Healthy Aging in Erie, Colorado: Small Daily Habits for a Sharper Mind and Stronger Body
By Dr. Samuel Jacobowitz, Family Medicine Physician
Boulder Medical Center in Erie, Colorado
Aging well isn’t about quick fixes but small, everyday choices supporting long-term health. Whether in your 50s, 60s, or beyond, prioritizing brain health, movement, and social engagement can help you stay active and independent for years to come.
As a family medicine doctor in Erie, Colorado, I encourage my patients to approach aging proactively. The good news is that small lifestyle changes—like staying social, getting quality sleep, and moving daily—can significantly impact overall well-being.
Keep Your Brain Sharp with Lifelong Learning
Staying mentally engaged is key to long-term cognitive health. Your brain thrives on new challenges, so activities like puzzles, reading, and learning new skills keep neural pathways strong, helping to prevent cognitive decline.
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- Try a new hobby—knitting, painting, or even learning a musical instrument.
- Take a class at the Erie Community Center or join a local book club.
- Engage in brain-stimulating games like crossword puzzles or chess.
Fun fact: Learning something new builds new brain pathways, keeping your mind sharp as you age!
Stay Social—It’s Good for Your Brain and Heart
Isolation can negatively impact mental and physical health. Erie offers many ways to stay connected, meet new people, and keep your brain engaged.
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- Call or visit a friend—you’ll boost your mood and brain health.
- Join local groups or participate in community events, such as The Columbine Lounge in Erie, which offers coffee groups, card games, painting and drawing, and more.
- Laughter matters! Attend a comedy night, share a funny story, or enjoy a game night with family.
Did you know? Social interaction has been shown to reduce the risk of dementia and depression in older adults!
Get Better Sleep by Reducing Screen Time
Sleep is when your brain resets, stores memories, and prepares for the day. Unfortunately, too much screen time before bed can interfere with natural sleep cycles.
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- Avoid screens (TV, phones, tablets) at least an hour before bedtime—blue light disrupts melatonin production.
- Replace late-night scrolling with relaxing activities like reading or listening to calming music.
- Maintain a consistent sleep schedule to support your body’s natural rhythms.
Tip: Try a relaxing evening walk in Erie’s scenic parks to wind down before bed!
Move Every Day—Fresh Air and Sunshine Matter!
Regular movement keeps both the body and mind healthy. Erie offers plenty of outdoor spaces to help you stay active and enjoy fresh air.
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- Walk for at least 30 minutes—try the Coal Creek Trail or the Erie Community Park.
- Add strength training 2–3 times a week to support muscle and bone health.
- Practice good posture—stretching and exercises like yoga can improve flexibility and balance.
Fun idea: Join a local hiking group to stay active and meet new people!
Small Habits, Big Impact
Aging well doesn’t require drastic changes—just small, consistent steps toward better health. These simple habits, whether staying social, eating nutritious foods, moving daily, or getting better sleep, add up over time.
If you’re looking for a trusted primary care doctor in Erie, Colorado, I’d love to help you on your wellness journey. Let’s work together to keep feeling your best for years to come!
Resources
About Samuel Jacobowitz, MD
Family Medicine Physician
Boulder Medical Center in Erie
Dr. Samuel Jacobowitz is a board-certified family medicine physician at Boulder Medical Center in Erie, Colorado. He provides comprehensive primary care for patients of all ages and specializes in preventive care, addiction medicine, chronic disease management, and care for veterans. Dr. Jacobowitz is currently welcoming new patients in Erie and Louisville, Colorado.
Make an appointment
- Call for an appointment: (303) 666-2710
- Visit Dr. Jacobowitz’s profile