Experts used to believe that chronic disease and disability always accompanied aging. Now it is known that much disease can be prevented or controlled. A person's lifestyle can help prevent or lessen the effect of many causes of disease. The three leading causes of death among people in developed nations are heart disease , stroke , and cancer . The medical community understands a great deal about how to prevent death from these causes.
Exercise can prevent muscle mass decline.
Maintain a healthy weight. Someone who is as little as 11 pounds over the average weight for people of the same height and build has an increased risk of disease. Calorie restriction may work by preserving cells, moderating a decline in growth hormone, and keeping the immune system functioning well. Don't smoke , and avoid being around smoke from tobacco . Keep interacting with others.