• A good walk.
  • A balanced meal.
  • A heartfelt talk with a friend.
  • A yearly checkup.

Kudos if you can recall the last time you could check any of those off your to-do list. Alone each is a critical building block in the pursuit of our health and wellbeing. However, put them together and they can help build a fortress to defend against the aging process.

There is a caveat: That fortress will only be as strong as our commitment to the mission. An active adult lifestyle truly focused on 7 dimensions of wellness demands adherence to a consistent healthy daily routine.

How convenient to be empty nesters and retirees with newly acquired hours of free time just waiting to be filled with activities in support of the cause. As you ponder what wise and healthy aging looks like to you, consider integrating items on this list into your healthy daily schedule.

Smart Foods

It’s no secret we are what we eat. That is especially true as we age. Say goodbye to sweets and their empty calories. Say hello to healthy fats like avocado and olive oil that support brain health. Add plenty of green leafy vegetables and colorful antioxidant fruits like blueberries and raspberries to your repertoire. Snack on healthy nuts and seeds or add them to salads. Eat plenty of fish, wild caught if you can. And choose free-range meats. If you’re looking for a nutritious hot drink during the day, try some bone broth. No need to sacrifice taste for nutrition. It’s easy to prepare creative meals that are both delicious and nutritious.

Couch Potato? Just Say NO!

The math is simple: Activity levels are directly proportional to quality of life. There are so many ways to get the blood flowing. Walking, biking, swimming or water aerobics, dancing, and yoga are all excellent options that can be done on your own or with like-minded friends in a class. Whatever form of exercise you choose, be sure to continue it on a regular basis. And remember, if exercise has not been in your wheelhouse until now, the most important step you take will be getting off the couch.

People Who Need People

Statistic show isolation is the single biggest issue facing seniors. Certainly, it is one of the big draws of active adult communities like Overture. The best daily routine for healthy living must absolutely include consistent social contact with friends and family. If you are lucky enough to live in an active adult environment, lean into daily activities like happy hours and group classes. Join a walking club and get the double bonus of exercise and communication. Take advantage of social media to keep in close contact with out of town kids and grandkids. Make sure any healthy daily routine includes time for connecting with others.

Make Sure It Ain’t Broke

Being proactive about medical issues is an important part of any healthy lifestyle routine. Keep up with wellness visits and routine protocols like colonoscopies and mammograms. Your body is a finely tuned machine. Preventive maintenance can be the key to keeping it from going on the fritz.

Keep Your Brain Active

Our minds need just as much exercise as our bodies. Whether you like to read, solve puzzles or subscribe to one of the brain activity websites like luminosity.com, it’s important to stimulate your mind on a daily basis. Mental workouts will keep you interested…and interesting.

Mother Nature and Father Time are a merciless duo. No, we cannot truly beat the clock. But, we can certainly give it a run for its money with a daily routine that supports our physical, mental and emotional health.