End of Summer Guide to Support Aging Well

The end of summer is a natural time to reset. Schedules start to shift, and routines fall back into place. Also, September provides a reminder to focus on our health, as it is officially Healthy Aging Month.

Aging well is not about doing everything perfectly. It is about building simple, repeatable habits that support energy, strength, mobility, and overall well-being as you move into the next season of life.

For many adults, late summer is the perfect time to ask: What wellness habits do I want to adopt? Where could my routine use more support? And how can I make smart choices easier to maintain good health every day?

Why Aging Well Starts With Everyday Habits

Healthy aging is built through daily routines. Proper nutrition, movement, sleep, hydration, and social connection all work together to help support how you feel and function throughout your life.

The goal is not to completely overhaul your lifestyle. Massive changes are typically harder to maintain. Instead, focus on habits that are simple enough to repeat most days.

A few questions to help you get started might include:

• Am I eating enough protein throughout the day?
• Am I eating at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables?
• Am I drinking fluids regularly?
• Am I moving my body in ways that feel manageable?
• Am I getting enough rest?
• Am I making time for connection and enjoyment?

These questions can help you identify small areas for improvement. Maybe breakfast has become inconsistent. Maybe hydration drops off after lunch. Maybe your summer routine included more activity, and you want to keep that momentum going into fall. Picking one area of focus, rather than trying to overhaul everything at once, is what makes it easier to stick to positive habits long-term.

Prioritize Nutrition as Seasons Change

Nutrition needs can change over time. Appetite may shift, and certain nutrients can become more important, yet harder to get consistently. This is why mindful eating is a cornerstone of aging well.

Protein is especially important for supporting muscle health. Research suggests that older adults may benefit from paying closer attention to protein intake, especially when paired with regular physical activity.

A helpful place to start is by including protein at meals and snacks. Good options may include eggs, Greek yogurt, lean meats, fish, beans, tofu, cottage cheese, or ready-to-drink nutritional shakes to help fill nutritional gaps.

If your appetite is lower or you do not feel like cooking, convenience matters. A ready-to-drink option like BOOST® Nutritional Shakes can help fill nutrition gaps by providing protein, calories, vitamins, and minerals in a convenient format. Compare BOOST® products here and learn which one is best for you.

BOOST® is not a replacement for a diet that includes key nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, and fats but it can be a helpful tool when you need convenient nutrition support as part of a health and wellness routine.

Staying Active and Healthy Through the End of Summer

Late summer, as the weather starts to cool down, is a great time to move your exercise back outside. Walking, gardening, swimming, or simple bodyweight exercises done outdoors can all help you stay active.

Regular physical activity is associated with important health benefits. Research has found that adults who meet recommended physical activity levels have lower all-cause and cause-specific mortality risk compared with those who are inactive.

The key is to choose movement you can repeat. A 10-minute walk after breakfast, a few chair squats during TV commercials, or a weekly class with a friend makes exercise more sustainable, compared to a routine that feels too demanding.

Not sure where to start? Try these end-of-summer movement habits:

• Take a morning or evening walk when temperatures are cooler.
• Gentle stretching after sitting for long periods.
• Use light weights or resistance bands two to three times per week.
• Practice balance exercises near a sturdy surface.
• Build movement into errands, chores, or time outdoors.

Movement does not have to be complicated. It simply needs to be consistent enough to become part of your lifestyle.

Keep Up With Hydration

Hydration is easy to overlook, especially during the transition from summer to fall. Hot weather, outdoor activity, travel, and changes in routine can all affect fluid intake.

Hydration also matters for older adults because thirst cues may not always feel as strong. While drinking water is important, fluids can also come from foods. Hydrating foods may include:

• Watermelon
• Cucumbers
• Oranges
• Strawberries
• Tomatoes
• Soups
• Smoothies
• Yogurt

A simple way to increase your hydration is to pair a drink with other habits you already have: morning medication, breakfast, lunch, a walk, or an afternoon snack. If you are more active or spending time outside, you may need more fluids.

Build a Daily Wellness Routine You Can Stick With

The best habits to support aging well are the ones that fit your real life. Instead of aiming for perfection, build a routine around small anchors.

For example:

• Start the day with breakfast and a glass of water.
• Take a short walk after one meal.
• Keep easy protein options available.
• Prep simple snacks for busy afternoons.
• Add BOOST® Nutritional Shakes to your routine when you need convenient nutrition support.
• Set a consistent bedtime.
• Schedule social time, movement, or hobbies each week.

Habit stacking can help. Pair a new habit with something you already do. Drink water after brushing your teeth. Stretch while coffee brews. Take a walk after checking the mail.

Healthy aging is not one decision. It is the result of many small decisions repeated over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best habits to support aging well?

The best habits for healthy aging include balanced nutrition, regular movement, hydration, quality sleep, and social connection. These habits work together to support overall physical and mental well-being.

Why is nutrition important as you get older?

Proper nutrition supports everyday nutritional energy, muscle maintenance, immune health, and overall wellness. As adults age, their appetite and dietary needs may change, making it important to focus on nutrient-dense foods and convenient nutrition options when needed.

How can older adults maintain a balanced diet?

Older adults can maintain a proper diet by eating regular meals, including protein throughout the day, choosing fruits and vegetables, staying hydrated, and using convenient options like BOOST® nutritional shakes when food intake is lower than usual.

What foods support aging well?

Foods that support overall positive health include lean proteins, dairy, beans, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats. 

How can nutritional shakes help support nutrition during aging?

Ready-to-drink nutrition shakes can help provide convenient nutrition when appetite is low, schedules are busy, or meal preparation is difficult. They can fill nutritional gaps when protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals fall short. BOOST® Nutritional Shakes can be used as part of a balanced routine to help support daily nutrition.

The Bottom Line

The end of summer is an ideal time to refresh your habits and prepare for Healthy Aging Month in September. You do not need a perfect routine to support aging well. You need simple habits you can repeat.

Focus on balanced nutrition, regular movement, hydration, rest, and routines that make these choices easier. BOOST® Nutritional Shakes can be a convenient way to support everyday nutrition. Explore BOOST® products to find the option that works best for your daily routine.

References: 
1. Nishimura Y, Højfeldt G, Breen L, Tetens I, Holm L. Dietary protein requirements and recommendations for healthy older adults: a critical narrative review of the scientific evidence. Nutr Res Rev. 2023 Jun;36(1):69-85. 
2. Zhao M, Veeranki SP, Magnussen CG, Xi B. Recommended physical activity and all cause and cause specific mortality in US adults: prospective cohort study. BMJ. 2020;370:m2031.