What factors influence healthy ageing? Research has identified steps we can take to maintain our health and function as we get older.

From improving our diet and levels of physical activity to getting health screenings and manageing risk factors for disease, these actions may influence different areas of health.
Pay attention to weight and shape
Weight is a very complex issue. For older people, the health problems associated with obesity may take a back seat to problems associated with body composition (fat-to-muscle ratio) and location of fat (hip or waist) on the body.
Many health problems are connected to being overweight or obese. People who are overweight or obese are at greater risk for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, some types of cancer, sleep apnoea, and osteoarthritis. But data show that for older adults, thinner is not always healthier, either.
So, is there a "normal" weight range or pattern for healthy ageing? For older adults, one size does not fit all. Although we have learned a lot about patterns of weight and ageing, watching your weight as you age is very much an individual matter. Talk with your doctor about any weight concerns, including decisions to lose weight or any unexplained weight changes.
Eating well is not just about your weight. It can also help protect you from certain health problems that occur more frequently among older adults. And, eating unhealthy foods can increase your risk for some diseases. If you are concerned about what you eat, talk with your doctor about ways you can make better food choices.
Participate in activities you enjoy
Engageing in your favourite activities can be fun or relaxing, but did you know that doing what you like to do may actually be good for your health? Research studies show that people who are sociable, generous, and goal-oriented report higher levels of happiness and lower levels of depression than other people.
People who are involved in hobbies and social and leisure activities may be at lower risk for some health problems. For example, one study followed participants for up to 21 years and linked leisure activities like reading, playing board games, playing musical instruments, and dancing with a lower risk for dementia. In another study, older adults who participated in social activities (for example, played games, belonged to social groups, attended local events, or travelled) or productive activities (for example, had paid or unpaid jobs, cooked, or gardened) lived longer than people who did not report taking part in these types of activities.
Other studies have found that older adults who participate in what they see as meaningful activities, like volunteering in their community, reported feeling healthier and happier.
Patricia Arora
TMCCA