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The United Health Foundation (UHF) just released its latest report on what people that are 40 and older need to start doing to live longer, healthier lives. While this is a national report they also released the latest Texas 2022 Annual Health Report Rankings as well.

While the United Health Foundation report was aimed at those 50 and older, the latest report from the Ohio State University's Wexner Medical School and their recommendations to those Texans that are 40 years old and above to start improving and living a healthier lifestyle.

While The UHF reveals a complex picture of the health of older Americans. The Foundation released "America’s Health Rankings 2022 Senior Report," which highlights improvements, challenges, and some disparities in senior health across the Lone Star State.

The Texas 2022 Annual Report Reveals:

  • In Texas, obesity increased 24% in adults aged 65+ between 2011 and 2020 (much of that was during the pandemic)
  • Early deaths increased 22% among adults aged 65-74 between 2019 and 2020 (the spike was mostly due to the pandemic)
  • Texas ranked 11th in low prevalence of frequent mental distress (more alarming, is the fact that suicides of those 50 and above continues to climb) according to ACT.gov
    Source: UHF Rankings

10 healthy Habits Texans Should Start By Age 40

  1. Begin preventative health care
  2. Maintain a positive attitude (for mental health)
  3. Sleep
  4. Exercise
  5. Eatting healthier foods
  6. Eat more healthful foods
  7. Getting your finances in order
  8. Maintain a healthy sex life
  9. Confront vices (or better yet convert vices to smarter choices)
  10. Meditate (to improve mental health)
    Source: OSU Wexner Medical School. Read more about these findings in Texas here with additional b-roll.

Most interestingly, the mental health of Texans over the age of 50 is something to be considered because prior to the pandemic, the number of suicides amongst Texans over the age of 50 has been increasing at a higher than expected rate.

Finally, It's reported in the ACL.Gov report that more Texas men are the abusers of drugs and alcohol and the numbers are climbing. While the women numbers of abusing drugs and alcohol have been declining.

In closing my advice is, to do what I started doing some time ago, and that was taking vitamins and going for a walk every evening with my spouse to increase our alone quality time. It helps to keep us away from our phones and computers during the walk.

KEEP READING: 15 Natural Ways to Improve Your Sleep

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