4 tips for staying healthy as you age
Author: CenterWell Pharmacy
Date Posted: Sept. 24, 2024
As you age, staying healthy means paying attention to your physical and mental health, and taking your medications on time. It also means finding ways to stick to the healthy changes you make. That can be difficult, but CenterWell™ is here to help keep you on track!
1. See a healthcare provider regularly
Make regular appointments to see your doctor even when you’re not sick. Doing this can help you catch health issues like high cholesterol or blood pressure before they become a serious issue.¹ Come to your visit with a list of questions and any medications you’re taking. Consider bringing a family member, too.
If you’re looking for a provider, CenterWell Senior Primary Care® offers shorter average wait times so you can spend more time with your doctor. In fact, CenterWell patients spend, on average, 50% more one-on-one time with their doctors. Care goes beyond the doctor’s office, too—CenterWell providers are available via telehealth, which keeps you connected and healthy at home.²
Interested? It’s easy to become a CenterWell patient.
2. Get your medications delivered
Getting home delivery for your medications doesn’t just save you a trip to the store—it can also help make sure you don’t run out and can even help you take your medication on time.
CenterWell Pharmacy® offers $0 copays on most generic 90-day prescriptions—and can help you find other ways to save on your medications. We offer auto refill on many medications,* so you never have to remember to order that refill. And with certain plans, you can get over-the-counter items like pain relievers, vitamins and supplements that keep you healthy delivered to your door.
3. Take care of your body
To see the most benefits, try simple exercises like walking, swimming, biking or aerobics for at least 2.5 hours per week, and tougher muscle-strengthening exercises (think weight lifting or group classes) for at least 75 minutes each week.³
But it’s not all about exercise! You can stay healthy by eating a balanced diet with foods such as whole grains, fatty fish, beans, and fresh vegetables and fruits.⁴ Experts also recommend getting at least 7–9 hours of sleep per night to help your body recover and avoid serious injuries and illnesses.⁵
4. Keep your brain active
Spend time with loved ones like family and friends or meet new people through special events at CenterWell senior centers. You could also consider joining clubs or groups that match up with your interests. Staying social—and not being isolated—is key. See more daily strategies to lower your stress.
In addition to staying social, keep learning! Reading, puzzles, classes and new hobbies can keep your brain active—helping brain cells last longer and even creating new connections, even as you age.¹
Achieving your best health every day
By following these tips, you can maintain your best health in your senior years. Setting manageable goals—and rewarding yourself when you reach them—can make it easier to stick to the healthy changes you want to make.
And whenever you need support, CenterWell Pharmacy is here to fill your prescriptions, help you track your orders and chat with you about any concerns you have along the way.
* Auto refill isn’t available for specialty medications.
Sources:
1. “Healthy Aging Tips for the Older Adults in Your Life,” National Institute on Aging, last accessed August 26, 2024.
2. “10 Pieces Of Expert Advice on Aging Well In 2024,” Forbes, last accessed August 20, 2024.
3. “Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (2nd Edition),” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, last accessed August 26, 2024.
4. “What Do We Know About Healthy Aging?” National Institute on Aging, last accessed August 26, 2024.
5. “What Are Sleep Deprivation and Deficiency?” National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, last accessed August 26, 2024.
Disclaimer:
This material is provided for informational use only and should not be construed as medical advice or used in place of consulting a licensed medical professional. If you are in a life-threatening or emergency medical situation, please dial 9-1-1 and seek medical attention immediately.