Smart Habits to Help You or Your Parent Age Well

Growing older isn’t about slowing down. It’s about shifting priorities—putting your health, comfort, and happiness at the center of daily life.

As Americans age, the likelihood of disability increases sharply, with nearly 44% of adults aged 65 and older reporting at least one form of disability. That number rises to around 46% for those over age 75. The most common limitations include mobility issues, difficulties with self-care, and challenges living independently.

Among adults aged 60–64, about 19.4% already experience disability, showing that many people enter retirement age with functional impairments that may require support.

These trends highlight the growing need to be proactive with health and planning, including long-term care planning, to maintain a better quality of life as you and your loved ones age.

Staying active, connected, and safe can make the difference between just getting by and truly thriving.

Keep Moving—Even a Little Goes a Long Way

You don’t need to hit the gym to feel better. Gentle movement each day supports your body and your mind. It helps improve circulation, strengthens muscles, and lowers the risk of falls—one of the top causes of injury among older adults.

Try this:

• Take daily walks—outside or at the mall.
• Try chair yoga or tai chi for balance and flexibility.
• Join a senior-friendly fitness class at your local YMCA or community center.

“Physical activity improves more than just your body—it gives structure, improves mood, and supports cognitive health,” said Dr. Elizabeth Landsverk, a geriatrician and founder of ElderConsult Geriatric Medicine.

Eat for Energy and Long-Term Health

As you age, your body needs fewer calories—but more nutrients. Quality matters more than quantity. Think of every meal as an opportunity to protect your brain, your bones, and your heart.

“As we age, we need fewer calories, but more of certain nutrients. That’s why focusing on the quality of the foods you eat is so important.” — National Institute on Aging (NIA)  NIA – Smart Food Choices for Healthy Aging.

What to include:

• Lean proteins: chicken, fish, tofu, beans
• Whole grains: brown rice, oatmeal, quinoa
• Healthy fats: olive oil, avocado, nuts
• Bright-colored vegetables and fruits

Drink plenty of water—6 to 8 cups a day. And if food has lost some taste, skip the salt. Herbs, citrus, and spices can bring back flavor without increasing blood pressure.

“Many older adults don’t feel thirsty even when their body needs fluids, so it’s important to drink water regularly—even if you’re not thirsty.” — Dr. Kathryn Boling, primary care physician at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore.

Need help cooking? Consider batch prepping meals or using senior-friendly services like Silver Cuisine or Mom’s Meals.

Digitizing Important Documents for Safety and Speed

When a health emergency hits, you or your loved ones don’t want to be digging through boxes to find a power of attorney or medical records.

Make it easier:

• Scan and save birth certificates, insurance cards and policies (like Medicare supplement, Long-Term Care Insurance, life insurance), wills, and other important documents.
• Use PDF tools, like a PDF maker tool, that allows you to create or convert any document into a PDF to store files securely on your device and in the cloud.
• Share access with trusted family members or caregivers.

This one step gives your family peace of mind—and saves time during a crisis.

Make Connection a Daily Habit

Isolation isn’t just sad—it’s dangerous. Studies link loneliness in older adults to a higher risk of dementia, heart disease, and depression.

Build your social health:

• Schedule weekly coffee chats or phone calls with friends.
• Join book clubs, adult education classes, or volunteer groups.
• Use FaceTime or Zoom to connect with family members who live far away.

The U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory says social connection is “as essential to our health as food and water.”

“Social connection is a critical component of our overall health. Loneliness is more than just a bad feeling—it harms both individual and societal health.” — Dr. Vivek Murthy, former U.S. Surgeon General.

Creating a Safer, More Supportive Home

Falls, burns, and household injuries are more common after 70—but they’re preventable. Simple home adjustments help protect independence and prevent accidents.

Start with:

• Installing grab bars in bathrooms
• Adding brighter lights in hallways and staircases
• Removing throw rugs and clutter
• Keeping daily items within easy reach
• Using non-slip mats and sturdy footwear indoors

For added safety, consider a medical alert system. Many are wearable, GPS-enabled, and connect directly to emergency responders.

Want to go further? Hire a certified aging-in-place specialist (CAPS) to assess your or your parent’s home for age-friendly upgrades.

Keep Learning. Stay Curious.

Lifelong learning boosts mood, memory, and self-esteem—and helps older adults stay mentally sharp.

Great hobbies to explore:

• Painting, puzzles, or journaling
• Genealogy or preserving family stories
• Learning a new language or instrument
• Gardening or birdwatching

Many libraries and community colleges offer free or low-cost senior classes. Online platforms like GetSetUp or Coursera are excellent resources, too.

Reduce Stress with Mind-Body Tools

Aging brings new pressures—health changes, caregiving, grief. Mind-body practices like yoga and meditation can help manage that stress while improving overall health.

Physical activity is vital to overall well-being.

“Exercise is the closest thing we have to a fountain of youth. It helps prevent falls, improves mood, and maintains independence.” — Dr. David H. Reuben, chief of geriatrics at UCLA Health.

Easy starting points:

• Chair yoga: Great for balance and flexibility
• Mindfulness meditation: Supports focus and sleep
• Deep breathing: Just 5–10 minutes a day can lower blood pressure and anxiety

“Older adults should move more and sit less throughout the day. Some physical activity is better than none.” — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Try free guided sessions on YouTube, or explore apps like Insight Timer or Calm.

The Future is Bright—With the Right Plan

Every small change you make today supports a stronger, safer tomorrow. Whether it’s daily stretching or organizing documents, these steps build a life that’s not just longer—but better.

But don’t overlook one of the biggest challenges families face: the cost of long-term care services. Whether you want to age at home or move into assisted living someday, care costs are high and rising.

Use the LTC News Cost of Care Calculator to see the average cost of long-term care in your area.

Adult children should check if older loved ones have a long-term care insurance policy. If they do, be sure to have the policy details and utilize them when extended care is required.

LTC News has partnered with Amada Senior Care to provide a free nationwide service to assist families in processing LTC Insurance claims. This service is available to any policyholder—regardless of insurer—and can be accessed directly through the LTC News Claims Resource Center.

If you're wondering whether Long-Term Care Insurance is a smart part of your plan, talk with a specialist. They’ll help you understand options, premiums, and benefits—without pressure. The ideal time to get quotes and acquire LTC Insurance is before you retire.

You’re not alone in this. Whether you’re taking care of yourself or helping a parent, your choices today can bring confidence, comfort, and freedom tomorrow.