In this Aging Healthy series, we took a closer look at what it means to age healthy. We talked about key elements of our lives that factor into aging, and changes we could make (or approaches we could maintain) that can help lead to a healthier, happier experience as we grow older. We also looked at research from the National Institutes of Health—including the National Institute on Aging and the National Institute of Mental Health—and other organizations that provide roadmaps to good health, with recommendations for healthy lifestyle habits.
![two older men walk away from the camera along a brick path through a park. [credit: pixabay.com, Steve Buissinne]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2024/04/2023_FCS_agefriendlyEldersWalkingPark_pixabayBuissinneSteveTINY-scaled.jpg)
In a nutshell, we discussed how taking care of our physical, mental and cognitive health is important to healthy aging, and that small changes in our lifestyles can help us to live longer and better. The National Institutes of Health summarizes that across three areas:
- Physical Health
- Stay active
- Eat well
- Sleep well
- Visit your healthcare provider regularly
- Mental Health
- Interact with family and friends
- Try to stay positive
- Participate in activities you enjoy
- Cognitive Health
- Adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors that may reduce your risk for Alzheimer’s and related dementias
- Learn a new skill often
![an older woman and a young girl share icea cream and treats at a sidewalk table outside a store. [credit: pixabay.com, Allin Mircea Collection]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2024/04/2023_FCS_agefriendlyMomDaughterIceCreamShop_pixabayMirceaAllinCollxn-scaled.jpg)
Federal research tells us that there is so much more to learn about healthy aging and what lifestyle factors support it. But, remember that small changes can add up to a healthier life!
If you missed any post(s) in this series, follow the links below to catch up:
- Aging Healthy: What Can We Control?
- Aging Healthy: Checking Our Physical Health and Activity
- Aging Healthy: Making Smart Food Choices
- Aging Healthy: Slipping Into Sound Sleep
- Aging Healthy: Stopping Impacts of Smoking, Alcohol and Other Substances
- Aging Healthy: Checking Our Physical Health and Healthcare Checkups
- Aging Healthy: Maintaining Our Mental Health
- Aging Healthy: Thinking About Cognitive Health
- Aging Healthy: Putting All the Pieces Together
![four older men and women share a meal around a dining room table. [credit: uf/ifas, tyler jones]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2024/04/2023_FCS_agefriendlyEldersDinnerFriends_ifas-scaled.jpg)
Resources
- National Institute on Aging Information Center: www.nia.nih.gov/health, email: niaic@nia.nih.gov, 800-222-2225 or 800-222-4225 (TTY)
- MedlinePlus: www.medlineplus.gov, 888-346-3656
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