People in the U.S. are living longer than ever before. Many seniors live active and healthy lives. But there's no getting around one thing: as we age, our bodies and minds change. By taking steps to understand your changing body and learning how to adapt to a healthy lifestyle — eat well, stay physically active, visit your doctor regularly — you can manage those unwelcome aches and pains and live happily. Remember: It's never too late to make healthier lifestyle choices.
Read the new, inaugural, issue of 60+ the Livable Communities Aging Network Newsletter, which shows the range of activities and services available to enrich the lives of seniors. Read it every month to keep yourself in the know.
Don’t miss the latest issue of Nutrition News for Seniors with tips for sensible eating. Catch up on earlier issues.
1. Be fit and exercise often to stay healthy as you grow older.
As an older adult, regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health.
2. Avoid accidents and falls.
View these simple steps you can take to make your home safer and maintain your independence. View the simple steps in Spanish.
3. Shingles
A common skin rash with blisters, shingles can lead to painful and sometimes serious complications in older adults. Shingles is most common in people over 50. People with weakened immune systems are much more likely than healthy seniors to develop shingles and to have a more severe case. A vaccine is available for shingles and is available for people age 60 and older.
4. HIV and people 50+
Older adults are not immune to HIV/AIDS. Anyone, at any age can get HIV/AIDS. Learn more about how to protect yourself. Find out where to go for testing and treatment.
5. Nutrition
Learn about county nutrition programs for seniors find places you can go for a meal among friends or have hot meals delivered to you.
6. Don't forget your flu shot
All senior citizens, and others who may be at high risk of complications if they get the flu, should protect themselves against influenza by receiving a flu shot each fall. Check back here this fall for information about flu clinics near you.
7. Discount Drug Card
Free Discount Drug Card for income-eligible New Yorkers, ages 50 to 64 or who have a disability and do not have Medicaid.
8. Have a healthy heart
In an effort to combat cardiovascular disease, the Westchester County Department of Health supports prevention through heart healthy lifestyle changes. Find out what you need to have a healthy heart.
9. Colorectal Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women. Get the important facts needed keep yourself safe and healthy.
10. Breast and Cervical Cancers
Both breast cancer and cervical cancer can be detected and treated best when they are discovered early. Find out important information about these types of cancer.
11. Living Will and Health Care Proxy
What to do when the unthinkable happens — What you need to know about living wills and health care proxies.
12. Assisted Living/Nursing Home Complaints
The New York State Department of Health regulates nursing homes and assisted living facilities and investigates any complaints made against them. For more information about assisted living residences or to report concerns or problems with a residence which cannot be resolved internally, call the New York State Department of Health or the New York State Long Term Care Ombudsman Program. The New York State Department of Health’s Division of Assisted Living can be reached at (518) 408-1133 or toll free at 1-866-893-6772. The New York State Long Term Care Ombudsman Program can be reached at 1-800-342-9871.
Additional resources from the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services: