10 Ways to Age Happily and Healthily

Ideally, you’ve been cultivating healthy habits throughout your life. But even if you haven’t, it’s essential to remember that it’s never too late to begin taking proactive steps to enhance and maintain your health.

Making small lifestyle changes can have a substantial impact. These changes can help you prevent or better manage chronic diseases, maintain your physical fitness, and keep your cognitive abilities sharp. By incorporating even a handful of the habits listed below, you can set yourself on the path to promoting a healthier aging experience.

1. Stay Physically Active for a Healthy Mind and Body: Regular exercise can counteract many of the effects of aging. It can enhance your balance, mobility, cognitive function and mood. Exercise is also vital for managing and potentially reducing the risk of diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and breast and colon cancer, and osteoporosis. According to the CDC, adults should engage in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity weekly, along with muscle-strengthening exercises.
2. Stay Socially Active With Family and Friends Within Your Community: Maintaining social connections as you age has numerous health benefits. Engaging in social activities can lead to positive moods, diminished negative emotions and heightened physical activity. If you’re not socially engaged, think about re-establishing connections with old acquaintances or forming new relationships through various clubs and events.
3. Follow a Healthy, Well-Balanced Diet: Embrace a diet based on whole foods that are rich in fiber and low in saturated fat. A Mediterranean-style diet, emphasizing olive oil, nuts, seeds, fruits, whole grains, vegetables, legumes, and fish, can lower the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease.
4. Don’t Neglect Yourself: Schedule Checkups and Stick to Them: Regular checkups with healthcare providers offer opportunities to detect and address health issues early. If you have multiple chronic conditions, are on multiple medications, or encounter issues related to memory or mobility, seeking guidance from a geriatrician can offer customized care designed to address your specific requirements.
5. Take All Medication as Directed by Your Doctor: Make sure you follow your recommended medication schedule and contemplate occasional medication evaluations with your primary care doctor to evaluate the necessity of each prescribed medication..
6. Limit How Much Alcohol You Drink: The dietary guidelines recommend limiting alcohol intake to one drink per day for men and women. Reducing alcohol consumption overall can be even more beneficial for your health.
7. Quit Smoking to Lower Your Risk of Cancer and Heart Disease: If you smoke, quitting offers numerous health benefits, including lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and the risk of various diseases.
8. Get the Sleep That Your Body Needs: Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night on average. The sleep requirements of each individual can differ, and it’s typical for your sleep patterns to shift as you grow older.
9. Practice Good Dental Hygiene Every Day: Sustain healthy teeth and gums through regular brushing, flossing, and cleaning any dentures you may wear.
10. Discuss Changes in Sexual Function With Your Doctor: Openly talk to your doctor about changes in sexual function or libido that affect your sex life. Various solutions, including physical aids, medication, and sex therapy, are available to address these issues.

These ten steps offer a holistic approach to healthy and happy aging. By incorporating these habits into your life, you can enhance your overall well-being and enjoy a fulfilling and active aging process.