People are never too young or too old to start taking care of their body and brain. Individuals at age 65 statistically can expect to live in excess of ten years more. Exercise, nutrition and good health can make the difference between more good decades or decades of disability.

Step 2. Stay Physically Fit

Regular exercise helps a person feel healthy. Studies show that 30 minutes of daily physical exercise can help improve blood flow. Consider aerobic activity, strength training and stretching. Walking is good exercise and does not require special equipment.

Step 3. Watch Your Diet

People can develop nutritional or vitamin deficiencies that produce illness. People should eat a balanced diet. An all-purpose vitamin can help supplement a regular diet. As people grow older, a calcium supplement may help maintain bone strength. Drinking water is essential to good health. Obesity will increase health problems and decrease the ability to exercise. Obesity and diet may adversely may effect blood sugars and increase the tendency towards diabetes.

Step 4. Stay Mentally Fit

Just as physical activity keeps your body strong, mental activity keeps your mind sharp. You can challenge yourself by learning to play a musical instrument, doing crossword puzzles, starting a new hobby, learning a foreign language or volunteering. Develop a system of reminders and cues. Make lists, use a calendar, keep a diary. Stop to take time to remember things; slow down and pay full attention to the task at hand. Depression is a common problem; it is not a normal part of growing older. People with depression should seek medical treatment. Everyone has difficulty remembering things at times. Don’t lose sight of how much you do remember.

Step 5. Maintain Social Contacts

Loneliness and isolation are health threatening for people. Isolated individuals have higher rates of health problems and disability. Keeping a network of five friends provides intellectual and spiritual vitality and may provide protection against intellectual decline and dementia. A network of friends will stimulate the mind, brain and the soul.

Step 6. Try Relaxation Techniques

Stress and anxiety can interfere with concentration. It is important to take time to relax.

Step 7. Understand Your Medications and Lab Studies

Doctors may prescribe different types of medications which may interact or overlap. Different doctors may be treating each type of disease (e.g. heart disease, lung disease, stomach disease, etc.). People are responsible for notifying each doctor of all their medications and asking questions about side effects. Laboratory studies may be required to monitor the medication’s effect. Know your blood pressure and your blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Your pharmacist can review the medications to determine potential side effects, drug interactions and duplicate prescriptions.

Step 8. Quit Smoking

People are never too young or too old to quit smoking. Many people have an attitude that “it doesn’t make any difference, the harm is done.” People can feel better and avoid smoking-related health problems by quitting cigarettes at any age. If you can’t quit, then cut back.

Step 9. Limit Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol abuse can be a major problem. Alcohol damages the heart, liver, muscles, brain and nerves. People who drink in excess may fall and injure themselves. All people should limit alcohol consumption. People may experience adverse effects if they drink alcohol when they are taking medications.

Step 10. Find A Doctor That You Trust

People need a primary care doctor who understands their health problems and how people age successfully. Medical management, treatment philosophy and medication usage change as people grow older. When you go for an appointment be organized, write down questions and your health concerns to discuss with your doctor. People need to develop active partnerships with their doctors.