Tips for Staying Healthy as we grow Older

Senior women participating in a lively and joyful group exercise session indoors.

1. Your Heart and Circulatory System

What’s Happening?

As you age, your arteries and blood vessels may stiffen, which means your heart has to work a little harder to pump blood through your body. This change can make your heart less responsive during exercise and could increase your risk of high blood pressure and other heart-related issues.

What You Can Do:

To keep your heart in good shape, get moving! Regular physical activity, like walking, swimming, or any activity you enjoy, helps maintain a healthy weight and lowers your risk of heart disease. Eating a balanced diet full of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins (like fish) is key. Avoid smoking, manage stress with relaxation techniques like meditation, and aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night to help your heart repair and recover.

Senior couple meditating on yoga mats in a serene park setting, enjoying peaceful yoga practice.

2. Bones, Joints, and Muscles

What’s Happening?

 As we age, our bones can shrink and lose density, making them more fragile. This can also cause a bit of shrinkage in your height. Muscles lose strength, endurance, and flexibility, which affects your balance and coordination—making falls more likely.

What You Can Do:

 Get enough calcium and vitamin D to help your bones stay strong. Adults should aim for around 1,000–1,200 mg of calcium a day, depending on your age and gender, and 600–800 IU of vitamin D. Good sources of both include dairy, leafy greens, fish, and sunlight. Strengthening exercises like walking, jogging, or weight training can help build muscle and prevent bone loss. And remember: avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol in moderation helps protect your bones, too.

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3. Your Digestive System

What’s Happening?

You might notice that constipation becomes more of an issue as you age. This can happen due to slower digestive processes, medication side effects, or even a low-fiber diet. But don’t worry—there are ways to keep things moving.

What You Can Do:

Eat a fiber-rich diet filled with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, and don’t forget to get active. Regular exercise helps your digestive system work better. Lastly, listen to your body—don’t ignore the urge to go when it comes!
Person in pink overshirt holding a fresh tomato with various organic vegetables on a countertop.

4. Your Bladder and Urinary System

What’s Happening?

 As you age, your bladder may lose some of its elasticity, which can lead to more frequent trips to the bathroom. Bladder muscles may weaken, and for men, an enlarged prostate can make emptying the bladder more difficult. Factors like being overweight or certain medications can also contribute to urinary issues.

What You Can Do:

 Going to the bathroom on a regular schedule can help keep things in check. Maintaining a healthy weight and quitting smoking can improve bladder health. Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles with Kegel exercises (just squeeze those muscles like you’re stopping yourself from passing gas!) can also help. And, if you experience issues, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor for solutions.

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5. Your Memory and Thinking Skills

What’s Happening?

It’s normal for memory and thinking to change a little as you age. You might forget names or feel like multitasking isn’t as easy as it once was. However, it’s usually minor and part of the natural aging process.

What You Can Do:

Stay physically active—exercise boosts blood flow to your brain and keeps your mind sharp. 

A healthy diet, full of fruits, veggies, and healthy fats, is good for your brain, too. 

Mental exercises, like reading, learning new skills, or playing brain games, can help maintain cognitive function. 

And don’t forget to stay social! Engaging with friends and family can help keep your mind in a positive space.

Adult Coloring Book This Coloring book for senior citizens will keep your mind occupied

Get ready to laugh out loud and color your way to joy with “Sassy and Classy” a delightful coloring book featuring funny quotes for mature women, this coloring book is designed to tickle your funny bone and spark your creativity. This charming collection is packed with funny quotes and quirky illustrations that celebrate the vibrant and whimsical spirit for mature Women.

Top view of fresh avocados, kale, tomatoes, and peppers arranged on a marble surface.
Two senior men enjoying a fun indoor basketball session, promoting healthy living.
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6. Your Eyes and Ears

What’s Happening?

It’s common for aging to affect your vision and hearing. You might have trouble focusing on objects up close or experience  sensitivity to glare. 

Cataracts (cloudy vision) are also more common. Hearing loss can occur, especially with higher-pitched sounds, and following conversations in noisy environments might get harder.

What You Can Do:

Regular checkups with your doctor are essential. Whether it’s glasses, contact lenses, or hearing aids, your doctor can help find solutions. 

When you’re outside, protect your eyes with sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. And if you’re around loud noises, earplugs can help protect your hearing.

Flat lay of summer essentials by the pool with e-reader, sunhat, and vibrant towel.
Senior man having vision test with trial lens set during eye exam.

"Growing Older and Bolder"