Healthy Aging 101

1. Eat Healthy.
The digestive system slows down with age, so high-fiber fruits, vegetables and whole grains are as important as ever. Also with aging you are prone to dehydration, be sure to drink plenty of water to stay energized and sharp.

2. Focus On Prevention.
Preventative care visits, including health screenings for cholesterol levels, colon cancer, heart problems and more, qualify for Medicare coverage. Be sure to get vaccinations that can help prevent influenza and pneumonia.

3. Get Information On Medication Management.
Review your medications with your physician on a regular basis. Consider possible drug interactions and take note of any new symptoms (allergic reactions, drowsiness, loss of appetite and others) that you may show after changing or starting medications.

4. Get Some Sleep.
Frequent waking and insomnia in the night are common among seniors. Turn the lights down in the evening to spur drowsiness and make sure the senior’s bedroom is comfortable, cool and quiet.

5. Remember Your Mental Health.
The Geriatric Mental Health Foundation recommends that seniors do crossword puzzles, read and write and try new hobbies to stimulate their minds and engage with the world around them. Activities like these can ward off a decline in mental health.