Healthy Aging Month: Embracing wellness at every age

Healthy Aging Month, recognized every September, highlights the importance of supporting physical, mental, and social well-being throughout the aging process. While aging, the natural progression toward the end of life, is unavoidable, adopting healthy habits such as balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, stress management, and strong social connections can contribute to a fulfilling life.

Dr. Alia Tuqan, a clinical professor of internal medicine at the UC Riverside School of Medicine and a geriatrics specialist at UCR Health, commemorates Healthy Aging Month by offering her insights on aging in the Q&A below.

Q1: What are the most important lifestyle habits adults can adopt in midlife to promote healthy aging and prevent chronic diseases?

Exercise and maintaining a healthy diet are extremely important. For exercise, I emphasize the key components, which are aerobic activity, balance, and flexibility. On the nutrition side, DASH and Mediterranean diets are excellent as they focus on lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Avoiding smoking and abstaining from alcohol, or using only in moderation, also make a big difference. Managing medical conditions early is key, including treating sensory impairment. Staying both mentally and physically active and socializing - spending time with friends, family, and staying connected with your community - really supports healthy aging.

Q2: How do internal medicine physicians help patients navigate the transition from middle age to older adulthood in terms of preventive care and screenings?

In internal medicine, we focus on health maintenance and prevention. A big part of that is ensuring patients are up to date on their preventive care. That includes cancer screenings like colonoscopies, mammograms, and Pap smears. Vaccinations are also critical; flu shots, COVID-19 boosters, and pneumonia vaccines, depending on age and health conditions. We also make sure to manage any chronic medical conditions effectively. It's about promoting overall health and helping patients stay well as they age.

Q3: What are some of the most common misconceptions about aging that you encounter, and how do you address them with your patients?

Many assume that certain health problems such as memory loss are just "normal aging." But that's not entirely true. Normal aging might mean forgetting where you placed your keys but remembering shortly after. But when memory problems affect daily activities, it should be evaluated. Another misconception is that older adults don't need treatment because they're "at the end of life." Older adults are entitled to the best quality of life. As internists and geriatricians, we center care on what matters most to each patient and help them live well.

Q4: Can you share any emerging research or medical advances that are particularly promising for supporting healthy aging?

What's interesting is that the most promising findings often reinforce what we've known for a long time. There's no magic pill for healthy aging, the fundamentals still matter most. Exercise, healthy eating, socialization, and staying mentally and physically active are the cornerstones. For specific diseases, like dementia, there are newer medications under development, but those apply once the disease is already present. For overall healthy aging, it really comes back to the basics: lifestyle, nutrition, movement, and community engagement.

Header image shows Dr. Alia Tuqan (left) giving a presentation titled "Healthy Aging with Geriatrics" on Sept. 24, 2025, at the Janet Goeske Foundation and Senior Center in Riverside, California. Her presentation is the first in a four-part series on geriatrics. For more information on the series, please contact UCR Health. (Eileen Kwan/UCR Health)