Looking for some secrets to help you live better as a senior? Well, you may be surprised to learn that healthy aging doesn’t require any secret or magic at all. In fact, some of the best ways for seniors to stay in control of their health and wellness are simple steps that can be taken each and every day. If you want to preserve your health and independence in the years ahead, here are some of those simple measures you can take.

Get Extra Help If Needed

Is it getting harder to care for yourself alone? Then it may be time to research assisted living facilities in your community. Unlike a nursing home, an assisted living community will still allow you the personal freedoms you crave, but can also provide you with the assistance you need. You can easily research and compare local facilities to find one that is right for your lifestyle and budget. If you have any ongoing medical issues, it may be wise to choose a facility that’s nearby emergency services (there are 10 hospitals in the Atlanta area that offer emergency medical treatment). If you do not need assisted living services just yet, but would still like some help, you can also research ways to get help at home, which can include assistance with your daily routine and/or your healthcare needs.

Make Eating Healthy Easy

Good nutrition is key to healthy aging, but preparing healthy meals each day can get overwhelming for older adults. Before you resort to eating out and buying processed foods, though, think about looking for simple recipes that are just as healthy as they are easy to prepare. In just a few minutes, you can throw together a bowl of veggies, beans and rice, or you can assemble an egg sandwich to satiate your hunger. Wholesome breakfasts can be even easier, such as prepping some overnight oats the night before, to keep you full and trim. Another way for seniors to get healthy meals is by using meal services, such as Buffalo’s very own Meals on Wheels program.

Stay Active With Exercise

Regular exercise plays a vital role in helping seniors preserve their physical health. With enough exercise, older adults can reduce their risk of life-threatening conditions, including heart disease, diabetes and stroke. Seniors can get these benefits with cardio, including walking, cycling and swimming, but it’s also important to find fitness routines that help with balance. The best moves for balance and strength are ones you can easily do at home, using your own bodyweight and a few props you can find around your house. Doing a few of these exercises each day can prevent serious falls, which are a major cause of injury for older adults.

Pay Attention to Mental Health

It can be a touchy subject, but for seniors, managing mental health is an important step in managing overall well-being. It’s also important to know that mental health issues like depression are actually very common with aging adults. With 65 million seniors affected by depression, especially due to isolation, you shouldn’t feel like you’re alone if you are struggling with this issue as well. In order to prevent isolation and related mental health issues, you can stay proactive about connecting with others. Senior services like Meals on Wheels can help, along with technology to maintain social ties with family and friends. There are so many ways for seniors to take better care of their bodies, minds and souls. All of the ideas provided above, however, are some of the simplest to incorporate into your everyday life. They’re also some of the most effective measures you can take if you want to take control of your health and life quality as you age. Start with these small steps, and then incorporate additional changes to help boost your well-being.

Karen Weeks is a Senior Lifestyle blogger. She struggled to find a new sense of purpose after retirement which made way to learn a new skill and took a computer course. She then created ElderWellness.net as a resource for seniors who wish to keep their minds, bodies and spirits well.