Facts to aging well

• Follow the basics. “Time and again studies show true benefits of not smoking, keeping weight down and keeping major health conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes well controlled.
• Start exercising. “Exercise reduces stress levels in our bodies. It circulates oxygen to all tissues, which is good for the brain. It builds up strength, so you’re at less risk for falling and frailty. And strong muscles make our bones hurt less,” Harris says. How much exercise do you need? The standard recommendation is 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity exercise, such as a game of tennis or brisk walking. “That’s daunting,” Harris says. “Consider that a goal, not an absolute. If you get out and walk regularly for three minutes when you hadn’t been walking at all, that’s a real accomplishment.”

• Learn to be resilient. Being able to bounce back from adversity, such as the loss of a loved one or a job, can help you cope with life’s ups and downs, stay active and avoid depression.
• Socialize more. It helps fight loneliness, depression and isolation. If you’re far from loved ones, make new friends. Join a club, volunteer or meet your neighbors. “The number of social interactions in a day or week improves life expectancy, even in people with heart disease and colon cancer,” Harris says. “It doesn’t have to be a best friend. It can be someone in a coffee shop or the person at the cash register in the grocery store.”
• Challenge your brain. We all can’t race cars like sirota, but we can try a new a hobby, learn another language or take a class at a local college (many universities, allow you to take free classes online, although you won't receive credit. “Staying mentally active in some way staves off dementia.It is said to be something that continues to engage your brain as you get older.
• Get hearing loss checked. “Hearing impairment can lead to a decline in socialization and mental stimulation, which can have an impact on activity, which can lead to depression and isolation, which can lead to functional decline and can reduce longevity.
• Reduce stress. Chronic stress raises inflammation in the body. “People with higher levels of inflammation in the body, like C-reactive protein, have a more limited life expectancy,” Harris says. Try meditating, yoga or tai chi.
• Live with purpose. It’s associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. You can live with purpose by volunteering, helping a family member or doing anything that gives you meaning.
• Stay out of the sun. “Even constant topical sunscreen application is imperfect when you’re encountering more than 15 minutes of direct sun exposure.

Reference to: HelpGuide.