Who doesn't love the ease of instant gratification? Yet, moving on into the era of my sixties, I sometimes wish for more simplicity. What does that look like regarding health, which translates into more than wealth? Time is precious, and how we spend it matters most in the later years.

Maintaining good health becomes increasingly more important as we age. A vibrant and fulfilling life starts with simple strategies to help you embrace this exciting chapter. I just had lunch with seven ladies in their seventies and loved hearing their take on wellness and balance. A few found work still stimulating; others said an afternoon nap and spending time with friends and family makes life worth living.

Here are some reminders to start your year with your overall health in mind:

1. Be Active: It's easier said than done but crucial to feeling good. Pick one or two of these activities and do them for at least 150 minutes each week: walk, swim, do yoga or Pilates, dance, or strength train.
2. Eat a Balanced Diet: Nutrition is an excellent way to tell your body to stay in tip-top shape. You're off to a good start if you eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
3. Stay Hydrated: As we age, our sense of thirst can diminish. I remember being so thirsty as a kid I would drink from the hose, which is no longer recommended these days. If plain water doesn't appeal to you anymore, try a subtle flavor like an infusion of mint or lemon. Herbal teas with no caffeine are a nice source of water. If cold water doesn't work for you, try room temperature.
4. Get Regular Screenings and Health Check-Ups: Early detection to catch potential issues is very important. Mammograms, colonoscopies, blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancer screenings are all vital.
5. Prioritize Your Mental Health: Emotions and physical well-being are inextricably linked and engaging in hobbies, like crafting, gardening, and puzzles, helps your brain chemistry to produce serotonin. Learning new skills like a language or needlepoint can stimulate neuro-connective activity. Practicing mindfulness can help you reduce stress and decompress. Some find prayer or sound baths helpful. Remember that we cannot handle the same amount of stimuli and stress we did a decade ago.
6. Nourish Social Connections: Maintaining relationships with friends, family, and community groups is a great way to stay sharp and engaged. Science tells us it's good for the human body. My tip: socialize even if you feel like you're not in the mood; just like exercise, you won't regret it afterward. It takes effort to reap the rewards, so wear a cute, comfy outfit and go somewhere with people. I can get sucked into binge-watching TV shows like anyone else, but I know there is no substitute for human interaction.

Sleep is when your cells work on renewing and restoring everything from the inside out. Winding down 20 minutes before you go to sleep, avoiding too much food an hour before bed, and limiting alcohol and stimulants like tobacco are beneficial to sleep patterns. Blue light from screen time can signal the brain to stay alert, so practice disconnecting from screens before you plan to fall asleep. Although we need a little less sleep as we age, having good quality sleep is crucial to overall health.

Check out the latest scientific journals, and sign up for seminars or workshops that keep you abreast of the newest health information. Science changes rapidly, so knowledge is power. Most importantly, listen to your body. Pay attention to signals- if something seems off, don't ignore it. Early intervention and lifestyle changes can significantly improve your quality of life for years to come.