September Healthcare Observances: Healthy Aging Month and More

As summer comes to a close, September brings welcomed cooler weather and a greater focus on the health and well-being of our aging population. This month offers an opportunity to reflect on several national health observances, including Healthy Aging Month and multiple cancer awareness campaigns. 

Today, we'll discuss these observances and many others. Our goal is to help you learn more about each campaign. We'll also offer avenues for you to show your support, such as donating, posting online, or participating in nationwide and local community events. 

Healthy Aging Month

Healthy Aging Month is recognized in September each year to promote positivity and healthy living as we grow older. This healthcare observance is all about being proud of our life experiences and learning how to live life to the fullest despite what the mainstream media might say about old age.  

It’s never too late to live a healthier and happier life. You’re never too old to pursue your hobbies or dreams or make changes to improve your health. 

Healthy Aging Month is all about taking back control over our lives and focusing on the positive aspects of aging. Some of the best ways to age healthily are to:

• Pay attention to your diet. Cut down on processed foods, and if you’re feeling brave, try a new diet like the Mediterranean diet.

• Move your body. As we age, it may become more difficult to get enough physical activity into our day. Simple changes like adding a daily walk into your routine could greatly improve your health. 

• Pursue your hobbies and dreams. We’re happiest and healthiest when we get to do something we love each day. You’re never too old to start doing something that brings you joy. If you’re feeling nervous or afraid of judgment, then do it scared. It’s better to be afraid to try something new than never to try it in the first place.  

• Stay on top of your medical needs. Seeing a doctor regularly to get age-appropriate screenings and check-ups is essential. As we get older, we’re often more at risk of developing diseases or chronic medical conditions. Catching and treating these ailments early is key to living a long, fulfilling life.

You can visit the National Institute on Aging’s healthy aging resources page to learn more about how to get involved in this month’s campaign and tips for a healthy lifestyle and longevity.  

Falls Prevention Week and Awareness Day

Another big part of healthy aging is ensuring our environments are safe and livable. This September 22nd is Fall Prevention Awareness Day, and September 23-27 is Fall Prevention Awareness Week. 

Falling is a considerable health risk for older adults, especially as our bodies become more frail and susceptible to injuries. Luckily, most falls are preventable.

Here are a few fall prevention suggestions:

• Practice balancing and movement regularly. Whether it’s yoga, stretches, or joining a local movement class, it’s important to maintain your ability to balance and move.

• Get assessed. Talk to your doctor about your balance. If you’re taking any medications, check if they have any balance-related side effects. Ensuring your hearing and vision are good can also help. 

• Make changes around your home. Keep your living space decluttered, and install grab bars and railing in your bathroom and around staircases.

• Consider emergency alert systems. If you know you’re at risk of falling, installing an emergency alert system can help your family and first responders help you quickly if you do fall. 

Multiple Cancer Awareness Months

Across the United States, millions of people have been diagnosed with cancer. Your risk of cancer increases with age, making it especially important for aging individuals to get regular cancer screenings and keep an eye out for cancer symptoms.

There are several cancer awareness campaigns running in the month of September. These campaigns rely on your donations and support to help cancer patients and survivors continue treatments and live healthily. 

Blood Cancer Awareness Month 

Blood cancer represents around 10% of cancer diagnoses in the U.S. each year. There are several types of blood cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. This cancer does not discriminate; it can affect individuals at any age in life. 

Blood Cancer Awareness Month aims to help people learn more about blood cancers and allow them to donate and show their support online. 

One of the first things you should know about blood cancer is the symptoms:

• Bone pain.

• Swollen lymph nodes.

• Persistent fever or infections.

• Enlarged liver or spleen.

• Chronic fatigue.

Symptoms of blood cancer can be similar to other chronic or dangerous diseases; that’s why it’s important to see your doctor and ask about testing if you think you might have cancer. 

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Childhood cancer is a leading cause of death among non-infant children. It’s estimated that 20% of kids who get cancer in the U.S. will not survive. 

You can support Childhood Cancer Awareness Month by joining an event, donating, or posting to social media. 

Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month

Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month aims to promote support for female reproductive cancers. This includes ovarian, cervical, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancer. The National Cancer Institute estimates that 108,000 women will receive a gynecologic cancer diagnosis in 2024. 

The best way to support Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month is to spread education and awareness about these cancers and their symptoms. You can learn more about different gynecologic cancers with these fact sheets. 

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

Prostate cancer is the 2nd most common type of cancer for men, only surpassed by skin cancer. It’s estimated that 12.8% of men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetimes, and experts predict almost 300,000 diagnoses for 2024 alone. 

Given its prevalence, men need to get regular screenings as they age. A prostate cancer diagnosis has a positive outlook if caught and treated early. You can show your support by encouraging the older men in your life to get screened and by learning about the warning signs of prostate cancer. 

Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month

Thyroid cancer is a somewhat uncommon type of cancer that affects the throat. It can be difficult to tell if you have thyroid cancer, but some signs include:

• A noticeable lump in your throat or in your lymph nodes. 

• Changes in voice, hoarseness.

• Difficulty swallowing.

• Clothing feels too tight around your neck.

Getting screened and catching thyroid cancer early is essential to a quick recovery. You can support Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month by donating or sharing education on thyroid cancer information online.

Other September Healthcare Campaigns

Several other September observances deserve your support and attention: 

• National Recovery Month. National Recovery Month is an observance dedicated to helping those with substance abuse disorders get the help they need and recognize and support recovering individuals. Drug addiction does not discriminate by age, race, or gender. You can support and help people recover from substance abuse by advocating online, donating, and participating in community outreach and awareness events. 

• National Suicide Prevention Month. September is National Suicide Prevention Month, meaning it’s a time to mourn those lost to suicide and help anyone currently struggling with their mental health. Loneliness, depression, stress, feelings of purposelessness, and social isolation often contribute to one’s consideration of suicide. Older adults are particularly at risk, making it essential to reach out to those we love to show our support. If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide, please get in touch with the suicide crisis line. 

• National Cholesterol Education Month. High cholesterol can negatively impact your health, putting you at risk of heart disease or strokes. The American Heart Association has several tips for staying on top of your cholesterol, including maintaining a diet focused on heart health and getting proper sleep. They also suggest that a pet dog could reduce stress and encourage you to be more active, potentially lowering cholesterol levels.  

• National Vascular Disease Awareness Month. Vascular diseases include many health conditions related to your circulatory system. Vascular conditions can have serious impacts on your health, making it vital to catch these conditions early. 

• National Assisted Living Week (9/8 - 9/14). Assisted living facilities are an incredible resource for aging adults who need long-term care and those who wish to live in a senior community. This week aims to recognize the benefits of assisted living, as well as the caregivers who make assisted living possible. This year’s theme is “Inspiring Generations.”

• Sepsis Awareness Month and World Sepsis Day (9/13). Sepsis is when the immune system damages the body’s organs or tissues, trying to fight off an infection. Sepsis is deadly, but it is preventable. The goal of Sepsis Awareness Month is to educate more people on the dangers of sepsis and what to do in emergency situations. 

• National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Sickle cell disease is a blood disorder that can cause chronic pain among other problems. Sickle Cell Awareness Month aims to connect individuals with opportunities to support those with sickle cell disease.

• National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day (9/18). This national awareness day aims to raise awareness about the treatment advancements for those with HIV. A majority of individuals living with HIV today are aged 50 and older, making HIV awareness and sexual health essential among older adults. 

• National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Childhood obesity is a preventable problem that can cause health issues for affected children. This awareness campaign aims to help families make healthier choices.

Showing Your Support This September

September's healthcare observances highlight the ongoing need for awareness, education, and action for important health topics associated with aging. By staying informed and engaged, we can support those in need and prepare ourselves to live healthier throughout our golden years.

Whether it's donating to a cancer organization, sharing a hashtag online, or participating in a community event, there is so much you can do this September. Even if you can't support a campaign directly, you can take action in your own life by implementing healthy aging recommendations.