The older we get, the more likely we are to develop cancer. About 77 percent of people diagnosed with it are 55 or older, according to the American Cancer Society.
“Thanks to modern medicine, more people are living longer,” Dr. Therese B. Bevers, medical director of MD Anderson’s Cancer Prevention Center said in a statement. “But a longer life doesn’t always equal a healthier one.”
Lifestyle changes you make now — regardless of your age — can lower your risk of developing cancer later. All seniors should incorporate the following changes now to keep it at bay.
1. Exercise
Physical exercise can lower the risk for many cancers, including lung, prostate, colorectal, breast, and endometrial. The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as walking, every day. Healthy exercise choices for seniors can also include swimming, golfing, tennis, and gardening.
According to the National Institutes of Health, there are four main types of exercise: endurance (walking, swimming, riding a bike, to build cardio health), strengthening (builds muscles), stretching (to maintain flexibility), and balance exercises (to reduce the risk of a fall). Seniors need some of each.
