10 Tips for Healthy Aging

Last Updated: July 1, 2003

No known substance can extend life, but the chances of staying healthy and living a long time can be improved. Here are 10 ways to help, suggested by the National Institute on Aging.

• Eat a balanced diet, including five helpings of fruits and vegetables a day.
• Exercise regularly (check with a doctor before starting an exercise program).
• Get regular health check-ups.
• Don’t smoke. (It’s never too late to quit.)
• Practice safety habits at home to prevent falls and fractures. Always wear your seatbelt in a car.
• Stay in contact with family and friends. Stay active through work, play, and community.
• Avoid overexposure to the sun and the cold.
• If you drink, moderation is the key. When you drink, let someone else drive.
• Keep personal and financial records in order to simplify budgeting and investing. Plan long-term housing and money needs.
• Keep a positive attitude toward life. Do things that make you happy.

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