Maximising the benefits gained from good nutrition and adequate physical activity is the best way to ensure you live a long and healthy life.

It is important to have a high quality diet that helps you achieve and maintain a healthy weight, and is nutritionally adequate for your needs. This reduces the risk factors for common chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and osteoporosis.

Equally important is maintaining an active lifestyle at all stages, learning to manage stress effectively and making an effort to participate in regular health screening.

It is never too late to improve your physical and mental health. 

Preventive health screening activities at particular ages can determine the risk of chronic medical conditions and help you maintain optimal health.

20s to 30s: Prevention is the key

For many women, the ages of 20 to 30 years may signal a period of change. Starting work for the first time, moving away from home, sharing houses, starting motherhood. These factors can influence activity and eating patterns, which in turn influences our long term health and weight. More...

30s to 40s: Dealing with destractions

Levels of tiredness and stress are probably increasing now. Trying to work and, perhaps, look after a family, is difficult. More...

40s to 50s: Midlife

In this age range, many women notice a change in body shape and health issues start to emerge. More...

50s to 60s: Weight can creep up

Now is the time to make sure your long-term health risks are minimal. Remember the basics – a varied diet and regular physical activity. Your shape may be changing now and this may affect your health. More...

60s to 70s: A few aches and pains

There may be health issues emerging now, including chronic pain, which places limitations on your ability to stay active, shop and prepare meals. More...

70s and plus: A time for you

This is the time for some of those activities you have always wanted to do. Join a club, take up art, enjoy some concerts, or as some people do, try something wild like hot air ballooning. Plan some trips. Volunteering is a great way to help people and make new friends. More...

Further resources

Books

Live a Longer Life
by Sophie Scott

Content Updated 12 June 2009