Aging is inevitable. However, by developing a few healthy habits, we can impact the quality of our life as we get older.

1. Get 7-8 hours of sleep per night 
   Sleep is crucial to our body’s physical and emotional restorative process
2. Limit alcohol and tobacco usage
   Even moderate use can cause serious risk for the heart, brain, and internal organs. Reducing consumption can be a conscious step towards aging in a healthier way.
3. Exercise Regularly
   Get moving at least once per day. As we age, our body might begin to have a more difficult time engaging in exercise. If pain, lack of flexibility, or general weakness is a concern for you, consult a physical therapist or a personal trainer at PRO Sports Club. You can find a low-impact exercise routine that’s right for you!
4. Maintain community involvement
   Volunteer opportunities and community engagement are productive ways to use one’s free time. Connecting with kids, nature, those in need, or finding another hobby or passion is a great way to give back to your community.
5. Check in with your doctor on a regular basis
   As out body ages, it becomes less predictable. Even small changes can be significant, so be sure to get regular checkups
6. Monitor and maintain cognitive functioning
   Memory or mental sharpness may decline with age. While there are many fashionable games, puzzles, and mental exercises which may work wonders, it’s also important to simply remain engaged in the world, to try new things, and to pursue and maintain interests and activities.
7. Develop and practice healthy methods of coping with stress
   Stress so often leads to excessive worry and a preoccupation with negative elements in our lives. As we age, it helps to not only minimise those negative stimuli, but to know ourselves well enough to handle those challenges productively as they arise.
8. Establish a healthy diet
   Along with exercise, a nutritious and balanced diet is the best way to control one’s health, including weight and cardiac health. Remember, you get out what you put in. PRO Sports Club has a large group of registered dietitian who can help you.
9. Consistently check in with your mood and attitude
   The only way to keep and protect a positive outlook is to become aware of how we feel on a day-to-day basis. It’s important to be able to identify loneliness, boredom, and depression as they creep in and actively combat those feelings before they take hold.
10. Connect regularly with friends and family
    Maintaining relationships reinforces the fact that we’re not alone and that others care for us. In addition, contact with others can provide mental challenge and encourage us to be active and engaged.
11. Check your hormone levels if you feel like you’re slowing down
    The Anti-Aging Center at PRO Sports Club is the best in the country at doing this. It’s open to both members and non-members.

Originally from PRO Pulse September-October 2013
By Chris A. Burkland