Your 70s: Six Best Health Tips -- from Women Who've Been There

If you're in good health, don't take it for granted. Enjoy every second of "now," for the future can hold very unexpected twists. --iVillager ipeck

Start drinking water in the morning when you get up and drink a total of 32 ounces a day. Also, participate in some sort of exercise activity for 30 minutes three times a week -- even walking briskly will work. Eating in moderation with variety is another key. Eat small snacks between meals, like fruits and veggies. If you don't feed the body, the body can't go. Like a car can't run without gas, you can't burn calories if you don't fuel the body with food. --iVillage member

Make time for your loved ones -- they may be gone in an instant and you'll be sorry that you didn't. If a loved one does suddenly die, live like she would have wanted you to. Smile in the midst of pain. You may be someone's greatest inspiration to try harder and complain less. Never underestimate the power of hugs and compliments. --Debbie

Regardless of what is going on in your life, you must eat right. That can be really hard when you're not feeling up to snuff. What you can do is keep your kitchen stocked with small bits of nutritious food. Also, drinking Ensure a few times a week can replace some of the nutrients you aren't getting from your food. Also take vitamins; it is a very important habit to get into. Make sure you get to see the sun once a day too, even if just for a second or two on your porch. --Sin

Medic alert tags are great for ER visits, but there are times when the information is easier to give if you have it handy. A typewritten paper is in my purse at all times -- with an added copy "hidden" within my wallet. It lists every medication, dose, doctor, disease or other important health issue I have. I even added that I use dentures! This list has helped my doctors and myself as well as whoever is with me when I need medical attention. I update it on a regular basis. Even if you think you may not need it now, one day you may. Keep it in mind! --Pat

Read, read and then read again. Be taken to places in your heart and imagination by good novels. Don't read the trashy novels, but the good novels. There are millions of them at your public library or your local bookstore. Read for pleasure, read for knowledge and make sure you have books in your home at all times. --iVillage member

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Make the most of your 70s -- starting now.

• Take a quiz to see how healthy you are for your age.
• Print this exam checklist to keep you up-to-date on medical tests you need.
• Find out how to cope with chronic conditions and to successfully age into your 70s and beyond.
• Learn about how your hormones can affect your sleep cycle.
• Go back to 70s main page.