Healthy ageing: start good habits now, with support from family
Healthy ageing is a process of maintaining physical, mental and social wellbeing as people grow older. It is never too late to start. Attention to fall prevention, sun protection and travel safety offers practical first steps.
Machine translation of our Chinese article, without human translation review. Suggestions concerning China remain specific to China.
Chinese fact summaries and suggestions for China (not a full translation)
Original: Healthy Aging at Any Age | Healthy Aging | CDC · Original language: en
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Facts from the sources
Healthy ageing is the process of maintaining good physical, mental and social health and wellbeing as people grow older. View source
Healthy ageing is not only for older people; it can begin at any age. View source
It is never too late to develop healthy habits that can bring positive change. View source
Healthy habits include trying to avoid falls and other injuries through precautions and safe driving. View source
Fewer than half of older Americans protect their skin from the sun when outdoors. View source
For older people and families
Healthy ageing is not only a concern for later life. Help the older person gradually develop good habits now.
Put fall prevention into everyday actions: wipe up water promptly, keep passageways clear and leave a small light on at night.
When the older person goes outdoors in daylight, remind them to wear a hat and lightweight long sleeves and avoid prolonged direct sun on the skin.
Do not rush when travelling by car or bicycle. Safety matters more than saving time and can prevent many injuries.
It is never too late to build a new habit. Even a short daily walk can be a good start.
See what care and community teams can do
Community or institutional education can refer to the World Health Organization’s concept of healthy ageing, while explaining that this international concept is not the same as Chinese policy.
Before organising fall-prevention activities, assess flooring, lighting and participants’ mobility. Ask professionals to verify slip-resistance and dimensional requirements.
Avoid periods of intense sunlight for outdoor activities. Provide parasols or shaded areas and respect older people’s preferences.
Tailor advice on sun protection and travel safety to the person’s health and living environment; do not directly apply overseas statistical proportions.
Consult a doctor or rehabilitation professional about specific illnesses or medicines. Do not turn general habit suggestions into medical requirements.
What needs local assessment
This content is based on US CDC website information updated in 2023–2024. It reflects US circumstances, not current Chinese policy or research findings. The statement that fewer than half of older Americans use sun protection is a survey statistic, not an individual risk estimate. Healthy habits are general suggestions and cannot replace professional medical assessment. Plan fall prevention, environmental adaptations and outdoor activities around the older person’s health. Ask professionals to verify load capacities, slip-resistance grades, site dimensions and similar matters. Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The original materials are freely available on the CDC website. This site and its suggestions for China are not endorsed by the CDC, HHS or the US government. Their images and logos have not been reproduced.
Sources
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Was this article helpful?
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