Myth: Health inevitably declines as we get older. Reality: People at any age can improve their health by adopting healthy behaviors. Research has shown that healthy lifestyles have a greater impact than genetic factors on our health as we age. People who are physically active, eat a healthy diet, do not use tobacco, and practice other healthy behaviors reduce their risk for chronic diseases and have half the rate of disability of those who do not.

Source: “Healthy Aging: Preventing Disease and Improving Quality of Life Among Older Americans, At a Glance 2005,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov.