Healthy Aging Tips

Healthy Aging Tips for Older Adults

Tips to encourage loved ones of older adults to consider healthy behavior changes for a better quality of life.

Promote Physical Activity

Exercise can help reduce levels of stress and anxiety, improve balance and lower risk of falls, enhance sleep, and decrease feelings of depression. People who exercise regularly live longer and may live better – meaning they enjoy more years of life with less pain or disability.

Lack of physical activity can lead to increased doctor visits, more hospitalizations, and increased risk of certain chronic conditions.

To help encourage older adults to exercise:

• Recommend several activities (e.g., aerobics, strength training, balance, and flexibility). This could include walking around the neighborhood, lifting weights, gardening, or stretching.
• Discuss how much activity is recommended and think of ways to incorporate exercise daily. At least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise is recommended, and muscle-strengthening activities at least 2 days each week.
• Share your favorite activities that get you moving and suggest exercising with a family member or friend. Not only does it help promote physical activity but also prevents loneliness and social isolation.

Prevent Social Isolation and Loneliness

As people age, they often find themselves spending more time alone. Poor health, the death of a partner, caring for a loved one, and other situations are more likely as people age can all lead to social isolation or feeling lonely.

Increased social isolation and loneliness are associated with higher risks for health problems, such as depression, heart disease, and cognitive decline.

• Schedule daily, weekly, or biweekly phone calls or video chats.
• Encourage socialization with others with shared interests, such as through a garden club, volunteer organization, or walking group.
• Search the Eldercare Locator, a nationwide service connecting older adults and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources.

Encourage Healthy Eating

Having a healthy diet can help support muscles and strengthen bones, which can help with balance and independence.

A nutritious diet involving a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins also can help boost immunity and lower the risk of certain health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and some cancers.

Schedule Regular Check-Ups with a Doctor

Regular health exams and medical screenings are vital for older adults. Checking in with doctors annually, and possibly more often depending on overall health, may help reduce risk factors for disease such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Regular check-ups can also help catch concerns early and improve the chances for effective treatment.