5 Tips for Maintaining Good Health as People Age

Healthy habits are important at any age but become even more so as people age. A healthy body and mind help people continue to feel good and enjoy life.

However, there’s no need to make dramatic changes right away. A few gradual shifts, such as eating right and utilizing benefits like vision insurance, can lead to significant positive health changes.

This article explores five ways to maintain good health as one ages.

1. Stay Active

Exercising and staying active can help keep the body healthy and can help protect against falls and injuries by improving coordination and balance. It can also boost mental health through improved self-confidence, independence, and the release of endorphins during exercise.

Consider a healthy balance of cardiovascular and resistance exercise. Cardiovascular exercise maintains heart health, helps regulate blood sugar, and improves lung capacity. Proper resistance training can strengthen muscles and bones, improve flexibility, reduce lower back pain, and improve posture. Always speak with a medical professional before beginning a new exercise regimen.

2. Maintain a Balanced Diet

Diet is another crucial part of staying healthy as people age. A balanced diet with all the necessary nutrients can help people maintain a healthy weight, strengthen the immune system, maximize energy levels, and improve cognitive function.

Prioritize nutrient-rich food sources, including:

• Leafy greens
• Cruciferous vegetables
• Fruits
• Lean meats
• Seafood
• Nuts and seeds

Limit foods that contain added sugars and saturated fats and watch portion sizes to help maintain a healthy weight. Consult a medical professional before starting any new diet regimen.

3. Get Regular Health Checkups

Regular health checkups can help people catch early signs of potential health issues and allow them to act while they are likely easier and cheaper to resolve. They also allow people to speak with a medical professional about health-related concerns.

Health checkups don’t just involve annual physicals with a primary care physician. People should also seek regular dental and eye checkups. Dental and vision insurance can help cover the costs of preventative services, promoting overall health as one ages.

4. Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep is vital to staying healthy at any age. Sufficient sleep maintains cognitive function, energy, and physical health. It also aids in recovering from exercise. People should generally aim for at least seven hours of sleep, although eight may be ideal for many.

Here are some ways to ensure one gets enough sleep:

• Set and stick to a bedtime
• Engage in a relaxing activity 30 minutes before bed
• Avoid screens an hour before bedtime
• Invest in good pillows and bedding
• Make the sleep environment dark, cold, and quiet
• Get regular exercise
• Avoid eating and drinking a few hours before bed
• Avoid alcohol before bed

5. Manage Stress and Mental Health

Chronic stress can harm one’s mental well-being, compromise cognitive function, hurt sleep, and can even impact physical health.

One way to reduce stress and maintain good mental health is to socialize regularly. Whether one meets family or friends for lunch regularly, participates in hobby-related groups, or volunteers with a local organization, building relationships with others can help with mental wellness.

Financial security is also crucial. For example, as people age, they may need to consider how to help care for their loved ones when they pass away. Plans, like final expense insurance, can help one cover their bases so they can stay happy and healthy.

Key Tips for Lifelong Health and Happiness

The keys to lifelong health and happiness don’t appear to change much as one ages, but some may become more crucial. Staying in good physical shape, eating well, getting health checkups, sleeping enough, and managing stress can help allow people to enjoy life and maximize their well-being.

Consulting with a medical professional can help people plan for engaging in these healthy habits and enhancing their physical and mental health.

Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.

Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.

Dental: In Delaware, Policies A82100R–A82400R. In Idaho, Policies A82100RID–A82400RID. In Oklahoma, Policies A82100ROK–A82400ROK.  In Virginia, A82100RVA–A82400RVA.

Vision: In Delaware, Policy VSN100. In Idaho, Policy VSN100ID. In Oklahoma, Policy VSN100OKR. In Virginia, Policy VSN100VA.

Life: – B60000 series: In Arkansas, Idaho, Oklahoma & Virginia, Policies: ICC18B60C10, ICC18B60100, ICC18B60200, ICC18B60300, & ICC18B60400. Not available in Delaware. Q60000 series/Whole: In Arkansas & Delaware, Policy Q60100M. In Idaho, Policy Q60100MID. In Oklahoma, Policy Q60100MOK. Not available in Virginia. Q60000 series/Term: In Delaware, Policies Q60200CM. In Arkansas, Idaho, Oklahoma, Policies ICC18Q60200C, ICC18Q60300C, ICC18Q60400C. Not available in Virginia.

Dental, Vision, and Hearing coverage is underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company.

Dental, Vision, and Hearing: In Delaware, Policy T80000. In Idaho, Policy T80000ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T80000OK. Dental claims are administered by SKYGEN USA, LLC. Vision claims are administered by EyeMed Vision Care, LLC.  Hearing claims are administered by Nations Hearing. NOTICE: The coverage offered is not a qualified health plan (QHP) under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and is not required to satisfy essential health benefits mandates of the ACA. The coverage provides limited benefits.

Aflac Final Expense insurance coverage is underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Aflac Incorporated and is administered by Aetna Life Insurance Company

Final Expense: In AR, DE, ID, OK and VA: Policies ICC21-AFLLBL21 and ICC21-AFLRPL21; and Riders ICC21-AFLABR22, ICC21-AFLADB22, and ICC21-AFLCDR22. Aflac Final Expense policies are not available in New York.

Coverage may not be available in all states, including but not limited to DE, ID, NJ, NM, NY or VA. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on state and plan levels. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact policy and rider forms for benefit details, definitions, limitations, and exclusions.

Aflac’s family of insurers include American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus and/or American Family Life Assurance Company of New York, and/or Tier One Insurance Company. In California, Tier One Insurance Company does business as Tier One Life Insurance Company (Tier One NAIC 92908).

Aflac WWHQ | Tier One Insurance | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

Aflac New York | 22 Corporate Woods Boulevard, Suite 2 | Albany, NY 12211

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