8 Signs You Are Aging Well: A Simple Checklist
Nobody has all of these every day, and that is fine. Here are eight everyday signs that things are going well, plus what to do if one is missing.
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You are likely aging well if you can do your daily things on your own, sleep okay most nights, feel steady most days, and have people to call. Here are eight signs, in plain words.
The 8 signs
- You can do everyday things on your own. You get out of a chair without much trouble. You climb a flight of stairs. You carry in the groceries. Doctors care about this one a lot, because daily strength and balance are linked to staying independent.
- You walk at a steady pace. You do not have to be fast. But if you can keep up a comfortable pace for a while, that is a good sign for your heart, your legs, and your balance.
- You sleep okay most nights. Not perfect. Most nights you fall asleep, stay asleep, and feel mostly rested. Waking up earlier than you used to is common and not a problem on its own.
- Your mood is mostly steady. You still have bad days. But most days you feel like yourself, and you can enjoy things.
- You have people you can call. One or two is plenty. Staying connected is one of the best things you can do for your health.
- You have something to look forward to. A trip, a class, a grandchild's visit, a garden. It can be small.
- You keep up with your checkups and know your medicines. You could tell a new doctor what you take and why. That is a real sign of taking care of yourself.
- You ask for help when you need it. This one surprises people. But knowing when to ask, and being willing to, keeps you safer and keeps you independent longer.
What if a sign is missing?
Good news: most of these can improve. Here is where to start for the ones people ask about most.
- Struggling with stairs or chairs? Add a little strength work. Start here.
- Sleeping badly? Try a steady wake-up time. Here are more ideas.
- Feeling lonely? Say yes to the next invitation. The National Institute on Aging has easy ways to stay connected.
- Feeling stuck? You are not alone. This guide can help.
One thing you can do today
Stand up from a chair five times
Sit in a sturdy chair. Stand up without using your hands if you can, then sit back down slowly. Do it five times. Notice how it felt. If it was easy, you are doing well. If it was hard, you just found a good place to start.
What deserves a call
Tell your doctor if you notice these
- A fall, or a near fall
- Weight loss you did not plan
- Feeling sad or hopeless for more than two weeks
- New confusion, or memory trouble that is getting in your way
- Much more tired than usual, for no clear reason
These are not "just getting older." A short visit can sort out what is going on. Here is how to tell what can wait.
Get help right away
Call 911 or your local emergency number for:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Trouble breathing
- Sudden weakness or numbness on one side
- Trouble speaking, or a drooping face
If you are having thoughts of hurting yourself, call or text 988 in the U.S. to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Questions to ask your doctor
- How is my balance and strength for my age?
- Are any of my medicines making me dizzy or sleepy?
- Which checkups am I due for?
- What is one thing I could change that would help the most?
Keep going
- How to age better: 5 simple habits
- What a 70-year-old can do every day
- A simple guide for men after 40
- A simple guide for women after 40
Sources worth keeping
- National Institute on Aging: Tips to Boost Your Health as You Age
- National Institute on Aging: Six Tips to Help Prevent Falls
- National Institute on Aging: Sleep and Older Adults
- National Institute on Aging: Loneliness and Social Isolation, Tips for Staying Connected
- National Institute on Aging: Cognitive Health and Older Adults
Remember: Aging well is not about feeling twenty-five again. It is about feeling like yourself, most days, for as long as you can.