Wellderly Day is celebrated annually on the third Monday of March. This year, it takes place on March 17. On this day, we aim to celebrate the health of our senior members of society and promote healthy lifestyle changes to ensure longevity and fuller life. It is about looking toward the number of years the elderly have left to enjoy as opposed to the years already lived. This shift in thinking can help them to maintain physical and mental health. Remember: ‘well’ and ‘elderly’ need not be mutually exclusive.
History of Wellderly Day
Wellderly Day is also known as Well-Elderly Day. It was created by Dr. Dale Anderson along with Act Happy Day “to promote the health benefits of happiness, humor, and laughter.”
He believed that one should harness the power of happiness and laughter by starting our days laughing in front of the mirror. He reasoned that this simple practice not only puts a person in a better mood but also stimulates beneficial body processes as well. Dr. Anderson went on to publish a book called “Never Act Your Age,” which talks about how humor and laughter can have many health benefits at any age.
According to the World Health Organization, anyone over the age of 65 is considered elderly, while the United Nations considers anyone over 60 as elderly. Of course, this number has changed throughout the years; if you were 50 years old in 1875, you were considered elderly.
Healthy Aging is a concept introduced by the World Health Organization. It has four main areas of intervention: creating a health system that is more focused on the elderly, developing a health system that delivers long-term and sustainable care services, creating friendly environments for the elderly, and improving the assessment, monitoring, and research of older people’s ailments.
Wellderly Day also encourages seniors to take up a hobby, pursue any passions, and generally do what makes them happy. It is the ideal time to focus on all the interests they may have put off during their working years.
Wellderly Day timeline
Dr. Anderson publishes "Never Act Your Age."
The Active Aging policy framework is developed by the World Health Organization, which looks at formulating action plans that promote healthy and active aging.
Healthy aging replaces the World Health Organization’s focus on active aging.
The number of people aged 60 years and older surpasses one billion.
The World Health Organization releases the Baseline Report for the Decade of Healthy Ageing 2021−2030.
Wellderly Day FAQs
What causes aging?
There are many theories — some that suggest cells have a predetermined lifespan, while others claim it’s caused by error and damage. Others blame genetic, evolution, or biochemical reactions.
Does stress cause aging?
Yes, it can. Cortisol levels rise due to stress, and this can speed up the aging process.
What are the aspects of aging well?
There are three aspects of aging well, these are a sense of well-being, having good physical health, and preserving good mental health.
How to Observe Wellderly Day
Start your day like Dr. Anderson suggested
Stand in front of a mirror and let out a long belly laugh before doing anything else. Dr. Anderson claimed that laughing and happiness contribute to physical health. Staying happy helps keep you healthy.
Engage in physical activity
Get physically active and exercise at least five days a week, participating in anything from walking to gardening to dancing. Not only do these keep you healthy, but they also give you a chance to enjoy the outdoors or socialize.
Adopt healthy nutrition habits
Eat a balanced diet that allows you to thrive and function optimally. Plan your meals, and try out new healthy recipes.
5 Interesting Facts About Aging And Health
An increasing population
The world's population of people over 60 years old will nearly double from 12% to 22% between 2015 and 2050.
More elderly than children
In 2020, people aged 60 years and older outnumber children younger than five years old.
Elderly in low- and middle-income countries
By 2050, 80% of older people will be living in low- and middle-income countries.
Non-communicable diseases among the elderly
Heart disease, stroke, and chronic lung disease are the most common non-communicable health conditions for the older population.
Health in older age groups isn’t random
Variations in health can be a reflection of genetic inheritance and physical and social environments.
Why Wellderly Day is Important
It provides a positive spin to getting older
Instead of fearing growing old, this day lets us celebrate the present and the years to come. Growing old is natural and inevitable; instead of trying to shy away from it, it is better to accept it and make the most out of it.
It is about investing in the elderly
Wellderly Day helps to remind the elderly that they can still contribute to their families, to their community, or to society at large. As such, they should also take care of their health.
It's about humor and laughter
Who doesn't love a good joke, laugh, or funny moment? Wellderly Day utilizes these feel-good tactics to celebrate a life well-lived.
Wellderly Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | March 21 | Monday |
| 2023 | March 20 | Monday |
| 2024 | March 18 | Monday |
| 2025 | March 17 | Monday |
| 2026 | March 16 | Monday |
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