Healthy Aging: An Overview

The following organizations and resources provide access to information you can trust:

• Healthy Aging: People in the U.S. are living longer than ever before. Many seniors live active and healthy lives. But there's no getting around one thing: as we age, our bodies and minds change. There are things you can do to stay healthy and active as you age. Information from the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

• What Do We Know About Healthy Aging? What factors influence healthy aging? There are action steps we can take to maintain our health and function as we get older. From improving our diet and levels of physical activity to getting health screenings and managing risk factors for disease, these actions may influence different areas of health. Information from the National Institute on Aging.

• Nutrition for Older Adults: Studies show that a good diet in your later years reduces your risk of osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart diseases and certain cancers. As you age, you might need less energy. But you still need just as many of the nutrients in food. Information from the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

• Exercise for Older Adults: Exercise and physical activity are good for just about everyone, including older adults. If you have not been active, you can start slowly and work up to your goal. How much exercise you need depends on your age and health. Check with your health care provider on what is right for you. Information from the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Health Screening for Older Adults

You should visit your health care provider from time to time, even if you are healthy. The purpose of these visits is to: screen for medical issues, assess your risk for future medical problems, encourage a healthy lifestyle, update vaccinations and help you get to know your provider in case of an illness. Information from the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

• Health Screenings for Women Over Age 65

• Health Screenings for Men Over Age 65