The idea of getting older is often portrayed as a negative thing. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be, and that healthy, happy aging is absolutely within your reach. However, if you want to really give your body and mind the tools that it needs to thrive during this period, you’ll need to establish some healthy habits along the way. Here are some healthy habits to incorporate into your daily life to get the most out of your health and happiness in your senior years.

1. Move more. Physical activity is crucial as you grow older because it can help you maintain muscle mass and bone strength, both of which can help you stay mobile as you grow older. It’s also associated with benefits like protection against chronic illnesses and improvements in mental health. [1] Find ways to stay active every day, whether that means joining a gym or walking group or taking regular walks around the neighborhood.
2. Keep your mind sharp. Many people dread getting older because they are worried that their cognitive abilities will start to slow down. However, early research suggests that “training your brain” may help in keeping you sharp! [2] Find challenges that stimulate your mind and get your brain working like doing crossword puzzles, learning a new skill, or reading books that teach you something new.
3. Make time for loved ones. Staying social can do a world of good for your mental health and your overall well-being. At least a couple of times a week, make room for socializing and being around your support system. You can also look for groups to join to find people with similar interests to start developing new connections.
4. Get into a schedule for regular health check-ups. Staying proactive about your health can help you quickly identify any problems and get ahead of them before they become serious. Talk to your primary care provider about setting up a regular schedule for check-ups to help you stay on top of your needs.
5. Prioritize your diet. Eating healthy, nutritious food is more important now than ever before, especially since your body will have more specific nutrition needs. Make it a point to eat a wide variety of healthy whole foods like organic, farm-raised protein, wild-caught fish, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats throughout the day while minimizing your intake of carbohydrates and heavily processed snacks and meals. You may also benefit from taking nutrition supplements to bridge the gap between your diet and your body’s needs especially since your metabolism slows down as you grow older. For example, taking Vitality C can help ensure that you’re getting all of the Vitamin C that your immune system needs to stay healthy during this stage.

By instilling these healthy habits into your daily routine, you can give your body and your mind the support that they need for vibrant, happy health and happiness as you age.

Research / Support Links:

• [1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6304477/
• [2] https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/cognitive-health-and-older-adults