5 Steps to Healthy Aging

While getting older can be scary, there are plenty of ways to age in a healthy and active way—but it's important to act sooner rather than later. So whether you're worried about your own aging or your parents, here are a few simple tips to help.

1. Stay Active

One of the best things you can do for yourself as you age is staying physically active. Getting a good amount of physical activity on a regular basis will help your body stay strong and healthy so you can keep doing the things you love. You don't have to run marathons to stay healthy—something simple, like going for a walk, biking, or kayaking, can help keep your bones, muscles, and organs strong.

If you're wondering which types of physical activity you can do or if you should see a physical therapist to improve mobility, talk to your doctor—just make sure you have the right health insurance first. Your health coverage, whether you have Medicaid, Medicare, or another type of US health care, could impact whether or not you can see any specialists as needed. Talk to your current insurer and look into other health insurers if you feel the need. This way, you can ensure you're prioritizing your health with the right health plan.

2. Challenge Your Mind

Along with keeping your body healthy and strong, you also need to keep your mind strong. You can reduce the risk of memory decline by engaging your brain regularly. You can exercise your mind by doing crossword puzzles, reading, and learning new skills. Find the perfect spot in your house that offers a quiet environment, like the dining room table or by the fireplace, to help you concentrate.

3. Reduce Stress Levels

Stress is bad for both your body and mind so it's crucial to keep stress levels low. If you can't escape the hustle of everyday life to the perfect, peaceful vacation destination right away, try making small changes in your daily routine to help reduce stress. You can take some time to sit on your porch and enjoy the scenery around you each morning, do some yoga or meditation, or simply take a few minutes out of every day to journal. There are so many ways to reduce stress—whether it's reading a good book in your living room, taking a vacation at a resort with ocean views, going wine tasting with your friends, or just relaxing in your hot tub.

4. Get Plenty of Sleep

You should be getting enough sleep every night to give your body the time it needs to rest and repair itself. Making sure your bedroom is set up for a great night's sleep is a great place to start. Keep your room dark, cool, and clutter-free. And if you need help sleeping, consider investing in a white noise machine or a sound machine that plays relaxing sounds, like those of waterfalls or waves of blue water crashing against the shore.

5. Eat Healthy Food

Eating the right foods is an easy way to keep your body going— eating plenty of healthy food is your best bet at giving your body the fuel it needs to function. And don't wait until next year to start eating better—make sure you have a full kitchen stocked with healthy options so you can avoid having to get fast food. You don't have to make drastic changes in your diet to eat healthier—instead of red meat, consider eating more fish. Make sure you're eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and focus on foods with healthy fat and proteins.

Keep these healthy aging tips in mind and share them with your mom or dad, friends, and other people in your life. And if you're in need of a new health insurance plan, make sure to search for health insurance with iSelect. This convenient service allows you to compare health insurers so you can find the perfect insurance policy, with the right amenities and monthly payment, for your needs.