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Our choices when we are young contribute directly to how we age. Even if you didn’t make perfect health decisions in your younger years, there is still good news. If you can read this article, you can still positively impact your chances of having a long and satisfying life by following the advice below.

1. Exercise is critical. A little is better than none, and more is better than a little. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that adults 40 and older who take 8,000 steps or more per day had a 51% lower risk of death from all causes compared to those who took an average 4,000 steps. If you can’t walk much, standing rather than sitting has been shown to lower blood sugar.
   
2. Good nutrition is one of the best ways to avoid serious medical conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Pay close attention to the total amount of calories you consume and limit added dressings and sugary beverages, which contain unnecessary calories without making you feel full. Try to eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day and choose leaner proteins such as chicken, tofu, and fish.
   
3. Stay connected with friends, family, and the community. Adults who are socially isolated or feel lonely are at higher risk for heart disease, depression, and cognitive decline. A 2021 study in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found significantly more heart disease in adults 70 years or older who were lonely compared to those adults who were not.
   
4. Keep your brain healthy. Good cognition is something we all want to maintain. Studies suggest you can maximize your chances of good brain function and decrease the risk of dementia through exercise, avoiding smoking and heavy drinking, a good diet such as the Mediterranean-style diet, and engaging in mentally stimulating activities, such as reading, writing letters, and playing games.