As a personal trainer and wellness coach, I’ve spent the last 25 years working with individuals to help them live more vibrant, healthy lives. I have found common characteristics in those aging vibrantly and gracefully and made a list so I wouldn’t forget them in my walk with Father Time.

I made a list of 57 markers of healthy aging. You can see all of them in the blog section of my website, but here are my top five:

1. Have Hobbies and Special Interests
Engage in activities that make you lose track of time!

If you don’t currently have a hobby, go get one. Stop scrolling your phone. Learn! Be curious! Pay attention to what sparks your interest and take a class or start dabbling on a project at home.

2. Stop Worrying
Worry and anxiety will only accelerate aging and make you sick and miserable in the process. You won’t have time to worry if you laugh a lot. Exercise, do yoga, keep a gratitude journal, spend time outside, and laugh some more.

3. Be Yourself
Don’t worry about what others think about you. Be who you are. Do what you like. Go where you want to go. You’ll never make everyone happy. The only person you can truly make happy is yourself, so do that! While you’re at it, give your kids permission to do the same.

4. Make Friendships a Priority
Hang out with people who make you feel good. Celebrate with your friends, have them over for dinner, or watch a movie together. Pick up the phone and give them a call. Go on a weekend trip with them. Friends just make life better.

5. Help Others
Feeling useful and needed as we age is paramount. I have worked with retired clients who thrived, doing things like rock babies in the NICU, volunteering in charity organizations, taking meals to the sick, and fostering animals. Helping others does as much for you as those you are helping.

Heather Jordan holds degrees and certifications that include: MS, CSCS, CHWC, CECP, Psych-K Preferred Facilitator, and Reiki Master. Her complete list of 57 tips for aging can be found at Heatherjordanwellness.com.