Healthy Aging Archive

As people get older, they may get clumsier because of multiple factors such as declining hearing and vision, loss of muscle, balance issues, and chronic health conditions. Addressing these issues can help people avoid injury from falls and other accidents.

Power is the ability to generate a large amount of force in a short amount of time. It can help people to properly and safely execute many everyday movements, such as climbing stairs, lifting and carrying heavy objects, twisting, pulling, and throwing. Power also improves movement efficiency and reaction time, helping to prevent injuries from falls. Increasing overall muscle mass with regular strength training and doing plyometric exercises and explosive moves using a medicine ball can help build power.

The Blue Zones are locations in the world where people are regarded as being among the healthiest and longest-lived. They include Okinawa, Japan; Ikaria, Greece; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Loma Linda, California. According to some research, most residents of Blue Zones live seven to 10 years longer than the average American and have lower rates of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dementia. These individuals follow certain healthy behaviors related to diet, exercise, and emotional well-being that people can adopt.

Continuing to work in retirement can address many specific health needs of men as they age, such as stronger social connection, better cognitive health, and a greater sense of purpose. Regular work has been linked with higher rates of happiness and a lower risk for multiple health conditions. For men who don’t want to re-enter the workforce, options like volunteering and mentoring can offer many of the same health benefits.

Essential tremor is marked by involuntary shaking of one or more body parts, such as the hands, arms, legs, or head. Avoiding caffeine and stress and getting plenty of rest can be helpful. Several medications are available to ease the symptoms.

Taking 2,000 International Units of supplemental vitamin D₃ daily may help slow the cellular aging process, according to a 2025 study.

In a 2025 study, people with the healthiest diets and trimmest bellies at midlife had better brain connections and skills decades later, compared with people who ate the worst diets and had the most belly fat.

The surge in heat waves and extreme heat poses serious health risks for everyone but is a particular worry for older adults. What can you do to manage heat-related risks, especially if you have existing health conditions or take certain medications?

Wooziness is often just a passing episode of lightheadedness. But it might signal something very serious, such as a stroke or heart attack. When wooziness occurs, one should sit or lie down for a few minutes, rest, and have a drink of water or juice. If wooziness eases, it’s best to report the episode to your doctor. If lightheadedness hasn’t improved or if it’s accompanied by other symptoms, such as chest pain, trouble speaking, or weakness or numbness on one side of the body, call 911 immediately.

A 2025 study suggested that a structured exercise plan can significantly reduce the risk of falls among older women who take multiple medications.