Healthy ageing is achieving and keeping good physical and mental well-being while leading an active social life. It is important to keep yourself healthy, happy and independent as you age.

Stay Physically Active

Staying physically active​ lowers your risk of chronic conditions such as such as coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol​, diabetes​ and selected cancers. It also helps decrease your risk of falling and breaking bones as well as reduce anxiety, depres​sion and improves your overall well-being.

Related: Healthy Active Ageing

Eat Healthy​

A balanced diet​ is rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. It is also low in fat, cholesterol, salt and sugar. Medication alone is usually not enough to manage your chronic conditions well. Healthy eating, together with medication plays an important role in managing chronic conditions​. For instance, reduce your salt intake for better control of high blood pressure.

Related: Eating for Healthy Ageing

Be Smoke-free

If you smoke, consider qui​​tting as it will redu​​ce your risk of heart diseases, high blood pressure, cancers and many other chronic conditions. Quitting will also help you save money, which you can spend on your loved ones. For more advice on how to quit smoking​, please call QuitLine at 1800 438 2000.

Related: Healthier, Happier, Richer: This is You, Smoke-Free

Go for Health Screening​

Regular health screening is important to detect conditions. Many chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high blood cholesterol and certain cancers (e.g. breast, cervical or colorectal cancer​) can develop without any signs and symptoms. Regular health screening is important to detect these diseases early. Early detection, together with early treatment and good management of these diseases can prevent or delay the onset of complications.

Related: The ABCs of Health Screening

Manage Chronic Conditions Well

Chronic conditions are lifelong conditions that must be monitored and managed well to reduce the risk of complications. If you have chronic conditions, you should:

1. Adopt a healthy lifestyle
2. Take your medication as instructed by your doctor
3. ​See your doctor regularly for fo​llow up​

Related: Knowing the Risk Factors for Chronic Diseases​

Keep Your Mind Active

A healthy mind keeps you young at heart and reduces your risk of various diseases. Stay positive​ as you adapt and learn to cope with changes in your life.​​With good knowledge and management of your condition, you will be able to enjoy an active and happy life.

Read these next:

1. Be Active for a Healthy Mind
2. Tips to Stay Healthy and Feel Young
3. Physical Activity—A Key to Healthy Ageing​

Source: Health Promotion Board © HealthHub. Reproduced with permission. View original source.