By Carey Skelton MS MPH RDN CDN/ Nutrition & Wellness Coordinator
Staying informed means having a lot of knowledge or information about something. It can also mean being aware and able to make good decisions with the knowledge at hand. It is our responsibility to navigate information to make the best decisions for our total health and wellness.
Staying informed really speaks to one of the 6 dimensions of total wellness, intellectual wellness; defined as engaging in lifelong learning, questioning, and expanding knowledge and using critical thinking skills. As we age, to reduce cognitive decline, we are not only seeking information about the current events, economy and politics, but also on how to age well in the modern world through nutrition, physical activity, the use of advances in technology, and finding opportunities to reduce social isolation. Continually seeking information on all these topics that is reliable and credible is a skill that takes time to develop.
Staying educated and navigating the modern world of information requires a combination of curiosity, critical thinking, open-mindedness and active engagement. It is good general practice of seeking out diverse perspectives and viewpoints about a topic to gain a more balanced perspective. Engaging in discussions to expose ourselves to a variety of ideas and opinions from reliable sources can develop a greater understanding of complex issues. What better way to participate in the world around us and improve our total wellness than to find social opportunities of learning?
By recognizing the importance of staying informed and being intentional about the information we consume we can improve our health and wellness with greater confidence and purpose. One place with reliable information on how to age well is Office for Aging Services. Check out our website at https://chqgov.com/office-aging to see all the programs and services offered. Additionally, by signing up for our communication system, if you are not already registered, will provide you with information at your fingertips. We send messages about the current programs you may be interested in through your preferred communication method: text, email, or an automated call. If you are not already signed up to receive these messages, just call us at our NY Connects line 716-753-4582.
By making simple and healthy choices on a daily basis, you will be well on your way towards achieving total wellness. We know the healthy choice is not always the easiest choice, but small changes can make a big difference. Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services offers Nutrition & Wellness programs to support you in your journey toward total wellness. Call NY Connects at 716-753-4582 for more details and information about any of these Nutrition and Wellness programs provided by Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services.
SNAP-Ed materials are funded by USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Some of these materials have been funded in whole or in part by grants from the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA), and/ or the Administration on Aging (AOA) and/ or Administration for Community Living (ACL). Nothing herein is intended, nor should be construed, as an endorsement by the State of New York.
