September is recognized as National Aging Healthfully Month also known as Healthy Aging Month or National Healthy Aging Awareness Month.
Now in its 33rd year, September is Healthy Aging® Month was launched as part of the National Healthy Aging® Campaign, created by Carolyn Worthington, President of Healthy Aging® multi-media and the non-profit Educational Television Network, Inc. We contacted Carolyn and she was kind enough to provide the majority of the content in this piece. In a nutshell, the purpose of this observance is to encourage people to focus on the positive aspects of growing older and to promote proactive steps for maintaining physical, mental, social, and financial well-being as they age.
“We created the month to inspire people to take stock of their health and life goals in a realistic and positive way,” said Worthington. “September was a natural fit—it’s a time when people feel ready to start fresh, much like a grown-up version of back-to-school season. We also felt there needed to be a second time during the year in addition to May is Older Americans Month.”
Welcome to Healthy Aging® Month 2025! Every September, we shine a spotlight on the power of positive aging, inspiring adults 45 and older to take charge of their health, happiness, and future.
This year’s theme, “Never Too Late to Reinvent Yourself” reminds us that no matter your age or stage, it’s always possible to chart a new course—whether it’s through a career shift, new lifestyle habit, or personal growth goal. Unlike past years’ focus on just sustaining vitality, 2025 is about transforming your future with purpose and excitement.
Since its founding in 1992, Healthy Aging® Month has received numerous local and national proclamations recognizing its value. In 2021, U.S. Senator Tim Scott’s office formally reached out to acknowledge the campaign’s impact and introduced a unanimous Senate resolution recognizing September as Healthy Aging® Month—cementing its place on national health observance calendars.
“Seeing people in their 70s, 80s, and 90s take on new careers, achieve athletic goals, or learn new skills is no longer rare—it’s inspiring and achievable,” Worthington added.
10 Fresh Tips for Healthy Aging® in 2025
Ready to redefine your next chapter? These tips with useful links blend physical, mental, social and financial wellness to guide your wellness journey.
- Add Play to Your Day
Find movement that’s fun—like pickleball, dance fitness, or cycling. Not sure where to start? Search for a new hobby or activity near you on Meetup.com or your local YMCA.
- Embrace Micro-adventures
Rediscover your local area—visit a botanical garden, hike a new trail, or explore a museum. Use the AllTrails.com site to find walking and hiking routes near you.
- Get That Annual Physical—and Track It
Schedule your physical and recommended screenings. Use platforms like MyChart.com or your healthcare provider’s app to manage records and reminders.
- Be a Lifelong Learner
Take free courses online on learning platforms like Coursera,org and edX.org, from gardening and photography to coding and neuroscience, or join your local library book club for low-cost learning.
- Cultivate “Weak Ties”
Say hello to your barista, your dog-walking neighbor, or fellow class participants. Casual connections are shown to improve mood and reduce isolation. Try Nextdoor to connect locally.
- Reset Your Relationship with Technology
Instead of endless scrolling, explore free courses like www.TechBoomers.com or Senior Planet from OATS to learn new digital skills.
- Cook One New Healthy Recipe a Week
Find inspiration and step-by-step recipes from cookbooks and on the web. Ideas: Oldwayspt.org, which promotes cultural diets for longevity, or AllRecipes.com, Food.com, for recipes; follow French Chef Jacques Pepin on Facebook for daily inspiration how-to’s.
- Reconnect with Purpose
Volunteer with your local animal shelter, food bank, or school. Try VolunteerMatch.org or AmeriCorps Seniors.
- Financial Fitness Checkup
Use resources like SmartAsset’s retirement calculator or Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to assess your financial wellness.
- Start a “What’s Next” Journal
Write down goals for your next chapter—whether that’s launching a business, learning a language, or traveling solo. Reflecting on purpose helps boost long-term motivation.
September is a great time to reflect and refresh. Whether you’re making new connections, starting a fitness program, or diving into a creative project, this year’s theme says it all: “Never Too Late to Reinvent Yourself”.
What’s Your “Fresh Start”?
Have you reinvented yourself after 45? Started something new in midlife or beyond? We’d love to hear and share your story with the Healthy Aging® Community! Email: editor@healthyaging.net
Or share your story with the Healthy Aging® community on Facebook
Publishers Note: The Healthy Aging® platform includes the healthyaging.net website, Healthy Aging® Magazine, newsletter, social media and special events. Healthy Aging® is a registered trademark of CWI Productions, Inc., used in connection with this long-standing public education campaign. This initiative is produced and distributed by CWI Productions, Inc. and its nonprofit partner, Educational Television Network, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to educational health programming.
Tips On Aging from Franny the K.
Local Alexandrian and former OTC contributor, Frances Kilpatrick is a 90 year-old widow who lives independently, drives herself locally, and enjoys an adult beverage or two on a regular basis. Her secrets to outliving the other members of her family?
-Luck and a dirty mind
-Taking care of her health
-Keep moving – turn up the music and dance around the house
-Laugh with your friends
-Don’t be afraid to love again but don’t use a dating site!
-Enjoy good food
-Appreciate nature
-Don’t take your troubles to bed
-Count your blessings
Alexandria City Senior Population (overall):
Total population: 156,788
60 years and over: 28,278 (18%)
Old Town:
Total population: 22,436 ±3,070
60 years and over: 5,799 ±1,429 (26%)