glacial Ridge Health System’s Senior Life Solutions, we work directly with seniors to improve social health, support adaptability through life changes, provide emotional support and therapy, oversee medications, and coordinate care with your primary provider.

Did you know that all of these changes can actually bring on PTSD? It’s not just veterans who have difficulties at times; here’s How Falls, Loss, and Life Changes Can Trigger PTSD in Older Adults.

You Are Not Alone

Recognizing when you need help takes courage—and taking that first step can make all the difference. If you or someone you care about is facing emotional or mental health challenges, we’re ready to help.

Referrals can be made by anyone—whether it’s you, a loved one, or a healthcare provider.

To learn more, call Glacial Ridge Health System’s Senior Life Solutions at 320.331.2107. You don’t have to face this alone. Together, we’ll help you find renewed balance and emotional well-being.