What to expect when you are 68 years old? A Comprehensive Guide to Healthy Aging

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of older adults aged 65 and over is growing, highlighting the importance of understanding the aging process. As you approach 68, you can expect a mixture of physical, mental, and social changes, presenting both challenges and opportunities for a fulfilling life. This guide provides comprehensive insights into what to expect when you are 68 years old, empowering you to navigate this stage with confidence and grace.

Quick Summary

As people turn 68, they can expect a mix of physical changes like vision and joint issues, combined with potential cognitive shifts and social adjustments that accompany retirement and evolving relationships. Healthy aging involves proactively managing these changes through an active lifestyle, regular health check-ups, and prioritizing mental and social well-being to ensure this decade is enriching and fulfilling.

Key Points

• Physical changes are manageable: While your heart, bones, and muscles require attention, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and staying active can mitigate many age-related changes, like reduced bone density and muscle mass.

• Mental engagement is key: Keep your mind sharp by staying mentally active through reading, learning new skills, or playing games, as normal aging does not mean losing your memory.

• Happiness can increase: Surveys show happiness often rises in the 60s, as you develop resilience and a greater appreciation for life.

• Social connection is vital: Actively combat loneliness and isolation by maintaining strong bonds with family and friends, joining community groups, or finding new hobbies.

• Plan your finances wisely: Secure your financial future by reviewing retirement savings, planning for healthcare costs, and understanding Social Security and Medicare options.

• Redefine your purpose: Retirement is an opportunity to find new meaning through volunteering, mentoring, or pursuing long-held interests.

Navigating Physical Changes at 68

While some physical changes are a natural part of aging, many can be managed or mitigated with proactive care and a healthy lifestyle. Understanding what's happening to your body allows you to take control and make informed choices.

Your Heart, Bones, and Muscles

Around this age, arteries can stiffen, making your heart work harder to pump blood, which can lead to higher blood pressure. Staying active, managing stress, and eating a heart-healthy diet are crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health. Bone density also naturally decreases, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, especially for women. Regular weight-bearing exercise and ensuring sufficient calcium and vitamin D intake are vital. Muscles also tend to lose strength and endurance, which can affect balance and increase the risk of falls. Consistent physical activity, such as walking or light weightlifting, helps counteract this decline.

Sensory and Other Bodily Changes

Vision and hearing changes are common in your late 60s. You may notice more difficulty focusing on close objects or following conversations in crowded places. Regular eye and ear exams are essential for catching issues early. Skin becomes thinner, drier, and less supple due to reduced natural oil production, making proper hydration and sun protection important. Urinary incontinence can also become more common due to reduced bladder flexibility, but exercises like Kegels and dietary changes can often help manage symptoms.

Mental and Emotional Well-being

Maintaining a sharp and positive mindset is a cornerstone of healthy aging. While memory may slow slightly, significant memory loss is not a normal part of aging.

Cognitive Health

As you age, it might take a bit longer to recall names or facts, but a rich vocabulary and long-term memory are often stable. Staying mentally engaged is key to sustaining cognitive function. Activities like reading, learning a new language, taking a class, or playing strategic games can stimulate the brain and help preserve memory and thinking skills.

Prioritizing Emotional Health

Mental health is strongly linked to physical well-being. It's not uncommon to experience feelings of loneliness or purpose-loss, especially after retiring. Many older adults report higher happiness levels in their 60s, a trend linked to a greater appreciation for life and resilience developed over time. Practicing gratitude, meditation, or finding new hobbies can support emotional health. If persistent sadness, anxiety, or fatigue occur, it's important to seek help, as these could be signs of depression.

Social Connection and Purpose

Social engagement and a sense of purpose are vital for overall health and happiness in retirement.

Maintaining Social Bonds

Spending time with family and friends, whether in person or via video chat, is crucial for mental well-being and reducing isolation. Joining community groups, volunteering, or engaging in activities you enjoy are excellent ways to meet new people and stay connected.

Finding New Purpose

Retirement can be a major life transition, and redefining your identity beyond your career is an important step. This can be a time for new discoveries and focusing on personal growth. Engaging in hobbies, volunteering, mentoring, or exploring new passions can provide a new sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Financial Planning and Healthcare at 68

Having a solid plan for your finances and health is essential for security and peace of mind in your later years.

Key Financial Considerations

• Budgeting and Withdrawals: With a potentially fixed income, managing a budget is critical. Reviewing your retirement accounts (401(k)s, IRAs) and establishing a sustainable withdrawal strategy is vital to ensure your savings last. It's often recommended to tap taxable accounts first.
• Social Security and Medicare: If you haven't started collecting Social Security, delaying until age 70 can significantly increase your benefits. Medicare typically starts at 65, so understanding your coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs is important.
• Long-Term Care: This is a significant cost not covered by Medicare. Planning for potential long-term care needs, either through savings or insurance, is a prudent step.
• Estate Planning: At this stage, it's wise to have your estate plan in order, including wills, powers of attorney, and other legal documents.

Healthcare at 68

Regular checkups and health screenings are non-negotiable. Staying on top of your medical appointments and understanding your medications is crucial. At 68, you may be eligible for specific screenings, such as for cancer, vision, and hearing. It’s also a good idea to create a team of trusted professionals, including a financial advisor, accountant, and attorney.

A Comparison of Lifestyle Priorities: 40s vs. 60s

Aspect	Age 40s	Age 60s
Primary Focus	Career, raising family, paying mortgage	Retirement, personal growth, health maintenance
Financial Approach	Building wealth, aggressive investments	Asset preservation, income generation
Health Concerns	Early prevention, managing stress	Managing chronic conditions, preventing falls
Social Life	Networking, family activities, school events	Community groups, hobbies, reconnecting with friends
Sense of Purpose	Often linked to career and family	Redefined through new hobbies, volunteering

Conclusion: Embracing the Best Years Yet

Turning 68 is not an ending but a new chapter filled with possibilities. By proactively managing physical health, staying mentally engaged, nurturing social connections, and securing your financial future, you can ensure this decade is one of your happiest and most fulfilling. The key lies in active participation and an open mind. This is a time to define your own rules and enjoy the fruits of your long career and life experiences.

Learn more about the fundamentals of healthy aging by exploring resources from reputable sources like the National Institute on Aging.

Frequently Asked Questions

What health screenings should a 68-year-old prioritize?

At 68, it's important to schedule regular checkups and screenings for cancer, vision, and hearing. Discuss heart health with your doctor, and if you are a woman, ensure you have a bone scan for osteoporosis. Men should discuss prostate health screenings.

How can I stay physically active at 68?

Focus on a mix of activities, including moderate-intensity aerobic exercise like brisk walking or swimming, and muscle-strengthening activities at least two days a week. Balance and flexibility exercises, such as stretching or yoga, are also very beneficial.

Is memory loss a normal part of aging at 68?

Minor changes in memory, like slower recall, can be normal. However, significant memory loss that disrupts daily life is not considered normal and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

How do I manage loneliness after retirement?

Combat loneliness by intentionally scheduling time with family and friends. Join local clubs, volunteer for a cause you care about, or enroll in a continuing education class to meet new people with similar interests.

What's the best financial strategy for my late 60s?

Review your budget and asset allocation to ensure it matches your risk tolerance, prioritizing asset preservation. Create a sustainable withdrawal strategy from your retirement accounts and understand your Social Security and Medicare options.

How can I find a new sense of purpose at 68?

Retirement is an excellent time for self-discovery. Explore new hobbies, take up a part-time interest, volunteer your skills to a community organization, or engage in mentoring others. Look for new ways to contribute and stay engaged.

What dietary changes should I consider at 68?

Focus on a nutrient-rich diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, while limiting saturated fats, sugar, and salt. Hydration is also very important, and your calorie needs may be lower. Consult a doctor about potential vitamin D or calcium supplements.