Wellderly Day 2024: What is Wellderly Day?

The term “wellderly” describes the medical health and healthy lifestyle of seniors over the age of 80.  Seniors who are considered wellderly are free of serious chronic conditions and engage in a healthy lifestyle that promotes mental, physical, and emotional well-being.  This year, Wellderly Day falls on March 18, 2024, a day in which we promote a positive outlook on aging and encourage seniors to make lifestyle changes that improve their happiness and overall quality of life.  If you have senior loved ones, Wellderly Day is a great opportunity to talk to them about their physical and emotional well-being and encourage them to make lifestyle changes that can keep them happier and healthier in their golden years.

Wellderly Day History

Wellderly Day, also called Well-Elderly Day, was started by Dr. Dale Anderson “to promote the health benefits of happiness, humor, and laughter.”  Dr. Anderson discusses how humor and laughter have health benefits for people of all ages in his book “Never Act Your Age” as laughing and smiling can improve mood and even stimulate beneficial body processes.  This is the central concept to Wellderly Day as happiness and humor are encouraged along with positive lifestyle changes to help improve the health and well-being of seniors.

The World Health Organization (WHO) introduced the concept of Healthy Aging which focuses on promoting a high quality of life for seniors.  This concept is broken down into four areas of intervention; a healthcare system focused on caring for the elderly, long-term and sustainable care services, more senior-friendly environments, and better assessment, monitoring, and research into conditions and ailments most likely to affect the elderly.  Part of the purpose of Wellderly Day is to bring awareness to the concept of Healthy Aging and determine what can be done to improve each of these areas.  Seniors are also encouraged to pursue hobbies and passions on Wellderly Day which helps improve happiness and quality of life.

What Does “Wellderly” Mean?

The term “wellderly” is used to define seniors over the age of 80 who are not affected by serious chronic medical conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  Being “wellderly” also includes living a healthier lifestyle and having a positive outlook on aging while pursuing hobbies and passions.  Practicing wellderly techniques can greatly benefit seniors in the following areas:

• Financial stability: Seniors can achieve financial stability by tracking income and expenses and avoiding fraud and scams. Financial stability allows seniors to maintain a wellderly lifestyle and focus on their future.
• Mental health: Seniors can keep their minds sharp by engaging in mentally stimulating activities such as card games and crossword puzzles. An active mind helps prevent cognitive decline.
• Physical health: Seniors who stay active and exercise regularly can help reduce aches and pains that affect everyone as they age. It is important for seniors to engage in physical activities that are within their capabilities.
• Emotional health: Seniors are encouraged to have a positive outlook on aging that involves focusing on how they can make the days ahead of them more fun and fulfilling. It also helps seniors to think positive thoughts about themselves as they age.

How Can We Observe Wellderly Day?

The importance of Wellderly Day cannot be overstated as it helps put a positive spin on aging and encourages communities and organizations to invest more into the senior population.  It is common for people to fear getting old, which causes many to view aging in a negative light.  Wellderly Day reminds seniors to accept and make the most out of aging instead of fearing it, and to approach every day with humor and laughter.  Wellderly Day is also a day to recognize the contributions that seniors continue to make to our society and ensure they have the best possible resources available to them to maintain a wellderly lifestyle.

Seniors and their loved ones can observe Wellderly Day by focusing on adopting a positive outlook and healthier lifestyle.  The following are just some of the things they can do:

• Start the day with laughter: Anderson, the originator of Wellderly Day, suggested people should start their day by laughing in the mirror because humor and happiness have a positive effect on mental and physical health. Your senior loved ones can begin Wellderly Day with a hearty laugh in the mirror.
• Engage in physical activity: Being active helps seniors improve and maintain their physical health. Encourage your senior loved ones to engage in physical activity which can include anything from walking to gardening.  Help your senior loved ones choose physical activities that suit their interests and abilities and encourage them to engage in these activities often.
• Start healthy eating habits: Wellderly Day is a great day to sit down with your elderly loved ones and discuss their diet. You can encourage them to make healthier choices which benefits their physical health.
• Pursue passions: Talk to your senior loved ones about hobbies or passions that they have either not pursued in years or have never pursued. Maybe they have always wanted to take up a craft or learn a new skill but never had the time before they retired.  Encouraging them to pursue their hobbies and passions in their golden years can do wonders for their emotional health.

Senior Companion Care from Assisting Hands

Wellderly Day is an important day for seniors and their loved ones to help promote a positive outlook on aging and help seniors focus on living a wellderly lifestyle by staying active, making healthy choices, and pursing their passions.  It is also a day to evaluate the resources available to seniors that can help them live a wellderly lifestyle.

One way you can ensure that your senior loved ones stay happy and healthy as they age is to work with a home care agency like Assisting Hands Home Care.  We offer senior companion care in which our caregivers will provide personal care and assistance for your loved ones while also being their companion.  Our caregivers establish personal relationships with seniors in their care by engaging them in friendly conversations and their favorite activities.  We can also encourage your loved ones to be active and make healthier choices when it comes to their diet and lifestyle.

The companionship seniors receive from our caregivers helps improve their physical and emotional well-being which makes the wellderly lifestyle more attainable.  You can call us at (214) 609-1340 for senior companion care in Frisco, TX | Plano, TX | Allen, TX | Little Elm, TX | Prosper, TX, and the surrounding areas.