Live well, age well: tips for a healthier tomorrow
Aug 29,2025
Read Time 4 Minutes

Live well, age well: tips for a healthier tomorrow
Each day we age. And each day we can impact how healthy we age. No matter how old you are, even small steps can have a huge impact not only the length of your years but also on the quality.
Healthy aging is about maintaining physical health, mental well-being, and emotional resilience as you grow older. It takes a proactive approach. According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), healthy aging includes staying physically active, eating well, keeping socially connected, and taking care of your mental health. It also means managing chronic conditions and embracing the aging process with confidence and self-compassion.
7 steps for healthy aging
A few lifestyle shifts can go a long way. You can tailor these steps to meet your specific health needs and personal preferences.
- Move at your own pace
Exercise helps keep your heart and muscles strong, your joints flexible, and your mind sharp. You can pick activities that you enjoy and fit in throughout your day. It’s recommended that you aim for up to 2.5 total hours a week. Try to include an activity from the following categories:
- Aerobic exercises that include hiking, biking, dancing, walking, and swimming
- Strength exercises such as weightlifting, resistance band workouts, and carrying groceries
- Balance exercises like tai chi or simply standing on one foot while you’re cooking
- Flexibility exercises and stretches such as yoga or basic stretching
- Try to maintain a well-balanced diet
A healthy diet fuels your body and helps prevent disease. You can choose foods you enjoy that also offer plenty of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats like olive oil and nuts. Read nutrition labels and try to limit things with added sugars and saturated fats. Talk with your care provider about how many calories are right for you and then mindfully stay within that calorie budget. - Keep your brain engaged
Mental stimulation keeps your mind agile and can lower the risk of cognitive decline. You can exercise your mind with activities like solving puzzles, learning a language, skill, or game. Getting out of the house and going to a museum, exercise class, or someplace new. Read books and engage in other hobbies. - Get quality sleep
Sleep helps your body recover and your brain process information. Getting good sleep helps you get sick less often, maintain a healthy weight, improve your mood, and lower your risks for chronic conditions. As you get older, quality of sleep becomes even more important. In fact, studies show that people in their 50s and 60s who get six hours or less of sleep are more likely to develop dementia later in life. To improve your chances of a good night’s rest:
- Maintain a regular schedule of going to bed and waking up.
- Turn your bedroom into a calm, dark, and cool space.
- No electronics at least 30 minutes before bedtime.
- Avoid large meals and alcohol before bedtime and avoid caffeine starting in the afternoon.
- Move your body and eat well.
- Stay social
When you stay in touch with others, it can reduce stress, boost mood, and even strengthen your immune system. What’s more, recent studies show that older adults who are not social are at higher risk for heart disease, depression, and cognitive decline. Get connected by enjoying a favorite hobby, trying something new, or taking a class to meet people with similar interests. Make time daily to connect with loved ones and look for ways to form or strengthen relationships through shared activities. Community involvement — whether through a walking group, faith community, volunteer cause, or senior center — can provide meaningful connections. - Keep up on preventive care
Check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations help you stay on top of your health. They can also help find any issues early — when they’re easier to treat. Your care provider will know what screenings and vaccines are right for you and your health. Talk with them about what you need this year. Then, use a calendar or health app to track appointments and recommended care. - Manage stress in healthy ways
Excessive stress over long periods of time takes a toll on your mental and physical health. Try to manage your stress with deep breathing, mindfulness, journaling, or simply taking a walk in nature.
Healthy aging, not anti-aging
Aging is a natural part of life, but how we age is something we can actively contribute to. By taking small, intentional steps each day, you set the stage for a healthier tomorrow.
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