Article written by Roxanne Hicks, MD, Internal Medicine provider at Snoqualmie Valley Health.

There are different seasons of life, and each phase brings unique opportunities to improve your health. As we celebrate Healthy Aging Month this September, it’s an excellent time to focus on evidence-based ways to support healthy aging and improve well-being for older adults.

Schedule Your Annual Wellness Visit

One of the most effective ways to ensure healthy agingis by visiting your doctor or healthcare provider annually for a wellness visit. This essential check-up helps your clinician monitor your health, ensure you’re up to date on cancer screenings and vaccines, and address any barriers to a healthy lifestyle. Regular preventive care keeps you in control of your health and allows you to focus on aging well.

Stay Physically Active

Physical activity plays a vital role in healthy aging. Experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week to maintain a healthy body and mind. Activities like gardening, walking, or following an online yoga routine all contribute to your weekly exercise goal. Staying active helps reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and dementia. For more ideas, visit Move Your Way.

Protect Your Vision and Hearing

To fully enjoy life, it’s crucial to get regular vision and hearing screenings. Studies show that individuals who wear glasses and hearing aids when needed are less likely to develop dementia than people who need these aids and don’t use them. In addition to regular screenings, you can further reduce your risk of cognitive decline by staying physically active, avoiding tobacco, and following a healthy diet.

A healthy diet includes:

• Plenty of vegetables, fruits, legumes, and nuts
• Whole grains and unsaturated fats (found in avocados, nuts, fish, canola, and olive oil)

Limit your intake of:

• Sugar, added salt, processed foods, red meat
• Saturated and trans fats (found in fatty meats, pre-packaged foods, and butter)

Increase Social Interactions

Social isolation and loneliness are often overlooked but have a significant impact on healthy aging. People who experience loneliness are at greater risk of developing physical and mental health issues, including depression and heart disease. To stay socially connected, nurture relationships with family, friends, and your community. Consider starting a new hobby, volunteering, or joining a weekly class. Visit the National Institutes of Health for more ideas on building strong relationships that support healthy aging.

Prevention is Key

When it comes to healthy aging, evidence shows that preventive care is essential. Talk to your primary care provider to help you navigate these healthy lifestyle tips and create a personalized plan that supports your long-term health.

Dr. Hicks is a primary care internal medicine physician with special interests in women’s health, preventive care, and health systems. She is accepting new patients age 18 and older. Click here to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hicks.