Aging well takes planning and practice, but making those efforts through all stages of this journey we call life can pay off big time down the road. Photo courtesy of Getty Images

We all want to live long, happy lives. But the prospect of aging can feel either far away or too daunting to consider.  

Health and wellness experts say, however, that the best way to revel in your golden years is to plan early, making adjustments as you age. 

“We can’t just fix things when we turn 65,’’ said Cathy Rowe, executive director, New Jersey Advocates for Aging Well. “You have to think and plan at every stage and age, whether it’s your finances, your health, your housing plan. The more planning we put into our lives, the better position we will be in.’’ 

Following, experts offer key strategies for various stages of life on the financial, health and social fronts that can improve your chances of living well for a long time. 

When it comes to finances, start saving early. If you’re in your 40s, don’t delay. Socking away even small amounts now can pay big dividends later. 

“Every dollar you save today is going to be worth 10 times that in the future,’’ Rowe said.  

A consistent exercise routine is key to aging well, even if it’s just walking a couple times a week. Photo courtesy of Getty Images

On the health front, it is important to adopt a regular exercise routine early on, said Dr. Clare L. Coda of RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group. 

“Keep your body active,’’ she advised. “You don’t have to join a gym. Just walking every day or even three times a week helps people live a lot longer.’’ 

Health care screenings also become critical in our 40s. This includes mammograms, colon cancer screenings and routine blood analysis to look for issues, like high cholesterol and diabetes. 

“Starting early can help avoid long-term problems,’’ Coda noted. “For women, annual mammogram screenings start at 40. The newest update for colon cancer screening is to start at 45. It used to be 50. If you catch an abnormality at 45, we can deal with it quickly and you have much more time to focus on the things that make you happy.’’ 

Colon cancer screenings, mammograms and routine blood analysis are critical to maintaining your health over time. Photo courtesy of Getty Images

The 50s is also a good time to expand your financial planning to include protections such as long-term care insurance and choosing someone to be your medical proxy and hold your power of attorney in case you’re unable to make your own medical and financial decisions. 

“Financial planning should include long-term care insurance to help pay for those bills if you need it,’’ Rowe said. “There’s no need to wait until you’re 70.’’ 

Suitable, affordable housing is key to happiness at any age, but particularly as we get older. The 50s and 60s are a time when many people move into smaller homes or renovate an existing home. So, it is important to consider what your needs may be in your 70s and 80s.  

“If you’re doing a renovation, make it age-friendly so it works for you now and 20 to 30 years from now,’’ Rowe said. 

On the health care front, the 60s is the time to add bone density scans to your preventable health routine, especially for women age 65 and older. 

“The bone scan detects if there are significant enough bony changes,’’ Coda said. “Doctors can add medication to help bone health.’’ 

Individuals with good social networks live longer and are physically and mentally healthier than people who are isolated.

Weight-bearing activities, like walking, jogging, playing pickleball and using resistance bands, can also help strengthen bones and joints, while reducing the risk of falls, which becomes more likely as people enter their 70s. 

“In our 70s and beyond, we’re not as strong as we used to be,’’ Coda said, adding that it’s important to unclutter homes to reduce tripping hazards. “There is a huge role for physical therapy to strengthen the legs and the body in general to help prevent falls.’’ 

While screening for hearing problems can be done at any age, it is typically recommended when you reach your 70s. 

“This can be done with your primary care doctor if they have the capability or with an audiologist,’’ Coda said. “Lack of hearing can lead to people being not as involved in conversations, not as involved in family life. And it’s an easy thing to screen for.’’ 

The 70s and 80s are often the time when adult children become fearful of their aging parents getting behind the wheel. But driving is key to maintaining the independence that helps older adults feel happy.  

Driving is essential to maintaining the independence that helps older adults feel happy. Photo courtesy of Getty Images

AAA offers a toolkit to assist senior drivers, including a defensive driving program, strategies for creating a transportation plan should driving become unsafe and information about driver assistance systems, like blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning and lane keeping assist. 

“AAA offers a great program,’’ Rowe added. “There are tools you can get to help you drive safely. You don’t always have to take away the keys.’’ 

A sharp mind is key to a happy life at any age, and AARP’s Staying Sharp program provides tons of tools to improve brain health. The program is grounded in six pillars of brain health: be social, engage your brain, manage stress, exercise regularly, get a good night’s sleep and eat right.  

“Regardless of age, people can lead a lifestyle that supports brain health,’’ said Julie Marte, AARP New Jersey’s associate state director of multicultural outreach. “While AARP focuses on people 50 and older, we make our resources and information available to all.’’ 

AARP offers its members a host of activities and educational materials to help them keep their brains sharp, including virtual classes in yoga, tai chi and healthy cooking, helping people engage socially while learning healthy habits. 

“Studies suggest people with good social networks live longer and are physically and mentally healthier than people who are isolated,’’ Marte said. “AARP New Jersey offers on a monthly basis an array of virtual events open to the community, regardless of age.’’ 

The bottom line is that aging well takes planning and practice, but making those efforts through all stages of this journey we call life can pay off big time down the road. 

“If you’re proactive about your health, you can enjoy a long life doing your hobbies, spending time with your family,’’ Coda said. “There is stuff that is out of your control, but there are a lot of things that fall in the preventable realm.’’  

For resources, visit aarp.org/nj and njaaw.org. 

Nancy Parello writes frequently for NJ Advance Media/Jersey’s Best. A former statehouse reporter, she previously worked for the Associated Press and The Record.

This article originally appeared in the Spring 2023 issue of Jersey’s Best. Subscribe here for in-depth access to everything that makes the Garden State great.