12 Healthy Choices to Make At Every Age

Whether you've just graduated from college or are welcoming your first grandchild into the world, there are plenty of things you can do to keep your body and mind in its best condition. These health tips for various ages emphasize the importance of achieve well-being so you can enjoy life, regardless of your age.

Reduce Your Chances of Contracting HPV

According to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, women in their 20s have a high risk for developing HPV, or the human papillomavirus. To reduce the chances of contracting this virus, women should limit their sexual partners and always practice safe sex. Young women should also get a vaccine for HPV up until the age of 26.

Get Regular Pap Smears

Getting pap smears is a health habit that women should start in their twenties. After the age of 21, women should get a Pap test from their OBGYN every three years. The exam will notify patients of vaginal health and can detect issues early so they can be treated sooner.

Eat Lots of Fish

It’s important to eat lots of fish in your 30s to lubricate the joints and prevent the onset of arthritis later in life. Fatty fish like salmon or tuna strengthens the joints and contains omega 3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain health.

Dine on Beans

An Australian study revealed that women who eat substantial amounts of beans and legumes in their 30s have less fine lines and wrinkles. Beans are also high in fiber, which help to move impurities out of the body.

Reduce the Risk of Chronic Pain

Backaches and tendonitis become increasingly more common in your 40s. One of the best ways to reduce or avoid these conditions is to get a family health history evaluation from your doctor and to reduce stress in your life. Taking up a yoga or pilates class can help to improve circulation and reduce pain.

Keep Your Blood Glucose In Check

The risk for developing type 2 diabetes increases with age. In your 40s, it’s best to start eating whole grains, including fruits and vegetables in every meal and eliminating white rice and flour to keep blood sugar levels intact.

Get Enough Sleep

Once you enter your 50s, you should make sure to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. This can reduce stress and help to balance hormones, which will definitely be important as menopause and andropause starts to set in.

Eat Green Vegetables

The Harvard School of Public Health asserts that people in their 50s should eat green vegetables like spinach to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Women who eat greens, along with healthy legumes and grains, have one third fewer cardiovascular-related deaths.

Have a Positive Outlook

Yale University researchers assert that people who have a positive outlook when it comes to aging are likely to live longer and take control of their health. Once you reach your 60s, taking time to do the things you love and making healthy choices each day can improve your quality of life.

Take Lots of Vitamin B12

When you reach your 60s, it’s important to take a vitamin B12 supplement, since stomach acid has decreased and the vitamin is needed to keep excess bacteria from growing in the gut.

Avoid Osteoporosis

In your 70s, the risk of osteoporosis is great. That’s why it’s essential to take vitamin D supplements and to spend time in the sun (after treating the skin with sunscreen). Light weight training and aerobic exercise also strengthens the bones and lowers the chances of osteoporosis.

Consume Beta Carotene

Vegetables like carrots and squash are rich in beta carotene, which is necessary for eye health. Eat these foods often to lower the risk of conditions like cataracts and glaucoma in your 70s.