Get Quartz in your inbox

Free daily briefing on global business news.

The habits worth adopting now for healthier aging

Discover four simple routines that could support healthy aging, mobility and a longer, more active life

Jason Briscoe / Unsplash

Some habits become more appealing with age for a reason. Taking a walk after dinner, choosing comfortable shoes, reaching for reading glasses or spending a few minutes on a crossword may seem like small, everyday choices, but they could offer meaningful benefits over time. 

According to The Healthy, experts say there’s no need to wait until you’re older to adopt these routines. Simple habits that support movement, brain health, vision, posture and overall well-being may help you stay active and independent for longer. 

The key is that none of these habits comes with a promise of a longer life. As The Healthy points out, no single routine can guarantee longevity. Instead, the focus is on habits that may support mobility and brain health, ease unnecessary strain on the body and help people remain active and independent as they age. 

And some of these “old-fashioned” choices are surprisingly easy to work into a normal day. Power walking doesn’t require a gym membership. Gardening can combine movement with time outdoors. An early dinner could fit naturally into a schedule that already favors earlier evenings, while a crossword can provide a simple way to keep your mind engaged.

Healthy aging isn’t necessarily about dramatic changes or chasing a perfect routine. It can be about the small decisions you make repeatedly, and choosing habits that help you keep moving, thinking and doing the things you enjoy.

If you’re ready to embrace a few habits that may have seemed “old” before their time, these four are worth considering.

1. Power walking could be one of the simplest ways to keep moving

Sincerely Media / Unsplash

Power walking may have an unmistakably “older person” reputation, but The Healthy makes a strong case for embracing it at virtually any age. Walking already offers health benefits, including improvements in circulation and aerobic fitness, while picking up the pace may help maximize some of those benefits.

The Healthy notes that the American Heart Association recommends at least 150........

© Quartz