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Older woman riding a bicycle along a forest path. She is smiling.

Healthy living Health in old age

From when are we actually classed as “old”? The fact is that our life expectancy has steadily risen over the past few decades. There are several things that can help you stay healthy and active and enjoy a high quality of life even in old age. These not only include a healthy, age-appropriate diet and lots of exercise, but also maintaining friendships and hobbies. This section contains various articles on health in old age.

Health in old age

Älterer Mann in Fahrradkleidung im Wald stützt sich auf den Lenker seines Fahrrads. Älterer Mann in Fahrradkleidung im Wald stützt sich auf den Lenker seines Fahrrads.

Healthy aging – with a balanced diet and plenty of exercise

As we age, it becomes increasingly important to look after our health. A varied diet and regular exercise are particularly important.

Older woman in a summer blouse with her hand on her breast. She is straining and turning round to a younger woman holding a bottle of water in her hand. Older woman in a summer blouse with her hand on her breast. She is straining and turning round to a younger woman holding a bottle of water in her hand.

Hot weather: protecting older people and people in need of care

Heatwaves can cause serious health problems in older people and people in need of care in particular. Precautions can be taken that significantly reduce the risk.

Fall in older people: two men standing in front of a staircase using their hands to support an older man who is sitting with his backside on a path and bending his upper body forwards. The older man’s legs are touching the steps. Fall in older people: two men standing in front of a staircase using their hands to support an older man who is sitting with his backside on a path and bending his upper body forwards. The older man’s legs are touching the steps.

Falls in older people – the importance of staying active

Many older people worry about having a fall. However, becoming less active is not the solution. It is important to identify and eliminate possible causes of falls in everyday life.

Healthy sleeping in later life: older man lying on his side in bed sleeping. He has his arm bent, clutching his pillow between his head and his arm. Healthy sleeping in later life: older man lying on his side in bed sleeping. He has his arm bent, clutching his pillow between his head and his arm.

Sleep in later life – a restorative nighttime rest to boost health

Sleep patterns change throughout a person’s lifetime. A healthy lifestyle and a steady day/night (sleep/wake) cycle help promote a restorative nighttime rest in later life.

An older lady looks at a pair of incontinence pants that she is holding in her hands. An older lady looks at a pair of incontinence pants that she is holding in her hands.

Bladder weakness (urinary incontinence) in older age

Losing control of the bladder can be very distressing. However, by taking certain measures, people can often learn to manage their bladder weakness.

Mental health in later life: older woman looking straight ahead, lost in thought. She is supporting her head on one hand and holding a handkerchief to her face with the other. She looks sad. Mental health in later life: older woman looking straight ahead, lost in thought. She is supporting her head on one hand and holding a handkerchief to her face with the other. She looks sad.

Mental health: staying mentally fit in later life

Everyone can forget their keys now and again. But where is the boundary between forgetfulness and dementia? Find out more about mental health in later life and what we can do to stay mentally fit.

Vision in later life: older woman looking straight ahead, lost in thought. Vision in later life: older woman looking straight ahead, lost in thought.

Visual impairment in later life: regular check-ups are important

For many people, vision deteriorates with age. However, effective treatment options are often available. That’s why it’s important to see a doctor regularly.