Today marks the Double Ninth Festival 🎉 – a classic Chinese holiday on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month when families climb hills, sip chrysanthemum tea, and honor elders. As we celebrate longevity, it’s the perfect time to ask: what really makes someone a “healthy” older adult?
According to Professor Wang Hongman of Southeast University of China, being disease-free is only part of the story. Here are 3 simple ways to look at healthy aging:
- Daily Functionality 💪: More than no illness, functional ability means you can handle everyday gigs—cooking up your favourite biryani, climbing Penang Hill, or even scrolling through TikTok with ease.
- Social Participation 🤝: Staying connected boosts mood and brainpower. From tai chi sessions in the park to virtual chai chats on WhatsApp, social bonds are key to a happy mind.
- Lifelong Learning 🚀: Picking up new skills—whether it’s a mini coding workshop or mastering a new dance challenge—keeps the mind fresh and life exciting.
With population aging becoming a global trend, redefining healthy aging matters for us and the generations ahead. Let’s focus on function, connection, and growth to build enriched lives—for our elders and for ourselves. 🌟
This Double Ninth, honor your elders by supporting their well-being and embracing the principles of healthy aging in your own life!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
