How to thrive in your 80s, 90s

One Cleveland Clinic survey found that 60% of folks say they are now doing activities they hope will help them live healthier and longer. But at the same time, many of you report being discouraged by your attempts to clean up your act. So we have three important concepts for you to embrace — today.

1. It’s never too late.

2. You have a lot of control over your health and happiness.

3. It’s fun to feel good.

The Time Is Now: We know that if you achieve five basic healthy living goals between the age of 40 and 50, you can reduce your risk of developing a chronic disease.

Your Goals: Achieve the lifechanging Six Normals:

— Blood pressure at or below 120/75.

— Lousy LDL cholesterol below 100 (below 70 if you have diabetes).

— Fasting blood glucose of less than 100 mg/dL or A1C below 5.7.

— BMI below 30 (you’re best off if it is between 21 and 25).

— No measurable blood levels of cotinine, a tobacco byproduct from inhaling first- and secondhand smoke.

— Effective management of your stress response.

But how do you get there? These lifestyle choices work together to help you:

Upgrade your nutrition: As Dr. Mike says, “Remember, food is one of your primary relationships — you want to love food that loves you back!”

Step two is to change what you eat. Ditch red/processed meats, fast fried foods, ultraprocessed foods and sugary beverages.

Manage your stress and sleep: Dr. Mike says six minutes of breathing meditation morning and night helps him stay calmer.

Eliminate exposure to firstand secondhand smoke: Join a quit-smoking program if you smoke, and banish secondhand smoke from your home. Today around 1,300 people die every day directly from smoking.