HJBR Sep/Oct 2025

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF BATON ROUGE I  SEP / OCT 2025 45 Melissa Brunvoll Marketing Director Assisted Living and Nursing Care Lambeth House deficiencies. Healthcare providers should assess patients for signs of malnutrition, discuss dietary needs tailored to age and existing conditions, and refer patients to registered dietitians when necessary. Encouraging the consumption of high- fiber, high-protein foods, along with cal- cium and vitamins D and B12, can support bone health, immune function, and energy levels. Programs such as Meals on Wheels and community-supported agriculture (CSA) boxes can also be powerful tools in supporting access to nutritious meals. Cognitive health presents another vital frontier in supporting older adults. While some memory loss is expected with age, providers must remain vigilant for early signs of dementia or depression. Rou- tine cognitive assessments, such as the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), should be conducted when concerns arise. Providers should also make patients aware that they benefit from brain-healthy behaviors like staying physically active, engaging socially, and continuing to learn new things. Brain-healthy activities can also go a long way in addressing mood disorders, especially depression, which is often underdiagnosed in older populations and can mimic cognitive decline. Reframing Aging An often overlooked but deeply mean- ingful aspect of healthy aging is helping patients retain a sense of purpose and au- tonomy. Aging can bring profound chang- es in roles, routines, and identity. Provid- ers can help patients explore what brings meaning to their lives, whether it be family, spirituality, volunteering, hobbies, or con- tinuing to work in some capacity. One important conversation that pro- viders should consider initiating early on is about the benefits of transitioning to a re- tirement or independent living community while patients are still healthy and active. Making this move proactively, rather than reactively during a crisis, can offer social connection, access to wellness programs, and a supportive environment that pro- motes continued independence. Ultimately, fostering a culture of healthy aging within healthcare systems means viewing aging not as a period of inevitable decline, but as a dynamic and valuable phase of life. September’s Healthy Aging Month is more than a symbolic obser- vance. It’s a call to action. Healthcare providers have a central role in redefining what it means to grow older. By investing in prevention, encouraging healthy habits, addressing psychosocial needs, and tailoring interventions to the individual, providers can help patients live longer, healthier, and more purposeful lives. n REFERENCES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Life Expectancy Data.” 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/ nchs/fastats/life-expectancy.htm. National Institute on Aging. “Health and Aging.” (n.d.) https://www.nia.nih.gov/health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Physical Activity Guidelines for Older Adults.” (n.d.) https://health.gov/paguidelines. World Health Organization. “Decade of Healthy Ageing 2020–2030.” 2020. https://www.who.int/ initiatives/decade-of-healthy-ageing. Alzheimer’s Association. “Cognitive Assessment Tools.” 2024. https://www.alz.org/professionals/ health-systems-medical-professionals/clinical- resources/cognitive-assessment-tools. Institute for Healthcare Improvement. “Age- Friendly Health Systems: 4Ms Framework.” (n.d.) https://www.ihi.org/Engage/Initiatives/Age- Friendly-Health-Systems/Pages/default.aspx. Meals on Wheels America. “Programs and Services.” (n.d.) https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org . Supportive Strategies for Healthy Aging At the heart of this effort lies preven- tive care. Annual wellness visits, routine screenings, and up-to-date immunizations are key to catching problems before they escalate. Screenings for colorectal and breast cancer, osteoporosis, and cognitive decline should be routine. Additionally, vision, hearing, and dental health must be monitored consistently, as changes in these areas are often early indicators of broader health issues or risk factors for isolation and depression. Fall prevention assessments and mobility evaluations are also crucial in helping older adults main- tain independence and avoid the down- ward spiral that often follows an injury. Physical activity is among the most ef- fective ways to support health as people age. Exercise promotes cardiovascular fitness, preserves muscle mass, supports bone density, and even improves cognitive function. For older adults, it’s also one of the best ways to prevent falls and frailty. Providers should encourage at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week, as recommended by national guidelines, along with balance and resis- tance exercises. Whether through walking, swimming, chair yoga, or tai chi, the goal is to build sustainable movement into daily life. For patients with physical limitations, referrals to physical therapists who spe- cialize in geriatric care can help create safe and personalized activity plans. Nutrition is another cornerstone of healthy aging. Many older adults experience reduced appetite, changing taste buds, or limited access to fresh, nutritious foods, which often results in unintentional weight loss or nutritional