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Health and wellbeing
Getting older can be a productive and satisfying time and needn't mean poorer health. Being as healthy as you are able to be increases your wellbeing and enables you to get the most out of life, whatever age you are.
Your level of health and wellbeing depends on a number of things:
Physical activity
Physical activity can help prevent and manage some illnesses such as heart disease, type II diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity and being injured in a fall. Physical activity can also help reduce stress, alleviate depression and anxiety, enhance mental wellbeing and provide a great opportunity to enjoy activity with family and friends.
While remaining active can be a challenge for many of us, for others a daily walk is something not to be missed. It's never too late to start and to enjoy walks with the dog, neighbours and friends, swimming, cycling, gardening, dancing, Tai chi or yoga. Joining in activities with other people is also a good way to make new friends.
Read more: Physical activity
Healthy eating
Balancing physical activity with healthy eating will help you to maintain a healthy weight and will help to keep your body working well. Good nutrition is also important to minimise sickness and premature death and to maintain an independent lifestyle for as long as possible. Mealtimes are also an opportunity for social contact as well as meeting the body’s need for food.
Read more: Healthy eating
Keeping your mind active
Keeping our brains active as we age is important and can affect all aspects of our life including: family life, friendships, memories, volunteering/work and our sense of self. Being active mentally can reduce the risk of developing problems such as dementia. You can be more neurally active through mind games (for example number and word puzzles), reading, keeping up your social life and learning new skills.
Read more: Keeping your mind active
Keeping in touch
According to the World Health Organization, participation in a wide range of activities can increase your longevity, reduce the risk of disability, minimise the effects of chronic disease and contribute positively to your overall quality of life. You can keep in touch by:
- keeping in contact with family and friends
- participating in clubs, social, cultural or other groups. Many people find joining a group or a club helps them to meet new people, make new friends, have fun and increase their confidence
- keeping on working (even part time work), or become a volunteer. Working can help you maintain health, independence, provide social interaction and improve financial security
- volunteering, which is also a great way to make new friends and help people in your community
- enjoying conversation with your neighbours, learning groups and other people in your community.
Read more: Keeping in touch
Common questions on this topic:
- I know I should get more exercise but I can't afford to join a fitness club.
- How do I know how much exercise is good for me at my age?
See all common questions
