Results of a retrospective analysis published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health stated that behaviours like getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and keeping a healthy weight can keep people functional for longtime and help in healthy aging.

Data from the Canadian Longitudinal Investigation on Aging (CLSA), collected from 2011 to 2015 and from 2015 to 2018, were used for the current study. It was seen that 73% of 8000 elderly participants from Canada with a body mass index in the normal or underweight range were "successful agers”. 71% of overweight individuals and 66% of people who were obese were "successful agers”.

It was further observed that in comparison to 66% of people who reported difficulties in sleeping regularly or constantly, around 72% of participants who said they never, seldom, or occasionally had trouble sleeping were “successful agers”. Additionally, 72% of participants who said they walked frequently or occasionally were “successful agers”, as compared to 67% of those who said they walked infrequently or never. Also it was observed that 74% of those belonging to above the poverty line were “successful agers”, compared with 51% of participants below the poverty line.

Although age-related chronic and degenerative illnesses may not be preventable, age-friendly policies and interventions can be created and put into place to help older folks age properly. The results show that people can adjust their lifestyles for healthy aging even as they get older.

(Source: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986107#vp_1)