We all know how important good health is, especially as we age. In fact, research has found that making key changes to live healthier can prolong your life expectancy by as much as 10 years. While there is always a genetic component to health, the CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion offers a number of behavior changes that can help you make the most of retirement and enjoy a healthy life for years to come.

Here are six tips for healthy aging:

1)  Eat and drink healthy: We all enjoy a special treat from time to time and that’s perfectly fine. For the most part, aim to eat and drink a healthy and well-balanced diet which consists of choices such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and water. Remember to consume alcohol in moderation. At Montereau, we have developed a healthy dining program to provide you with diverse choices to suit your preference and lifestyle.

2)  Move more, sit less throughout the day: Staying physically active works wonders in helping you to prevent, delay and manage chronic diseases. It boosts your mood and helps you to maintain a healthy weight. As an older adult, your balance, mobility and stamina worsen as you age. Staying active also improves these areas which in turn reduces your risk of falls and improves brain health. Be sure you have access to a fitness facility with a variety of wellness activities to stay active.

3)  Don’t use tobacco: Kick this habit to enjoy better health while aging. It can be one of the more difficult habits to break but it’s definitely possible. Try different strategies to determine what works best for you; keep active and seek the support of family and friends.  

4)  Get regular checkups: Stay on track by going to healthcare professionals for regular checkups and not just when you feel unwell. This ensures preventative care and increases your chances of detecting diseases at the first sign so they can be dealt with early when treatment is more effective. Montereau residents routinely visit our Wellness Clinic, where certified staff can provide professional therapies, first aid, diagnostic checks and more.

5)  Know your family history: It becomes even more important to know your family history as you age. Sharing this information with your doctor will help you develop a personal plan of care to prevent or adequately treat diseases. Rest assured knowing that we provide care of the highest quality and also offer a full continuum of care should your needs change over time.  

6)  Be aware of changes in brain health: It’s normal to experience changes to your cognitive health as an older adult. However, if you experience symptoms of Alzheimer’s, dementia or significant cognitive decline, inform your doctor as soon as possible to get the right care. For 5 ways to boost brain health as you age, check out one of our previous blogs.

If you join us at Montereau, you’ll be surrounded by members of our welcoming community who make retirement a blast and you’ll gain access to the highest quality of amenities and facilities that are just what you need to ensure healthy aging.

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