There’s a Chinese saying that goes, “If you survive 66, you’ll still lose a chunk of flesh”. It implies that seniors tend to experience a sharp decline in physical health around the age of 66. As people grow older, the cumulative effects of aging, disease progression, and unhealthy habits start to show more prominently in the body. So, how can seniors get through this critical age and enjoy a higher quality of life in their later years? Here are 5 indispensable things seniors need to do to counter rapid aging after 66 and live their golden years comfortably. 1. Get a Comprehensive Health Check - Up Many seniors dread medical check - ups. They think that as they get older, abnormal test results are inevitable, and finding out about health issues will only bring unnecessary worry. They’d rather remain in the dark for peace of mind. However, most age - related diseases are chronic conditions. The most cost - effective way to boost quality of life is to detect these diseases early and intervene promptly. Without regular check - ups, aging - related physical decline will accelerate disease progression. Once acute complications set in, they will not only make treatment more difficult and costly but also severely reduce seniors’ quality of life. Recommendation: Seniors over 66 should undergo thorough physical examinations, with a focus on screening for cancer, chronic cardiovascular diseases, and musculoskeletal disorders. Any detected health issues should be addressed with scientific and reasonable interventions as soon as possible. 2. Use a Salt - Measuring Spoon As seniors age, their sense of taste diminishes, leading them to crave stronger flavors and consume more sugar and salt. Unfortunately, aging bodies are far more vulnerable to the negative impacts of excessive sugar and salt intake. Without measuring these condiments properly, it’s easy for seniors to exceed the recommended daily limits by a large margin. The daily salt intake for seniors should not exceed 5 - 6 grams. For those without glucose metabolism disorders, daily sugar intake should be kept below 50 grams. 3. Prevent Constipation Seniors often prefer soft, easy - to - chew and digest foods due to slowed gastrointestinal motility and tooth loss, which leads to a significant reduction in the intake of vegetables and whole grains. Combined with physical aging and decreased activity levels, these factors make seniors a high - risk group for constipation. When constipated, seniors may strain excessively during bowel movements, which can cause a sudden spike in blood pressure. This greatly increases the risk of adverse cardiovascular events, especially myocardial infarction. Therefore, preventing constipation is not only beneficial for intestinal health but also crucial for life safety. Dietary Tips: Seniors should increase their intake of foods rich in soluble dietary fiber, which are gentle on the digestive system and help promote bowel movements. Ideal options include dragon fruit, bananas, pineapples, cucumbers, wax gourd, and loofah. For those already suffering from constipation: It’s advisable to use medications that both nourish and relieve. Most cases of senile constipation are linked to qi and yin deficiency. Over - relying on harsh laxatives may worsen constipation over time and further weaken the body. 4. Take Steps to Prevent Falls Aging leads to decreased bone density, making seniors more prone to hip fractures when they fall. Hip fractures are often referred to as “the last fracture” for seniors, as they usually result in loss of mobility and a need for long - term bed rest, severely impacting both quality of life and lifespan. Prevention Strategies: Wear non - slip shoes at all times. Even indoors, opt for well - fitted, heeled non - slip slippers to reduce walking fatigue and risks. Install grab bars in bathrooms and toilets to assist with standing up after using the facilities. Since calcium loss speeds up in old age, timely calcium supplementation is key to strengthening bones and reducing fall risks. 5. Engage in Moderate Exercise As the saying goes, “Life lies in movement”. Moderate exercise for seniors can enhance cardiopulmonary function, increase bone density, and boost metabolic rates. It also plays a positive role in extending lifespan and preventing or alleviating common age - related diseases such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and constipation. Nearly all centenarians maintain regular physical activity or stay independent in daily living. Seniors can choose low - intensity aerobic exercises in the evening, such as Tai Chi, ballroom dancing, brisk walking, or jogging. Exercise Tips: Always wear well - fitted, non - slip shoes. Adjust the exercise intensity according to personal physical condition to avoid overexertion. In conclusion, learning and practicing these habits is essential for seniors to improve their quality of life and maintain good health in their golden years.

Alexander De Croo begins new role as Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme