What we do, to try and stay healthy as we get older

With the UK baby boom generation moving ever closer to retirement, a recent study has highlighted 4 healthy behaviours that are believed to increase your chances of staying healthy in your old age. The study was published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal and has shown that a combination of: Regular exercise Healthy diet Moderate alcohol consumption Not smoking

All the above could help you live longer, healthy lives. The co-author of the study Dr Séverine Sabia, University College London, says that associated 'successful ageing' with having good mental and physical health and no chronic diseases such as cancer or diabetes, whereas 'normal ageing' includes those with chronic disease or lower scores on functioning and mental health. "Our study shows the cumulative impact of healthy behaviours on successful ageing — the greater the number of healthy behaviours, the greater the benefit," Dr Sabia said in a statement. "Compared with participants who engaged in no healthy behaviours, those who engaged in all 4 healthy behaviours had greater odds of aging successfully." For a biography please click on: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/epidemiology/people/sabias.htm Suitable healthy behaviours for successful ageing are: - Not smoking - Moderate alcohol consumption of 1 to 14 units a week for women and 1 to 21 units a week for men - Physical activity (at least 2.5 hours a week of moderately intense physical activity or 1 hour or more of very intense physical activity a week) - Eating fruit & vegetables on a regular daily basis "Although individual healthy behaviours are moderately associated with successful ageing, their combined impact is quite substantial. Multiple healthy behaviours appear to increase the chance of reaching old age disease-free and fully functional in an additive manner." This is near identical and repeated by Age UK. Age UK Tips On Staying Healthy - Take regular exercise - Engage socially with others - Have a positive attitude about ageing - Eat a healthy diet - Protect your eyes - Don't smoke - Get regular health checkups - Avoid excessive sun exposure - Get sufficient, good-quality sleep - Pay attention to your pension, and get expert financial advice For more on this, please click on: http://www.ageuk.org.uk/health-wellbeing/keeping-your-body-healthy/10-tips-for-ageing-better/