For those of us who intend to live a long, healthy life, there are several things of which we all need to be aware. First is to make sure that we have saved our money so that we have something with which to pay the bills. Second is to make sure that we have established a home that will be stable for us and our family. Third is to be sure that we have kept ourselves healthy by adhering to good habits most of our lives. Actually, the last of the three is really the most important because, without your health, you’ve got nothing. It seems silly to say, but if you don’t have good health, all the rest of your life is worthless. Of course, having a life of any kind is better than no life, but we want the best quality that we can attain. Before old age creeps up and renders us decrepit we will want to organize some good habits to keep us spry until the last moment. Really, would you want it any other way? Me neither. Below are some helpful hints that you can utilize (even if you are not old) to stay healthy and strong for as long as possible.

1) Exercise is very important for health. Once you have established good eating habits, exercise is the key to staying healthy. Even if your dietary regimen is not the best, it seems that exercise still plays the most important role in one’s health. Start moving and keep moving every day. The body craves movement; your bones and muscles were meant to move most of the day. This is how the body maintains its homeostasis, it uses body movement to rid itself of waste products, circulate blood, obtain fresh air, and every other function necessary for life. We could not survive very long without exercise.

2) Think of a daily one hour of exercise. This, believe it or not, is not very much exercise, but it is enough to maintain health. Set aside sixty minutes – in any combination – each day when it is convenient for you. Pick activities that you enjoy, like running, walking, swimming, team sports, weight lifting, tennis, or anything else that you might like. If you like the sport then you will more likely engage in doing it regularly. Of course, if you can manage more than one hour per day, that is better; but if you are starting out, one hour should be a minimum time.

3) Work out alone or in groups. Some folks like to work alone and others like to be with friends. If groups are your thing, then get with others who are enthusiastic about exercise and join that group. Activities like walking, running, or hiking seem to work well in small groups. You could discuss daily news or concerns with the other group members while all of you are getting your exercise. Before you know it, the hour is done and you won’t feel tired.

4) Incorporate a little weight training  in the weekly schedule. Doing a little weight training to tone up the musculature is necessary to keep the bones strong and the muscles supple. We lose muscle when we age and the weight training will help prevent muscle loss. When we think about it, it isn’t age, per se, that diminishes muscle strength and bone density, it is sedentary living; we just don’t move like we used to when we were younger. Try for at least two half hour sessions per week of strength building exercise. Lifting weights at the gym, or at home, will go a long way towards keeping your muscles toned and your bones strong.