September is also Healthy Aging Month. The numbers of people over 45 are growing every day. The attention used to be just on the baby boomers. Now, the Generation X-ers are elbowing their way in and have many of the same interests as the previous generation – stay active and vibrant as long as possible. There are over 76 million baby boomers today over 50 and the first of the 82.1 million generation x-ers reached that milestone in 2015.

Why Healthy Aging?

September is a perfect time to celebrate Healthy Aging Month since it is time when many people think about getting started on new tasks after the summer. Drawing on the “back to school” urge embedded in everyone from childhood, the observance month’s activities are designed to encourage people to rejuvenate and get going on positive measures that can impact the areas of physical, social, financial and mental wellness.

To get you started on re-inventing yourself, here are some ideas from the editors of Healthy Aging Magazine. Maybe you will find some that will help you think outside the box.

1. Do Not Act Your Age

Do not act your age or at least what you think your current age should act like. What was your best year so far? 20’s? 30’s? Now? Picture yourself at that age and be it. Some people may say this is denial, but professionals say it’s positive thinking and goes a long way toward feeling better about yourself.

2. Be Positive

Be positive in your conversations and your actions every day. When you catch yourself complaining, check yourself right there and change the conversation to something positive.

3.  Ditch the Negativity

Have negative friends who complain all of the time and constantly talk about how awful everything is? Drop them. As cruel as that may sound, distance yourself from people who do not have a positive outlook on life. They will only depress you and stop you from moving forward. Surround yourself with energetic, happy, positive people of all ages and you will be happier too.

4. Walk Tall

Walk like a vibrant, healthy person. Analyze your gait. Do you walk slowly because you have just become lazy or, perhaps, have a fear of falling.

5.  Stand Tall

Stand up straight! You can knock off the appearance of a few extra years with this trick your mother kept trying to tell you. Look at yourself in the mirror. Are you holding your stomach in, have your shoulders back and chin up. Check out how much better your neck looks. Fix your stance and practice it every day, all day until it is natural. You will look great and feel better.

6. How Is Your Smile?

Research shows people who smile more often are happier. Your teeth are just as important to your good health as the rest of your body. Not only is it the first thing people notice, but good oral health is a gateway to your overall well-being.

7. Lonely?

Stop brooding and complaining about having no friends or family. Do something about it now. Right this minute. Pick up the phone, landline, or cell and make a call to do one or more of the following: Volunteer your time, Take a class, Invite someone to meet for lunch, brunch, dinner, or coffee.

8. Walk 10,000 Steps A Day

Start walking not only for your health but to see the neighbors. Have a dog? You’ll be amazed how the dog can be a conversation starter. Volunteer at local animal shelters to feel the puppy love. Make it a goal to walk 10,000 steps a day.

9. Get Those Annual Check-Ups

Make this month the time to set up your annual physical and other health screenings. Go to the appointments and then, hopefully, you can stop worrying about ailments for a while.

10. Find your inner artist.

Who says taking music lessons is for young school children? You may have an artist lurking inside you just waiting to be tapped. Have you always wanted to play the piano, violin, or tuba? Have you ever wondered if you could paint a portrait or scenic in oil? What about working in wood or clay?  Bring that artist in you