Everyone ages differently. But you have some control over how you age. You can age in a healthier way by eating well, staying active, spending time with others, and keeping your mind busy.
Taking care of your health can help you:
- Lower your chance of getting common diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
- Keep your body and brain healthy.
- Reduce or delay disability.
- Build resilience—your ability to handle change and stress.
What is Healthy Aging?
The World Health Organization (WHO) says that "health" means more than just not being sick. It includes feeling good physically, mentally, and socially. Healthy aging means keeping up your health, independence, and quality of life as you grow older. It can help you avoid many diseases, stay strong, and keep thinking clearly.
It is common to notice some changes as you age. But doctors who specialize in older adult care (called geriatricians) can help you stay as healthy and able as possible.
A healthy lifestyle can improve your health. But other things also affect how you age. These include where you live, your finances, safety, access to health care, education, and your background and culture.
How Views on Aging Change Over Time
Many older adults change how they think about healthy aging over time. In one survey, 60 percent of older adults said their views on aging had changed. Studies also show that mental and social well-being are key parts of healthy aging, along with physical health, environment, and finances.
Contributors to Health
Many things affect how long you live and how healthy you are:
- Genes account for about 30 percent of the risk of dying early.
- Your habits and behaviors account for about 40 percent of the risk.
- Social factors—like income and education—account for 15 percent of the risk.
- Access to health care accounts for 10 percent, and environment accounts for 5 percent.
Research shows that your habits—like what you eat, how active you are, whether you smoke, and how much alcohol you drink—greatly affect how long and how well you live. Being active is one of the best ways to lower your risk of disease. We cannot change our genes. But knowing your genetic risks can help you make better choices. For example, if heart disease runs in your family, you may be more motivated to work with your doctor to optimize risk factors like blood pressure and cholesterol.
Resilience
Healthy aging also means being able to handle problems that come your way. You can build physical, mental, and social resilience at any age. Resilience is linked to better well-being, independence, recovery from illness, and living longer.
You can build resilience by:
- Building and keeping strong relationships and making a family communication plan.
- Joining social groups or volunteering.
- Finding healthy ways to deal with stress.
- Starting a new hobby.
These activities can help you feel more hopeful and confident. Living in an age-friendly community can also help. These communities support social connection, activity, and opportunity for older adults. They often offer easier access to transportation, parks, and community centers.
Last Reviewed and Updated: October 2026
By: AGS/HiAF Public Education Committee, HealthinAging.org Content Reviewers