Tips on Healthy Aging

Healthy Ageing is about creating the environments and opportunities that enable people to be and do what they value throughout their lives. Everybody can experience Healthy Aging. Being free of disease or infirmity is not a requirement for Healthy Aging as many older adults have one or more health conditions that, when well-controlled, have little influence on their wellbeing.

We all have an opportunity to change the mindset of people young and old and help move them from a place of fear to a place of hope. Healthy aging is a holistic approach to a life centered around the mind, body, and soul. Fulfilling these needs at a fundamental level is the groundwork for healthy aging.

1. Maintain or start an active, healthy lifestyle.

2. Increase the number of fruits and vegetables while decreasing sodium and serving sizes.

3. It’s also important to not neglect those annual vision, dental, and health screenings to stay on top of any health changes.

4. Follow up with your doctor and follow your health plan is a vital component of healthy aging.

5. Developing a schedule or bedtime routine to regularly get 7-9 hours of sleep per day is critical to successful, healthy aging.

6. Staying socially engaged has been shown to keep the mind active.

7. Never stop learning. You’re never too old to learn a new trick.

8. Find healthy ways to manage stress.

9. Make time for the interests you enjoy, both individually and socially.

10. Embrace the process and tune into your thoughts and emotions.

The World Health Organization defines Healthy Ageing “as the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age”. Functional ability is about having the capabilities that enable all people to be and do what they have reason to value.