There's good news if you plan to grow older gracefully - Americans who avoid smoking, eat healthy and are physically active live longer, have a lowered risk of many diseases and are less likely to suffer disabilities. If your health habits are in need of a tune-up, celebrate National Senior Health and Fitness Day on May 29 by trying these tips:

• If you smoke, quit. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost a fourth of deaths from coronary heart disease and nearly all deaths from lung cancer are due to cigarette smoking. Investigate smoking cessation programs recommended by your doctor or at local senior centers and hospitals.
• Get moving. Just because you're not as young as you used to be doesn't mean you can't benefit from exercise. Many seniors can enjoy the health benefits of physical activity with low-impact exercises such as yoga, tai chi and water aerobics or less structured activities such as walking with a dog or playing with grandchildren. In fact physical activity can alleviate pain associated with common senior ailments, such as stiffness and joint pain.
• Make healthy eating your priority. The CDC says that eating a healthy diet lowers a person's risk for many chronic diseases, including coronary heart disease, stroke, some cancers, diabetes and osteoporosis. Planning your menus around a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains will help you keep your diet low in fat and high in nutrients.
• Get checked. It can be inconvenient and may be costly to visit your doctor regularly. But check-ups, examinations, medication and vaccinations can help you from becoming sick or developing painful and disabling conditions, so always keep appointments with your doctor. If you don't understand the doctor's instructions or recommendations, ask for more explanation or take along a friend or spouse to the appointment.

Related information: Senior Care | Quit smoking | Nutrition requirements for seniors

Sources:  National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Healthy Aging: Preventing Disease and Improving Quality of Life Among Older Americans, http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/aag-aging.htm