Walking through the grocery store can sometimes feel like a guessing game. So many products claim to be healthy that it can be hard to know what is actually a good choice. You do not need to spend hours studying every number on a nutrition label. Instead, focus on a few key things, especially as we get older. 𝟏. 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐮𝐦 Sodium is one of the first things to look at, particularly if you are trying to manage your blood pressure. Foods such as canned soups, frozen meals, deli meats, sauces, chips, and other packaged foods can contain surprisingly large amounts of sodium. When comparing similar products, check the Nutrition Facts label and choose the option with less sodium when possible. 𝟐. 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐮𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐬 Sugar can show up in foods you might not expect, including cereals, flavored yogurt, sauces, breads, and drinks. The Nutrition Facts label separates total sugars from added sugars. Added sugars are the ones worth watching because they provide calories without adding much nutritional value. You do not have to avoid every food that contains sugar. Just make a habit of noticing how much added sugar you are getting throughout the day. 𝟑. 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐫 Fiber is important for digestion and can also help you feel full after eating. Older adults may not always get enough fiber, so look for foods such as beans, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. When buying bread, cereal, crackers, or other grain products, compare the labels and look for options that provide more fiber. 𝟒. 𝐏𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐚𝐭 Not all fats are the same. Your body needs some fat, but too much saturated fat can be a concern for heart health. Compare similar products and look for choices that are lower in saturated fat. Foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, beans, nuts, and healthy oils can help add variety to your diet. 𝟓. 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 The Nutrition Facts label tells you how much of certain nutrients are in a food. The ingredient list tells you what the food is actually made from.

Getting older can sometimes change the way you sleep. You may notice that you wake up earlier, have a harder time falling asleep, or wake up several times during the night. While sleep patterns can change with age, that does not mean you should simply accept poor sleep as a normal part of getting older. Good sleep is important at every age. It helps your body recover, supports your mood, and gives you the energy you need to enjoy your day. When you regularly get enough quality sleep, you may also find it easier to stay focused and keep up with the activities you enjoy. 🌙 How Much Sleep Do You Need? Most adults, including older adults, generally need around seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Your individual needs can vary, but consistently getting much less sleep than you need can leave you feeling tired during the day. You might also notice that your sleep becomes lighter as you age. Older adults often spend more time in lighter stages of sleep and may wake up more easily because of noise, temperature, discomfort, or the need to use the bathroom. 🛏️ Your Daily Habits Can Make a Difference One of the simplest ways to improve your sleep is to keep a regular schedule. Try going to bed and getting up around the same time each day, including weekends. Your daytime habits matter too. Staying physically active during the day can help support better sleep at night. Spending time outdoors and getting natural light during the day can also help your body maintain a healthy sleep-wake cycle. Pay attention to what you drink and when you drink it. Caffeine later in the day can make it harder to fall asleep. Drinking large amounts of fluids close to bedtime may also mean more nighttime trips to the bathroom. 📵 Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine Give yourself some time to slow down before going to bed. Reading, listening to quiet music, taking a warm bath, or doing another relaxing activity can help signal that it is time to wind down. Try to keep your bedroom comfortable, quiet, and dark. If you use your phone or television before bed, consider giving yourself some screen-free time before turning in.