Active ageing

There are four pillars to active aging:

• Physical activity
• Healthy eating
• Cognition and social relationships
• Safety

Let's start with Physical Activity: it's not just physical exercise! There are ways to increase physical activity in your day-to-day life:

• opting for short journeys instead of using public transport, or getting of at the previous stop;
• taking the stairs instead of the elevator;
• walking your pet;
• gardening.

As for food, it should be healthy and follow the food wheel:

• complete (with elements from all the groups and water);
• balanced (with the right proportions);
• varied (alternating foods from the various groups).

Also avoid skipping meals and going longer than 3 hours without eating. Choose seasonal foods and drink water regularly, even if you don't feel thirsty.

Let's move on to Cognition and Social Relationships. Follow our tips:

• Keep your mind active: read newspapers and magazines or do hobbies - even better is to do it in a group;
• Diversify your routines: go to different cafés or stores, try new activities;
• Practice or learn art, music, IT, volunteering, etc;
• Keep up with your grandchildren!

Finally, reinforce your safety. Household accidents happen and can have serious outcomes. How can you prevent them?

• ensure good lighting throughout the house;
• secure electrical wires to the wall;
• place grab rails or handrails on the stairs;
• leave your cell phone in an easily accessible place.

With these four pillars, you'll be able to age more healthily and enjoyably. Think about what you can optimize in your day-to-day life, and make the necessary changes to achieve it!