Taking care of you: Celebrating International Self-Care Day

July 24 is International Self-Care Day—a reminder that caring for your health and well-being is something to be practiced every day, not just once a year. For older adults, self-care plays a vital role in maintaining independence, managing chronic conditions, and supporting emotional well-being.

What is self-care?

Self-care is anything you do to take care of your physical, emotional, and mental health. It isn’t selfish, it’s essential. And it doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Sometimes, the simplest habits can have the biggest impact.

Here are a few self-care ideas to help you feel your best: 

• Move your body in a way that feels good. Whether it’s a morning stretch, a walk in the park, or a water aerobics class, regular movement can boost mood and mobility.
• Stay connected. Reach out to a friend, attend a community program, or join a virtual book club. Social connection is key to emotional health.
• Protect your peace. Limit time spent on stressful news or social media. Try deep breathing, meditation, or simply sitting quietly with a cup of tea.
• Nourish yourself. Choose balanced meals, drink plenty of water, and treat yourself occasionally without guilt.
• Keep up with check-ups. Managing your medications and attending health screenings are essential forms of self-care.
• Do something just for you. Listen to music, work on a puzzle, garden, or take a nap. Joy and rest are just as important as activity.

Today—and every day—give yourself permission to slow down, listen to your needs, and treat your health like the priority it is. Self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a lifelong practice.

McMaster Optimal Aging Blog Posts are written by faculty, staff, PhD students, and external collaborators, and are assessed for accuracy by members of the Portal scientific leadership team.

DISCLAIMER: These summaries are provided for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for advice from your own health care professional. The summaries may be reproduced for not-for-profit educational purposes only. Any other uses must be approved by the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal (info@mcmasteroptimalaging.org)