Learn the 7 Ways for Healthy Aging

The aging population in the US is growing larger. The aging are living longer. While it is worthwhile to live to a ripe old age, it is even more gratifying if you are aging in a healthy way. 

Often this time of the year many of my posts deal with the Annual Election Period (AEP) when you have the opportunity to choose or replace your health care plan under Medicare. However, what you habitually do everyday has a significant bearing on healthy aging as opposed to being old and sickly.

In my view, there are 7 lifestyle habits that should be acquired if you don't have them already.

1. Get a good night's sleep every night. 
It can be as little as six hours. But, it should be one in which the lights are turned off with the full intention of sleeping and feeling relaxed in the morning,
2. Acquire and maintain a few friends
You need people with whom you can share good conversation, enjoy going to events, dinner, etc. and giving each other mutual support.
3. Keep the mind active. 
Find a mental activity that is absorbing and gratifying. It can be learning a new skill, regularly surfing the internet for new learning experiences and so on.
4. Get daily exercise. 
If you can't join a YMCA or a health club, get an exercise bike and some weights and work out for at least 3 to 5 minutes a day and walk regularly.
5. Eat a balanced diet. 
It is not necessary to eat three meals a day. Two meals will suffice. However, if you do choose to eat three meals, make them light and nutritious.
6. Control your thinking. 
Your mind can easily drift into a pattern of thinking that can make you sad and depressed if you are not careful. Think constructive thoughts - thoughts that are optimistic and forward looking.
7. Go to doctors less frequently unless you have an illness that needs to be monitored. 
Most doctors are trained to prescribe medications for any type of illnesses, real or imagined, and tests can sometimes give you false positives. Study and get to know your own body. Recognize symptoms that can be the precursors to a real illness. Then, when you go to the doctor, tell him specifically what your concerns are. Try not to get addicted to any type of medication.

Acquiring and maintaining these habits will be a great help in assuring a long and healthy life. If you don't already have a lifestyle based on these habits, reread this, and begin integrating these habits into your life. 

Remember any specific action repeated daily and consistently for at least 21 days will become a habit. Do this and acquire good habits.