The key to aging well is maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Doing so will help you feel better, both physically and mentally, and better prepare you to embrace the challenges you may face. Your body changes as you get older, but it’s important to recognize that this is an opportunity to adopt healthy habits and introduce new ones. At Banner Health, we’re here to support you at every stage of life so you can balance your overall wellness with pursuing your interests and goals.
Finding ways to stay active and maintain your fitness will help you feel your best and maintain a positive outlook. Learn more about staying active as you age.
Even if you haven’t experienced mental health challenges earlier in life, getting older is a significant life change that can shift your feelings, energy level and motivation. Learn how to manage your mental health and find resources.
Brain health is a common issue for older adults and can be a source of fear and apprehension. Learn how to take a proactive approach and what to look out for.
Many people find it difficult to sleep through the night as they get older. Contrary to popular belief, older adults still need 7 to 8 hours of sleep per day for optimal health. If you’re not getting that, or if you are but still feel sleepy during the day, you may be suffering from sleep apnea or other sleep disorders. At Banner Health, our sleep medicine specialists can help you get the rest you deserve.
Falls and other accidents are a major concern as you age, especially because your bones are more susceptible to breaking. Staying active will help maintain your bone health and integrity, but you can help prevent falls at home in the first place. These tips include:
It’s never too late to stop smoking. Quitting tobacco can have a significant impact on your overall health, in addition to lowering your risk of lung cancer. There’s no doubt that quitting is hard. You may have tried in the past and not been successful. Keep in mind that there are many tools available to help, from medication to coaching, and staying smoke-free means finding the tools that work for you.
When you get older, you often find yourself with more unstructured time. Sometimes older adults will turn to alcohol out of boredom to occupy these gaps. Make sure to monitor your alcohol consumption. Adults who are 65 and older, healthy and do not take medications should have fewer than 7 alcoholic drinks per week. If you are on medication, be sure to ask your doctor if any alcohol is safe for you. And, if you are struggling with your alcohol intake or have any concerns about the impact it’s having on your physical or emotional wellness, Banner Health offers many treatment programs that can help.
You can continue to have an active and fulfilling sex life as you age, but practicing safe sex is still important even when there is no risk of pregnancy. Rates of sexually transmitted infections among older adults are on the rise. Practice open communication with all of your partners and use condoms until you are in a monogamous relationship and both of you have been tested.
There are other health concerns you might have questions about, like hearing loss, heart health, osteoporosis and more. At Banner Health, we attend to your individual needs and concerns with compassion and understanding while also providing access to the best care. Learn more about other senior health concerns and how to access treatment.
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