Healthy Living In Your 90s

You’re in your 90s! What can you do to be as healthy as possible? Your yearly wellness visit is a good time to talk about your personalized prevention plan. This plan helps keep you well and healthy. If your doctor or nurse accepts Medicare, you will not pay anything for your yearly wellness visit. The yearly wellness visit is not the same as an annual exam or physical. Learn more at Medicare.gov. Get the conversation started at your next wellness visit with this list.

Every day, I will try to:
  • Eat healthy — use the MyPlate Plan to get started
  • Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity. Each week I will do aerobic activity and exercises to improve my balance and strengthen my muscles. I will talk to my doctor about any conditions that limit my ability to do regular physical activity.
  • Get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep
  • Reach and maintain a healthy weight
  • Get help to quit or not start smoking
  • Limit alcohol use to 1 drink or less
  • Not use illegal drugs or misuse prescription drugs
  • Wear a helmet when riding a bike and wear protective gear for sports
  • Wear a seat belt in cars and not text and drive
I will talk to my doctor at least once a year about:
  • My weight, height, diet, and physical activity level
  • Whether I use tobacco, alcohol, or drugs
  • Any violence in my life
  • Depression and any other mental health concerns
  • Who will make health care decisions for me if I am unable to
I will ask my doctor whether I am at higher risk of or need tests, medicines, or vaccines this year for:
  • Blood pressure
  • Breast cancer prevention medicines
  • Flu
  • Hepatitis A, B, and C
  • HIV
  • Osteoporosis
  • Pneumonia
  • Shingles
  • Sexually transmitted infections
  • Tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough
  • Tuberculosis
  • Urinary incontinence

Download/Print this checklist (PDF, 250 KB)

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The decision to get any medical test or procedure, at any age, is a personal one between you and your doctor. These age ranges may not apply to every person.

These guidelines are based on recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force  (link is external), the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the Women’s Preventive Services Guidelines, the 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.

All material contained on these pages are free of copyright restrictions and maybe copied, reproduced, or duplicated without permission of the Office on Women’s Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Citation of the source is appreciated.

Page last updated: February 25, 2021

Running Marathons Past 90

Like they say, it’s never too late.  Jonathan Mendes 93, runs marathons in New York City.  He started running at 46, after quitting smoking two packs a day.   He stands 5’6″, and weighs 160 lbs.  He says you must have goals in life, and it’s no disgrace to fail, only not to try.

Mendes got motivated to exercise after his doctor told him that he’d lose the desire to smoke, if he ever saw the diseased lungs of a smoker during an autopsy.  With that, Mendes quit cold turkey.

Soon after he started jogging with a neighbor, and then took to running longer distances as he got stronger.

Read the full story, After 90 Years What’s Another Marathon? in the November 6, 2010 issue of the New York Times.

Copyright 2013 Irene Pastore, and Blue Moon Personal Training

Body Building At 93

Dr. Charles Eugster, a British dentist decided to take control of his aging process.  At 87, he hired a personal trainer, and learned how to improve his health through strength training.

Anyone can do this.  The doctor said so himself.  And it’s true, because it’s never too late.  Dr. Eugster has set an example for people over 50.

He took the time to improve his health and appearance and became a positive role model, for people of his generation, which, for the most part, are in bad shape.

Dr. Eugster hasn’t done anything amazing.  His actions are amazing, because he is so different than most people. Taking control of his health at an advanced age is highly commendable.

Click the links to read the story in the International Business Times, and MSN.

If you’re over 50, and want to start exercising, pick up a copy of Biomarkers: The 10 Keys to Prolonging Vitality, at Amazon.

Here are links to the story in the International Business Times, and MSN.

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Copyright Irene Pastore 2012 and Blue Moon Personal Training