Prevention & life stages

Healthy Ageing

Staying active, eating well, keeping socially connected and looking after your mind all help you stay healthy, independent and well as you age.

Written by Meds Global Health Clinical Team · Clinically reviewed by Dr Muhammad Suffyan, MB BS, Founder & Clinical Director · Last reviewed · How we review

What it means

Healthy ageing is about maintaining physical and mental wellbeing, function and independence in later life. Many aspects of health in older age are influenced by lifestyle and can be improved at any age.

Why it matters

Good habits help prevent or delay conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and frailty, reduce the risk of falls, support memory and mood, and help people stay independent and enjoy life for longer.

Practical tips

How to make it work

  • Stay physically active, including strength and balance exercises to protect muscles, bones and steadiness.
  • Eat well, with enough protein, calcium and vitamin D, and stay hydrated.
  • Keep socially connected and mentally active to support mood and memory.
  • Keep up with vaccinations, health checks, and eye, hearing and dental care.
  • Look after your heart — do not smoke, limit alcohol, and manage blood pressure and cholesterol.
  • Take steps to prevent falls, such as staying active and keeping your home safe.

Good to know. Unplanned weight loss, frequent falls, memory changes affecting daily life, or low mood are not simply "part of getting old" and should be checked by a GP. Review medicines regularly and ask about anything affecting your quality of life.

Answers

Healthy Ageing: frequently asked questions

Can I improve my health even in older age?

Yes. Becoming more active, eating well, staying connected and stopping smoking bring real benefits at any age, improving strength, balance, mood, independence and reducing the risk of illness.

How can older adults prevent falls?

Regular strength and balance exercise, keeping active, having eyesight and medicines reviewed, and making the home safer (good lighting, removing trip hazards) all help reduce the risk of falls.

Related

More on prevention & life stages

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Education and reference only. This is general UK health guidance, not personal medical or dietitian advice. If you have a health condition or specific needs, check with your GP, pharmacist or a registered professional before making big changes.

Sources

Where this is drawn from

  • NHS — Live Well & Start for Life
  • UK Chief Medical Officers’ guidance
  • British Dietetic Association (BDA)

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