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Healthy Aging

There are many different strategies for maintaining one's health; sometimes it gets overwhelming to focus on several issues all at once.  There are five top research backed ways to remain healthy, both physically and mentally and these are to exercise, manage stress, have proper nutrition, get adequate sleep, and stay active both mentally and socially.

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The benefits of regular exercise for people of all ages have been well established. Regular exercise is associated with decreased death and/or disability from pathologies such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis, cancer, and pulmonary disease. It is also associated with positive psychological benefits such as decreased depression and improved quality of life.

Learn more about the benefits of regular exercise
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Everybody experiences stress. It's the body's natural reaction to tension, pressure and change. A certain amount of stress makes life challenging and less boring, but too much can be bad for you– both physically and mentally. Prolonged stress can lead to accidental injury or serious health problems. For the sake of your health, safety and happiness, it's important to recognize and manage stress before it does you harm.

Don't let stress get the best of you!

 Two red apples sitting on a blue plate.



Learn more about nutrition
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According to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), approximately 74% of American adults experience a sleeping problem more than once a week, 39% get less than seven hours of sleep each weeknight, and 37% are so sleepy during the day that it interferes with their daily activities. In the past century, we have dramatically reduced our average time in sleep. Though our society has changed, our brains and bodies have not. Sleep deprivation is becoming a national problem.

Learn more about sleep

Cartoon picture of older couple with arms around each other and smiling. The man is holding a cane.

Staying Active

Social activity makes physical and mental activity more fun, as well as reduces stress levels. As result, healthy connections among brain cells are better maintained. People who maintain strong social connections with friends, loved ones and confidants also have lower risks of just about every type of illness, including heart disease and Alzheimer's disease. Left unchecked, older adults who lose meaningful relationships and engagement with people are greater risk of becoming depressed, marginalized by society, losing their physical and mental vitality, and becoming at greater risk for long term care.

Stay active for the long run!