8 Healthy Aging Tips

By The DAHLC • April 1, 2016

To get you thinking about healthy aging, here are a few of our favorite tips:

  1. Move. Find a physical activity that you enjoy and do it every day. It can be walking, cleaning your home, a yoga class, swimming, etc. The key is finding an activity you like to do so it doesn’t feel like work or something you dread doing; rather, it’s something you enjoy.
  2. Appreciate. Each morning think about 3-5 things you are grateful for in your life and write it down as a nice reminder.
  3. Snack smart. Keep cut up vegetables in your refrigerator and put fruit in a bowl so you remember to eat it.
  4. Track. Use a pedometer or activity monitor to track your daily movement. Some smart phones have this programmed, or you might need to download an app, like MyFitnessPal, to see the results. Reach for 10,000 steps/day.
  5. Create a stress action plan. Make a list of situations, concerns or challenges that trigger your stress and identify what you can do to minimize them.
  6. Add flavor. Salt isn’t the only option. Spice up your dishes by substituting different seasonings, such as: lime or lemon juice, balsamic or wine vinegars, or fresh hot peppers or red pepper flakes.
  7. Volunteer. Find meaning in new passions by using your work skills in a volunteer opportunity.
  8. Color is key. When at the grocery store stock up on fruits and vegetables in a wide variety of colors and then use them to fill half your plate at meals.

healthy agingWe hope you will start incorporating these ideas into your daily activities and will see healthy benefits from it.