Every day can be ‘Well-Elderly Day’
Celebrating Wellderly Day: How Chisago Age Well is Redefining Aging
Chisago Age Well: helps seniors and caregivers pursue healthy lifestyles and a fuller, richer life
Did you know the third Monday in March was ‘Wellderly (Well-Elderly) Day”? Don’t worry if you missed it, the Chisago Age Well Coalition encourages you to celebrate aging well every day.
Launched in 2002 by Twin Cities physician Dr. Dale Anderson, Wellderly Day puts a positive spin on growing older. Dr. Anderson wanted to change the way society views aging by emphasizing that age doesn’t need to limit one’s ability to live a healthy and fulfilling life. He contended that the words “well” and “elderly” are not mutually exclusive. Anderson, who died in 2024 at age 90, believed that aging well is about looking forward to enjoying the years that remain ahead rather than backward on years that have passed, and that this shift in thinking can help the older adults maintain physical and mental health as they age.
What is Chisago Age Well?
Like the late Dr. Anderson, the Chisago Age Well Coalition celebrates the senior members of society and promotes healthy lifestyle choices to help ensure a longer and fuller life. The Coalition is comprised of more than 30 agencies, individuals, businesses, and service groups that work with older adults and caregivers in Chisago County. Age Well shares information on resources available for the elderly on its website, Facebook page, in a printed “Quick Look” Directory, at a series of free informational events called “Dine & Discover,” and a half-day Age Well Expo each October. With the help of grants, in-kind contributions and public donations, Chisago Age Well volunteers offer Dine & Discover programs at Chisago City, North Branch and Rush City three times a year.
Who are the elderly?
According to the World Health Organization, anyone over age 65 is considered elderly, The United Nations considers anyone over 60 as elderly. Back In 1875, anyone over 50 was
considered elderly. No matter how we define elderly, the fact is that the percentage of the population over age 60 is growing. In 2020, across the world, people 60 and older outnumbered children under age five for the first time in history. By 2050, 22 percent of the world’s population will be over 60 compared to only 12 percent in 2015.
How do we age well?
Experts tell us there are three aspects of aging well—a sense of well-being, having good physical health, and preserving good mental health. While theories about physical aging vary, scientists do know that a rise in cortisol levels caused by stress can speed up the aging process. Staying happy helps keep us healthy. Laughter releases endorphins that help us relax while reducing the cortisol and adrenaline that trigger anxiety. Regular laughter not only improves our mood but strengthens the immune system and eases pain.
A daily dose of humor coupled with regular physical activity, a sense of purpose, social contact, and a healthy, balanced diet help us to thrive as we age.
Chisago Age Well focuses on these key elements at Dine & Discover events where local experts cover topics like bringing joy to life through social connection, coping with chronic pain and recipes for healthy eating and exercise. Each 90-minute program includes food, and the
opportunity for social interaction.
The annual Age Well Expo in October features 60 tables packed with helpful information, volunteer and social opportunities, health screenings, music, food, laughter and just plain fun. To experience a lively five-minute video of last year’s Expo go to Youtube.com and select Chisago
Age Well Expo 2025.
Want to know more?
Chisago Age Well welcomes your interest and support. Let us know if you might like to become a volunteer or a board member. Check out our website, Chisagoagewell.org, contact us by email at [email protected], or register for our next Dine & Discover event through North Branch Community Education. Our Wed., May 13, Dine & Discover topic is “Safe Use of Medications” presented by Thrifty White Pharmacy and Chisago County Public Health
at three convenient times and locations.
Oh, and if you want to start being “Wellderly,” try Dr. Anderson’s simple feel-good prescription. Start each day practicing a full-blown belly laugh in front of the mirror. Laugh loud enough and long enough to release the endorphins that will help you feel better throughout the
day.
Published in the Chisago County Press, 4/2/26
Article written by Lani Freeman
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