According to the National Council on Aging, approximately 92% of older adults have at least one chronic disease and 77% have at least two. 

We are all encouraged to develop and maintain healthy lifestyles and older adults and those with disabilities are no exception. Take control of your health by considering these health tips:

• Stop smoking. Take this critical step to improve your health and combat aging. Smoking can cause many chronic illnesses, including Many resources are available to help you quit.
• Get active. Do something each day—evens if it’s a walk to the mailbox or simple arm stretches from your chair! Physical activity helps you stay stay strong, sleep better, reduce stress, avoid falls and look and feel better, too.
• Eat right. Combined with physical activity, eating nutritious foods in the right amounts can help keep you healthy.
• Prevent falls.  Wear shoes with good support to reduce the risk of falling.
• Stay up-to-date on immunizations and other health screenings.  Many preventive screenings are available. Check with your physician or local senior center.
• Get regular dental, vision and hearing checkups. 
• Manage stress.  Keep busy with a favorite hobby or take up a new one! Learn the role of positive thinking. CCC can help you live healthier as part of Live Well and Live Well With Diabetes, an evidence-based chronic disease self-management and diabetes self-management program offering in communities throughout the state. http://cthealthyliving.org/