Healthy Aging Month: Seven Tips for Health and Longevity
Wednesday, Sep 23, 2026
Ebow Tawiah Nketsiah, PhD, MSW, serves as Director of Florida Atlantic University’s Healthy Aging Academy and as Assistant Professor in the Phyllis and Harvey Sandler School of Social Work within the College of Social Work and Criminal Justice.
In recognition of Healthy Aging Month, he shares seven practical insights to help people at every stage of life support their physical health, emotional well-being, brain health, independence, and social connections. His guidance emphasizes that healthy aging is about more than preventing illness - it begins with small, consistent choices that can lead to a healthier, more fulfilling life.
1. Nourish Your Body with Healthy Foods
Good nutrition provides the energy and nutrients your body and brain need to function well as you age. Focus on a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Practical tip: Plan balanced meals, drink plenty of water, and try to limit highly processed foods, excess added sugars, and foods high in saturated fat and sodium.
2. Move Your Body Regularly
Regular physical activity can help maintain strength, mobility, balance, heart health, and independence. Aim to include both aerobic activities and strength-building exercises in your routine.
Practical tip: Walk, swim, dance, or cycle for aerobic activity, and incorporate strength exercises such as resistance bands, body-weight exercises, or light weights. Start where you are and gradually increase your activity as you are able.
3. Prevent Falls and Protect Your Independence
Falls are not an inevitable part of aging, and many falls can be prevented. Maintaining strength and balance, keeping your home safe, and addressing vision or medication concerns can reduce fall risk.
Practical tip: Remove tripping hazards, improve lighting, use handrails where needed, wear supportive footwear, and talk with your healthcare provider about medications or health conditions that may affect your balance.
4. Make Sleep a Priority
Quality sleep supports physical health, mood, memory, and overall well-being. Establishing consistent sleep habits can make it easier to get the rest your body needs.
Practical tip: Try to go to bed and wake up around the same time each day, create a relaxing bedtime routine, limit caffeine late in the day, and keep your bedroom comfortable and conducive to sleep. If sleep problems persist, talk with a healthcare professional.
5. Manage Stress and Make Time for Yourself
Stress is a normal part of life, but ongoing stress can affect both physical and emotional well-being. Finding healthy ways to manage stress can help you feel more balanced and resilient. Practical tip:
Practical tip: Practice deep breathing or mindfulness, spend time outdoors, listen to music, pray or meditate if meaningful to you, pursue hobbies, and make time for activities that help you relax.
6. Stay Connected with Others
Social connection is an important part of healthy aging. Meaningful relationships and social engagement can provide emotional support, a sense of belonging, and opportunities to remain active in your community.
Practical tip: Call or visit family and friends, join a club or community group, volunteer, participate in faith-based or social activities, or look for opportunities to connect with people who share your interests.
7. Keep Your Brain Active and Keep Learning
Your brain benefits from continued engagement, curiosity, and learning throughout life. Cognitive activities and lifelong learning can provide opportunities to challenge your mind while also supporting a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
Practical tip: Read, learn a new skill, take a class, play games or puzzles, learn a language, play a musical instrument, or explore a topic that interests you. Keep asking questions and stay curious.
About Ebow Tawiah Nketsiah, PhD, MSW
Ebow Tawiah Nketsiah, PhD, MSW, is an Assistant Professor of Social Work at Florida Atlantic University and Director of the Healthy Aging Academy. With more than five years of experience developing and delivering evidence-based health programs for older adults and communities, his work focuses on healthy aging, brain health, dementia, caregiving, and community-based interventions. His research and practice emphasize practical, culturally responsive approaches that help older adults maintain their health, independence, well-being, and quality of life.