Wellderly Day: Redefine What it Means to "Act Your Age"

Wellderly Day, celebrated annually on the third Monday of March, offers a fresh perspective on aging and well-being. This year, it falls on March 18th, which is this coming Monday. Wellderly Day provides an opportunity to honor the well-being of our older loved ones and promote healthy choices for a longer, more fulfilling life. Rather than dwelling on the past, Wellderly Day invites us to shift our focus to the vibrant years ahead, emphasizing that being ‘well’ and ‘elderly’ can go hand in hand.

Embracing a Positive Approach to Aging

Dr. Dale Anderson created Wellderly Day to advocate for the health advantages of happiness, humor, and laughter for older adults. Laughter is known as the best medicine for all ages, playing a role in maintaining good health, particularly as we age. It improves mood, strengthens the heart, boosts the immune system, and promotes well-being. Dr. Anderson’s book Never Act Your Age explores how humor and laughter offer numerous health advantages regardless of age.

He recommended beginning each day by standing in front of a mirror and releasing a hearty belly laugh to set a positive tone for the day ahead. He emphasized that individuals of any age, including seniors, can benefit from this practice, transforming them from elderly to “WELLderly.”

Understanding the Significance of Healthy Aging

The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies anyone over 65 as elderly, while the United Nations (UN) says it’s 60. So, the definition has undoubtedly evolved over the years. For example, in 1875, a person who was 50 years old would have been considered elderly!

Despite being an older adult, it doesn’t mean you can’t be well and live a fulfilling life, which aligns with the concept of healthy aging. The World Health Organization (WHO) promotes healthy aging, focusing on four key areas:

Improving our health systems to better cater to older people.
Providing sustainable care services.
Creating environments that are more friendly to older individuals.
Enhancing research on age-related ailments.

Why Wellderly Day Is Important

Growing old is a natural and inevitable part of life. Instead of avoiding it, embracing it and making the most of it is better. It’s important to remind older adults that they still have much to offer to their families, communities, and society. Taking care of your health and finding joy in humor and laughter is key. After all, who doesn’t enjoy a good joke or laugh?

Wellderly Day is also an excellent opportunity for seniors to pick up a new hobby, follow their passions, and do what makes them happy. It’s a chance to finally explore all those interests that may have been on the back burner during their working years. It’s all about living life to the fullest and celebrating the joys of aging gracefully.

How You Can Celebrate Wellderly Day

Age should never hinder your ability to lead a vibrant and fulfilling life. Embracing this mindset as you grow older is what it means to be “WELLderly.”

To embark on this path of wellness, Dr. Anderson recommends starting your day with a 15-second laughter session in front of a mirror.

The day aims to kickstart your morning with positivity, setting the tone for a bright and fulfilling day. Engage in activities that uplift your spirits throughout the day, and consider delving into Dr. Anderson’s book, “Never Act Your Age.”

Wellderly Day encourages a positive approach to aging, honoring the well-being of ourselves and our older loved ones and promoting healthy choices for a fulfilling life. Let’s celebrate the vibrant years ahead and show that being ‘well’ and ‘elderly’ can coexist.

Check out some fun facts about aging below!

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