05 Apr Tips for Healthy Aging

Healthy Aging should be the goal for all of us. Getting older doesn’t always mean you have to worry about managing chronic medical conditions or a poor quality of life. In fact, you can enjoy the process of aging if you take proactive steps to maintain your health. Don’t let aging catch you by surprise.

Guidelines for Healthy Aging:

Stay physically active. Maintaining physical activity (gardening, hiking, walking the dog, cleaning your home) and regular exercise (tennis, yoga, weight training ) are critical to healthy aging. In fact, physical activity can:  Help reduce the risk of disease and disability, decrease falls, increase muscle strength and flexibility, increase bone mass, elevate overall mood, and even lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

Stay socially active. Enjoying fun, healthy, and positive friendships is vital to our physical and emotional well-being and a big part of healthy aging. All types of social connections are important.

Stay involved. Make a difference in your community through volunteering. Studies show helping others increases our own happiness.

Eat healthy. It is time to dump the junk food. Maintaining a healthy diet is crucial to healthy aging. Studies have shown that a diet rich in vegetables, especially green, leafy ones, can reduce the rate of cognitive decline as we age.

Take charge of your health. Keep your regular doctor appointments, including the dentist and optometrist. As we age, gradual changes happen throughout our bodies (including vision and hearing). It is important for your health care professional to stay on top of these changes to prevent further decline.

End bad habits. Stop smoking and limit alcohol consumption. Focus on getting at least 7 – 8 hours of sleep every night.

Now is the time to savor good health and happiness. Reap the rewards of a long and healthy life so you can enjoy each and every day.

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/featured/healthy-aging-longevity