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Tips to Live Longer and Stay Healthy

Anyone can lead a healthier, longer life — regardless of who they are, where they live or where they are from. Better lifestyle choices can have a positive impact on your health and well-being and help you feel better, physically and mentally, in the long run.

The information and resources on this page can help you make choices in key parts of your life to improve your overall health and well-being.

See Your Doctor

Regular check-ups and screenings can help you make healthy choices and catch health concerns before they get serious.

Take an active role with your doctor. Write down your questions and concerns before your appointment, including any concerns about your emotional and mental well-being. Tell your doctor if you have concerns about the costs of medicines and treatments. See more tips for talking to your doctor.

Find the health care you need on the NYC Health Map. You can also search for low-cost primary care clinics in your neighborhood with the HRSA health center locator. The Health Department’s Public Health Clinics can also help you with routine health needs including your sexual health, immunizations and testing for tuberculosis if you are at risk.

Get More Sleep

Adults should get at least 7 hours of sleep each night. Not getting enough sleep is linked with many health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity and depression.

While many people have trouble getting enough sleep, your habits can improve your sleep. Learn more about how sleep affects your health, and ways to get more and better sleep:

Manage Stress

Stress is a normal response to challenging situations. However, stress can worsen your physical and mental health, including your mood, appetite and sleep.

Social connection is essential to managing stress and supporting your overall well-being. Healthy is being connected to others and free to live your best life. Spending time with friends and family, being friendly with your neighbors and volunteering in your community can help you strengthen your social connections. Learn more ways to improve social connections in your life and your community and reduce loneliness.

Learning healthy coping habits can help you manage stress.

If you are struggling with stress, you can get 24/7 mental health support by phone, text or chat at 988.

Get More Exercise

Regular physical activity has health benefits for people of all ages. Any amount and type of moderate physical activity helps. Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity and two days of muscle-strengthening exercises each week.

Choose a variety of activities to benefit your body in different ways and keep exercise interesting. Some examples are:

  • Aerobic activity, such as walking or running
  • Muscle-strengthening activity, such as pushups or lifting weights
  • Bone-strengthening activity, such as jumping
  • Balance and stretching activities, such as yoga or martial arts

Everyday activities count toward your needed physical activity. Build activity into your day however you are able to, such as by going on a walk after a meal, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

Find activities you enjoy to make exercise something you look forward to. Take a fitness class, or exercise with a friend or family member. Shape Up NYC offers free fitness classes in many locations.

Eat Healthy Foods

People with healthy eating patterns live longer and are at lower risk for health conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity.

A healthy diet emphasizes whole, minimally processed foods, such as fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, nuts and whole grains. Healthy eating also means lower amounts of red and processed meats, refined grains and sugary foods and drinks.

Learning to cook tasty meals with produce in season can make healthy eating fun and affordable.

The Health Department’s Nutrition Services programs can also help eligible New Yorkers save money on healthy food.


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