Staying Healthy in Your 60s, 70s, and 80s

beyond, we have stay healthy, both physically and mentally, to get the most out of life. Maintaining healthy habits and focusing on financial and mental health can help you maintain your overall quality of life.

In this article, we’ll explore how understanding expectations around aging, embracing good habits, and prioritizing your mental and financial health can promote thriving and longevity in the decades ahead.

Educate Yourself: What To Expect as You Age, and How To Fight Back

As you enter your 60s and beyond, your body undergoes a series of changes. Common shifts include decreased bone density, slower metabolism, changes in muscle mass, and degraded cognitive function.

These changes are a natural part of life. However, there are a few key strategies you can use to “fight back” against the effects of aging:

• Regular exercise. Your doctor says it, and now we’re saying it too. Regular physical activity, be it playing tennis or golf, strength training, or exercising outside, can help you maintain your body over time.
• Good nutrition. America has gone through a nutritional renaissance in the past decade. While unhealthy choices are still widely available (and temptingly convenient), healthy, nutrient-dense foods can be found at every major grocery store.
• Cognitive practice. Keep your brain engaged through reading, puzzles, or hands-on activities to support your mental sharpness. By accepting these changes and understanding what to do about them, you can take proactive steps today to maintain your health and energy levels as you reach (and pass) your full retirement age.

A Place To Call Home? Assessing Your Living Space

Where you live plays a significant role in your health and happiness. Whether you’re considering your home or your community at large, the places you inhabit can make a big difference in the aging process:

• Is your home future-proofed? Zero-step entry homes do not require stairs to enter, enabling you to stay in the same home if you or your partner develop mobility issues. Retrofits are possible, but can be expensive.
• Safety features. Grab bars can make the difference between a close call and a serious fall, both in the bathroom and around the house. If you have a gut feeling that grab bars might be helpful, install them.
• Good lighting. Aside from being aesthetically pleasing, living in a well-lit space can prevent accidents, by ensuring that potential obstacles in walkways and stairways are illuminated.  
• Proximity to health care. Being close to quality hospitals, clinics, and caregivers can help ensure you have access to the medical care you need, when you need it.

To Move, or Not To Move? The Importance of a Strong Community

Many people aged 60 and above think about moving in retirement, for a variety of reasons. Empty nesters can be left with “too much house” after their kids move out and seek to downsize. Others consider moving south to warmer climates, or moving to be closer to family. As you ponder this choice for yourself, keep in mind the importance of community engagement.

According to a study referenced in The Washington Post, people who haven’t moved in the past five years reported being happier, which could be because of their existing social networks. Being a part of a neighborhood or community provides both cognitive and social benefits. As you think about where (and why) you want to move, consider how your current and future social connections will impact your well-being. Will you be close to friends, family, or community groups that will keep you engaged?

Moving somewhere new can be exciting, but it typically requires effort to rebuild a sense of belonging. If you do relocate, look for opportunities to get involved, such as volunteering, hobbies, or local events. This can help you retain the social and mental benefits of a strong community.

Maintaining Your Mental Health in Your 60s, 70s, and 80s

Mental well-being is an essential part of aging well. Staying engaged, reducing your stress, and building emotional resilience can help you thrive in the decades ahead. Here’s how:

• Stay socially connected. Loneliness can lead to cognitive decline. Make an effort to stay in touch with old friends, join community groups, or explore fresh interests to keep you engaged.
• Stay mentally active. Screens are everywhere we look these days, and it seems like they do more and more of our thinking for us. Exercise your mind by getting outside, engaging in a creative activity, or learning something new.
• Practice mindfulness. Deep breathing, meditation, and other mindfulness techniques can help you manage your stress levels and promote emotional balance.
• Get quality sleep. Your sleep patterns may change with age. Prioritize getting consistent, restful sleep most nights to maintain your cognitive abilities.

Financial Wellness: The Overlooked Key To Healthy Aging

Physical and mental health are essential, but financial stability also plays a role in maintaining an enjoyable lifestyle in your older years. Planning ahead for medical expenses, long-term care, and daily living costs can relieve you from scrambling for solutions when it may be too late.

Wealth Enhancement specializes in helping individuals and families navigate financial decisions, so you can focus on what matters most to you.

Working with a Wealth Enhancement financial advisor can help you:

• Create a resilient retirement income plan.
• Research quality health care options.
• Plan effectively for long-term care.
• Preserve and grow your wealth for future generations.

Aging gracefully is about making proactive choices to support your health, and forming good habits that will stand the test of time. By reading up on these tips, you’re already on your way toward a vibrant life well into your 60s, 70s, and beyond.

Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

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