Dr. George Kuchel and his team of geriatric medicine experts of the UConn Center on Aging  at UConn Health offer these top 10 tips for aging well:

1. Go to the doctor. Each year going to the doctor for an annual preventive screening is key to aging well. Also, seeking medical care when your body gives you warning signs or symptoms that something may just not be right is essential to healthy longevity.
2. Coordinated care. Make sure you have a primary care physician and as you get older a specialized geriatrician supporting and coordinating your care. For example for patients at enhanced risk for dementia this is key.
3. Exercise daily. Make sure you are walking briskly at least 30 minutes a day and additionally partaking in weekly cardio and muscle strengthening exercise to maintain your overall health and weight.
4. Maintain a healthy diet. Eat a diet low in sugar and fat that includes colorful fruits and vegetables.
5. Stay mobile. Maintaining your mobility and muscle strength is key to aging well. Once you lose it it’s hard to regain. Each day limit your sitting and keep moving as much as possible. Plus, your walking speed may be as crucial indicator of your health as your blood pressure and weight.
6. Maintain vaccinations. Keep up with your vaccination schedule. Make sure to get the flu shot each year and the pneumonia shot when necessary. As we age it is critical to have the strongest immune defense possible to battle against infections which are still a major killer of the elderly.
7. Maintain cognitive health. What is good for your heart’s health is good for your brain’s health so ensure you are maintaining your blood pressure, practicing a heart-healthy lifestyle, not smoking tobacco or consuming alcohol excessively. If you start experiencing memory loss that concerns you seek an early screening with a memory center specialist to try to slow its progression.
8. Perform brain-stimulating activities. Limit passive television watching, and instead read newspapers, the Internet, and books. Crossword puzzles and word games can also be beneficial. Anything that challenges your mind to learn new information or skills is good exercise for the brain.
9. Stay socially active. Make sure to be socially engaged and have daily conversations with friends, family, co-workers, or peers. Isolation can lead to greater risk of depression and accelerate cognitive decline.
10. Maintain your bladder’s health. Never ignore the desire to urinate and make sure to stay hydrated. If you are having a urinary issue as you age know that you are not alone. Talk to your doctor if you start to experience bothersome urinary symptoms such as leaking, frequent, incomplete or painful urination, or any blood in your urine.

To learn more about the UConn Center on Aging at UConn Health and its patient care services visit, here.