Health Tips for Healthy Aging

Getting older can be tough, the grey hair and wrinkles are difficult to embrace, but it’s part of life. In fact, the world’s population is aging quickly, and the number of adults over age 60 is expected to double by the year 2050.

An expert from the Texas A&M School of Public Health shares some ways to embrace aging and stay healthy during the golden years.

When it comes to having a healthy life that spans decades, it’s best to start early and start at home.

“We always think about getting health care recommendations from health providers, but our lifestyle and behavioral choices have a tremendous impact on our ability to age well—or not well,” Matthew Smith, PhD, associate professor at the Texas A&M School of Public Health. “Things like physical activity, nutrition, proper sleep, medication management—even the use of technology and assisted devices if it’s needed—there are so many things we can do to truly help somebody so they can age gracefully and in place.”

Also, Smith recommended remaining in active communication with your family, friends, provider and other social networks to express your needs.

“Because each older adult is unique, communication is essential,” Smith said. “If an older adult can express their needs and express the resources and services they need, we are more likely to provide and make them available.”