September is Healthy Aging Month—a time to celebrate the benefits of growing older and to remind ourselves that aging doesn’t have to mean slowing down. It’s an opportunity to embrace new strategies for staying healthy and prepared for the years ahead.
Healthy aging isn’t just about staying physically active. True wellness encompasses your body, mind, social connections, and even financial health. Together, these pillars create a strong foundation for a fulfilling future with greater confidence and fewer worries.
This Healthy Aging Month—and beyond—let’s explore practical ways to strengthen these pillars and enjoy life to its fullest.
- Stay Active with Movement You Enjoy
Regular physical activity remains one of the most powerful tools for healthy aging. The good news? You don’t need to run marathons or lift heavy weights to see significant benefits. Research from the American Heart Association shows that just 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week (about 20 minutes a day) can reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and other harmful conditions.1
Consider low-impact activities that deliver substantial results, such as walking, swimming, tai chi, resistance training, and gardening. As an added benefit, many of these activities can be enjoyed outdoors, providing fresh while requiring minimum equipment or cost. The key is consistency over intensity. Start at your own pace and gradually increase your activity level. Your body will reward you with improved energy, better sleep, and an uplifted mood. And, as always, your doctor can help you determine what exercises would best work for your individual circumstance.
- Nourish Your Body with Smart Nutrition
What you eat directly impacts your health and how you age. A balanced diet rich in nutrients can help prevent chronic diseases, maintain cognitive function, and keep your energy levels stable throughout the day. While your individual needs may vary, many people focus on protein to preserve muscle mass, embrace colorful produce, choose whole grains, and stay well-hydrated throughout the day.
For additional guidance, you may consider consulting a registered dietitian who specializes in senior nutrition. They can help you create a personalized eating plan that addresses your specific health goals and lifestyle.
- Prioritize Cognitive and Social Wellness
Mental health deserves the same attention as physical health, especially as we age. Maintaining cognitive function and emotional well-being contributes significantly to your overall quality of life.
Simple strategies to support cognitive and emotional wellness include staying socially connected with loved ones and friends, engaging in mentally stimulating activities, learning new skills, practicing stress management via meditation or yoga, and getting quality sleep to boost memory function, energy levels, and emotional balance.
- Bolster Your Financial Fitness
Just like diet and exercise, financial health plays a crucial role in healthy aging. Having financial security not only provides peace of mind but also gives you more choices for healthcare, nutrition, and lifestyle—so you can focus on enjoying life.
Healthcare costs alone can consume a significant portion of retirement savings. According to the Employee Benefit Research Institute (ERBI), even with Medicare, the average two-person household will need $318,000 in dedicated savings to pay for their healthcare needs in retirement.2 This sobering statistic highlights how proper planning can help ensure your finances stay in tip top shape during retirement.
And if you find your financial health is less than optimal these days, don’t worry—just like your physical and mental wellbeing, it’s never too late to make improvements!
Funding Healthy Aging with Home Equity Solutions
It’s no secret that, when it comes to prioritizing your overall health, investing in your wellbeing can become exactly that—an investment ($$$). From rising healthcare costs and medical bills to better-for-you nutrition choices and activity expenses, the costs can certainly add up quickly. Ideally, you don’t want to sacrifice your financial wellbeing in the process.
For many homeowners, the home itself can become a powerful resource, both for funding healthy aging choices and supporting aging in place—living safely and comfortably in the home you love for as long as possible. At Longbridge, we specialize in helping older adults unlock their home equity to support both physical and financial wellness.
One option you may have heard of is a reverse mortgage. Designed for homeowners age 62 and older, reverse mortgages allow you to convert a portion of your home equity into income tax-free cash.3 A major benefit of this kind of loan is the flexibility to receive your funds as a lump sum, monthly payments, or a line of credit4—all without the obligation of monthly mortgage payments! (You must, of course, still meet your loan obligations, keeping current on property taxes, insurance, and maintenance.)
Another option is HELOC For Seniors®. A first-of-its-kind Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), HELOC For Seniors® was designed to specifically address the needs of homeowners 62 and older. Unlike traditional HELOCs, it offers quick and easy access to the cash you need, plus senior-friendly features like interest-only payments for the duration of the loan,5 keeping monthly costs manageable and predictable.
Home equity solutions like these—created with older homeowners in mind—can be especially helpful when it comes to supporting your healthy aging goals and beyond. Exploring your options with a trusted financial advisor can help you find the solution that best supports your physical, mental, and social health, while keeping your financial wellbeing in focus.
Embracing the Journey Forward
Healthy Aging Month is a reminder that every day offers an opportunity to make choices that support your future well-being. By taking a holistic approach to health—physical, mental, social, and financial— you’re not just adding years to your life, but adding life to your years.
Whether you’re starting a new exercise routine, exploring financial products like reverse mortgages or HELOC For Seniors®, or simply committing to better nutrition, every positive step moves you toward a healthier future.
To learn more about funding your healthy aging ambitions with the power of your home equity, reach out to the Longbridge team today!