Older adults are defying stereotypes and redefining what it means to age well. Research shows that healthy habits can support active lifestyles and help older adults stay strong physically, cognitively, and emotionally. Here are five habits that can make a meaningful difference.
1. Socialization
Social interaction plays a major role in life satisfaction at every age, and it becomes especially important as we grow older. Research has shown that older adults with active social lives, including in-person visits, phone calls, and texting, report higher levels of life satisfaction. At the same time, social isolation and loneliness can pose health risks comparable to smoking or obesity. The company of others truly is powerful medicine.
2. Exercise regularly
Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, along with strength-training activities on two or more days. That does not have to mean strenuous workouts. The goal is simply to get your heart beating a little faster and your muscles working a little harder. At Residences at Vantage Point, we like to say, “Move a little. Live a lot.”
3. Eat a balanced diet
Older adults have a higher risk for certain health conditions, including osteoporosis, heart disease, and cancer, which makes a balanced, nutritious diet especially important. Protein helps maintain muscle mass, while vitamin B12 supports healthy nerves and blood and helps reduce the risk of anemia.
4. Keep up with regular check-ups
Stay consistent with appointments with your healthcare team. In general, you should see your healthcare provider at least once a year for a routine check-up, and more often if you are managing ongoing health conditions. Regular visits can help lower your risk of chronic illness and allow potential problems to be identified and treated early, sometimes even before symptoms appear.
5. Stay curious
Healthy aging involves exercising your mind as well as your body. Learning new skills can benefit cognitive health, including memory and reasoning. Research suggests that the longer you continue practicing a skill, the greater the benefit. For example, one study found that older adults who spent at least an hour a day on a hobby had a lower risk of dementia than those who engaged in a hobby for only 30 minutes a day.
These habits are powerful on their own, but they are easier to maintain when daily life is designed to support them.
Where you live plays a significant role in Healthy Aging. Living in an “aging-friendly” environment can help reduce isolation, encourage physical activity, improve nutrition, increase safety, and make it easier to access healthcare and daily services. For some, an “aging-friendly” might mean modifying your current home. For others, proactively moving to a retirement community specifically designed to support healthy aging is the right solution. Retirement communities offer opportunities to build friendships, better nutrition, participate in activities, volunteer, continue learning, and maintain a sense of purpose, all contributing to a higher quality of life for the long term.
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