The older you get, the more likely you are to face some sort of health issue, whether it’s something mild, such as trouble sleeping or aches and pains, or something more serious, such as diabetes or arthritis. Regardless of your age, the best way to ensure your good health in the future is to maintain it through exercise and proper nutrition. Here are some tips courtesy of Mountaintop Faith Ministries.

1. Start Exercising

Exercising is one of the most important things you can do as you age. Not only does exercise keep you fit and active, but it also keeps your mind sharp. Seniors who exercise spend 25% less time disabled and enjoy enhanced flexibility, balance, and mobility. It’s recommended that seniors start slowly, but you can work your way up to more intense workouts over time. Choose an activity that interests you. If you have access to a rec-center with a pool, water aerobics and swimming are great forms of exercise, as there is very little pressure on joints and the water provides excellent resistance. And most centers have indoor walking tracks, so you never have to forgo a walk because of bad weather.

If you enjoy bodybuilding, pilates, or even martial arts, you may want to consider converting your garage or a spare room into a fitness center. It’s not as difficult – or as expensive – as it may seem. Simple additions like padded flooring and some basic equipment can make the space incredibly functional. But if you find that you have more stuff than space, you may want to look for self-storage in and around Las Vegas. You can rent a small 5×5 unit for under $40 per month, which is likely less than the cost of a gym or personal trainer. The unit can give you the luxury of time, so you can go through your belongings at your own pace, and decide what you can fit into your living space and what can be donated.

2. Join A Club

Joining a club, such as yoga or painting, allows you to mix with people of similar ages and interests. Get together once a week with friends who live in your community, and regularly work out at a nearby gym. If you’re not ready for a full workout session, join other seniors for afternoon chats at your local coffee shop, or head to local wineries or breweries for wine tastings where people are happy and naturally mingle.

3. Do Something You Love

It’s no secret that doing things you love can make you happier. If you haven’t picked up an instrument or taken up painting in years, take some time to rediscover your passion.

4. Eat Well

Not only is eating right essential for good health, but it also helps you shed pounds. Eating small portions of healthy foods throughout your day may be one of the best steps you can take toward weight loss. Plus, foods that are rich in nutrients can help strengthen your body and your brain!

5. Try Yoga

As you age, your bones become less dense, and maintaining proper posture becomes more difficult. Incorporating yoga into your routine can help support good posture, release muscle tension, and prevent injury. Start slowly. Choose an instructor who is proficient with teaching senior yoga so you won’t get frustrated at not being able to do it properly, or even worse, injure yourself while trying.

6. Volunteer

There’s a reason why volunteering is a great activity for seniors: it keeps you active and engaged. Many senior citizens become bored as they grow older. By volunteering at your local school, church, hospital, or animal shelter, you have an opportunity to meet new people and socialize with those who can appreciate your experience and knowledge. In addition, volunteering allows you to serve others.

If you are a spiritual person, a church like Mountaintop Faith Ministries may be a great place to begin volunteering. Becoming a greeter or working with kids can be great ways to feel needed and get social interaction.

7. Start a Business

Many seniors start business ventures to keep themselves happy and busy. Decide what kind of business you want to start. Many people who’ve retired find turning their hobbies into a side job allows them to feel fulfilled and useful, as well as bringing in extra income. Once you come up with a business idea, you’ll need to develop a business plan which outlines your funding needs, financial projections, business structure, and marketing and sales plan.

You might find that you need some help with some of the steps of business planning, like setting up your accounting or creating a website. Luckily, there are plenty of freelance employees who can help for far less than hiring a full time employee. Look online for a Nevada recruiting agency for Las Vegas and beyond to find the right people. These agencies screen their clients and highlight the best candidates, so you don’t have to do the hard process of recruiting and vetting. And there are flexible contracts from one to six months to fit your needs and your budget.

Ensure your health as a senior by exercising, eating nutritiously, spending time doing what you love, starting a business, and trying yoga. Consider finding a spiritual outlet or volunteering at a church or other nonprofit organization, too. The healthier you are, the more enjoyable life will be.

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