Healthy living in your 60s
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\n You're in your 60s! What can you do to be as healthy as possible? Be healthier with one \u2014 or all \u2014 of the steps below! Get the conversation started at your next well-woman visit with this list. Don't forget to sign up for Medicare health coverage around your 65th birthday. Learn more at Medicare.gov.
\nEvery day, I will try to:
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- Eat healthy \u2014 use the MyPlate Plan to get started \n
- Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity. Each week I will do aerobic activity and exercises to improve my balance and strengthen my muscles. I will talk to my doctor about any conditions that limit my ability to do regular physical activity. \n
- Get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep \n
- Reach and maintain a healthy weight \n
- Get help to quit or not start smoking \n
- Limit alcohol use to 1 drink or less \n
- Not use illegal drugs or misuse prescription drugs \n
- Wear a helmet when riding a bike and wear protective gear for sports \n
- Wear a seat belt in cars and not text and drive \n
I will talk to my doctor at least once a year about:
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- My weight, height, diet, and physical activity level \n
- Whether I use tobacco, alcohol, or drugs \n
- Any violence in my life \n
- Depression and any other mental health concerns \n
- Who will make health care decisions for me if I am unable to \n
I will ask my doctor whether I am at higher risk of or need these tests, medicines, or vaccines this year:
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- Low-dose aspirin \n
- Blood pressure \n
- Breast cancer prevention medicines \n
- Cholesterol \n
- Colorectal cancer \n
- Diabetes \n
- Flu \n
- Hepatitis A, B, and C \n
- HIV \n
- Lung cancer (if I smoke now or have quit within the last 15 years) \n
- Mammogram \n
- Measles, mumps, and rubella (if born after 1956) \n
- Meningitis \n
- Osteoporosis \n
- Pap and HPV \n
- Pneumonia \n
- Shingles \n
- Sexually transmitted infections \n
- Tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough \n
- Tuberculosis \n
- Urinary incontinence \n
The decision to get any medical test or procedure, at any age, is a personal one between you and your doctor. These age ranges may not apply to every person.
\nThese guidelines are based on recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the Women's Preventive Services Guidelines, the 2015\u20132020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.
\nThis content is provided by the Office on Women's Health.
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