1. Get your zzzzz’s. Older adults need about the same amount of sleep as younger adults—7 to 9 hours per night. Those who don’t sleep well are more likely to suffer from depression, attention and memory problems, excessive daytime sleepiness and increased nighttime falls, to name a few. Talk to your doctor or a sleep specialist if you are having trouble sleeping.
  2. Take a brisk walk. Moderate physical activity, such as a brisk walk for 30 minutes, three to four times a week has been shown to reduce dementia risk by 30 to 40 percent. Activities such as biking, dancing, swimming and walking help grow new brain cells and increase blood flow to the brain.
  3. Stay social. Taking an art class, volunteering in the community, or getting involved in a book club are more than just fun and games. Participating in group discussions that stimulate your mind not only helps in terms of emotional vitality, but also improves memory and can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s.
  4. Review your medications. About 30 percent of all hospital admissions in older adults are the result of adverse drug events.
    To avoid medication errors, fill all your medications at the same pharmacy and ask your pharmacist to check any new drug in a drug-interaction computer database. Ask your doctor to review your medications, vitamins and supplements twice a year.
  5. Get your shots. As we get older, our immune systems tend to weaken over time, putting us at higher risk for illnesses such as the flu, shingles and pneumonia, which can be deadly for older adults. Take the time to protect yourself by keeping your vaccinations up-to-date.