Well-Being at 60: 7 Tips to Age Gracefully (2024)

For many, age 60 marks the beginning of a decade full of changes. Some may plan to retire, and others start up small businesses. Some settle in to help take care of their grandchildren, whereas others update their passports and take off on adventures around the world. And some decide to do it all!

This new phase of life provides endless opportunities to live your life to the fullest. However, it also requires attention to well-being and health.

Whether you’re looking for a few more ways to maintain good health at 60 or wondering where to start, here are seven tips for living a long life of health and happiness.

Most of us hear it throughout our lives — “Be sure to eat your fruits and vegetables!” Although this phrase rings true in every phase of life, it is especially true as you age, according to research conducted by the National Library of Medicine about nutrition’s effect on aging.

The results of the study showed that diets that are low in carbohydrates, rich in vegetables, fruits, fish, nuts, cereals, and unsaturated fats, and contain antioxidants, potassium, and omega-3 can:

That said, this is not an all-or-nothing recommendation. Some amount of physical activity is better than none at all.

When it comes to the type of movement, choose what makes you most excited. For some, it might mean taking long walks in nature, attending fitness classes, practicing yoga, or dancing. Others might find interests that aren’t commonly considered physically engaging — such as gardening — fit easily into their current lifestyle.

Research shows that people who engage in new experiences or make efforts to go beyond their mental comfort zones stay mentally and physically younger.

There are plenty of meaningful activities that stimulate the mind, such as:

Your attitude can impact your longevity. According to research from the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), optimism is related to an 11–15 percent longer life span and greater odds of living to the age of 85 or beyond.

Optimism isn’t an intrinsic character trait but rather something a person develops. Many optimistic people stay positive by creating gratitude lists, acknowledging and accepting what can and cannot be controlled, and turning off the news (from time to time), among other methods.

As a healthy adult in your 60s, it’s recommended that you make at least one visit to your primary physician every year for preventive care and general checkups.

Additionally, stay informed about your health so you can easily find, understand, and use appropriate services to make health-related decisions and advocate for your care.

As you find ways to celebrate all this decade has to offer, look to a WesleyLife Community for Healthy Living.

Whether you prioritize socialization, convenience, community involvement, physical and mental health, or a combination of these, our communities support independence and help you live a good life, whatever that means to you.

Find out more about how we can support you by reading our guide to living your best life.