Healthy Aging, Healthy Lifestyle and You
What does healthy aging mean to you? For some, it’s having the energy to travel, garden, or play with their grandchildren. For others, it’s maintaining independence and having the ability to do the things they love without pain.
Healthy aging isn’t just about looking good, though it can be a by-product. It’s about feeling good by staying strong, clear-minded, and vibrant as you move through life’s next chapter.
If you’re in your 60s or beyond and noticing that your energy, strength, or metabolism aren’t what they used to be, you’re not alone. Many people assume these changes are simply part of getting older. But I’ve learned that much of what we attribute to “aging” is the result of our choices, and you can make changes that transform your life.
Transformation
As a Registered Nurse, I knew a lot about the science of health, but I was stuck in the food. By the time I was 59, I was more than 120 pounds overweight. I had tried countless diets, and while some worked for a while, eventually they didn’t. I had diabetes, added a second blood pressure medication, and was just exhausted. On top of this I was trying to plan for retirement, and I knew my health would continue to limit me going forward if I didn’t make some drastic changes. Staying where I was did not align with who I wanted to be. I wanted to be a healthy older adult! It was my turn! I finally shifted my focus from dieting to healing.
When I began eating real, whole food and building daily habits that supported rest, movement, and self-care, things began to change. I lost weight for the last time. I gained energy, confidence, and peace of mind.
What Healthy Aging Really Means
Healthy aging isn’t luck, but the natural outcome of how you live, eat, and care for yourself over time. It’s built on the daily choices that help your body and mind stay strong, flexible, and engaged. Here are some things to consider.
Nourish Your Body with Real Food
Your body changes as you age, but it is still responding to what you feed it. Real food for example, vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, healthy fats from minimally processed ingredients give your body the tools it needs to repair, regulate, and thrive.
When I stopped eating ultra-processed foods, my cravings calmed and I began feeling better. Real food isn’t just fuel; it’s information that tells your body how to function. It’s the foundation of every other healthy aging habit.
Move with Intention
Exercise helps keep us moving. Strength training preserves muscle and bone density. Dancing, stretching, and gardening add flexibility. Walking supports your heart and mind.
The best exercises are ones you’ll do consistently. Choose what makes you feel good and helps you live the life you want.
Prioritize Rest and Recovery
Sleep and rest are powerful anti-aging tools. Quality sleep restores hormones, supports metabolism, and helps your brain clear toxins.
Aim for seven to nine hours of restful sleep. Create an evening ritual that helps your body unwind, turn off your screens, and keep your room dark and cool. Experiment to find out what works for you.
Manage Stress and Cultivate Calm
Chronic stress accelerates aging at every level, physical, emotional, and cellular. Practices like mindfulness, journaling, prayer, or simply taking quiet time, each day help lower cortisol and restore balance.
Self-compassion matters, too. Treat yourself as kindly as you would someone you love. There’s no judgment. Regardless of our age, we are still learning as we go along.
Stay Connected and Purpose-Driven
Healthy aging requires emotional and social health. Isolation increases the risk of chronic disease, while connection protects your brain and heart.
Find community in friends, family, or shared activities. Volunteer, mentor, or pursue something that gives your days meaning. Having a sense of purpose is one of the strongest predictors of longevity and wellbeing. Keep balance in mind if you are still working, and of course, regardless of your focus, take time to play.
Your Path Forward
You can’t control your age, but you can control how you age.
Healthy aging isn’t a single habit or number on the scale. It’s the daily practice of honoring your body with real food, movement, rest, and meaningful connections. When those elements come together, your body becomes more resilient, your mind clearer, and your spirit lighter.
When I lost 120 pounds in my 60s, I discovered that the secret to aging well isn’t a diet or a product, but putting together a healthy lifestyle that works for me. And yes, I look good too.
It’s never too late to feel vibrant, capable, and alive again. Your second act can be your healthiest one yet.
Sue Brown, RN, MS, MPA, NBC-HWC is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach who specializes in working with people over 50 who struggle with their weight. She's worked in a variety of clinical and leadership positions over the years, but it was first after losing and maintaining a 120 lb weight loss that she found her calling as a coach. You can find Sue online at www.suebrowncoaching.com, Facebook and LinkedIn.
