“The new year is a great time to commit to some brain-healthy habits,” says Amanda Smith, M.D., a professor of psychiatry and behavioral neurosciences at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine and the director of clinical research at the USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute in Tampa, Florida. “Eat colorful fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and fewer processed foods. Get a good night’s sleep, and try to set aside at least 15 minutes a day for exercise and another 15 for meditation or mindfulness exercises. Try challenging your brain by learning something new like a language, instrument or hobby. It’s never too late to take care of your brain, and every little bit can have a lasting effect on cognitive health!”

“Your sense of hearing plays a vital role in your cognitive and overall health,” says Abram Bailey, an audiologist and expert on consumer technology in hearing care. “Over the years, numerous academic studies have linked hearing loss to dementia, anxiety, poor balance, increased social isolation and low self esteem. Hearing loss can also have a direct impact on earning potential and employability. Hearing well is crucial to maintaining an active, social and financially productive lifestyle. Do your best to limit your exposure to excessively loud sounds, get your hearing checked if you haven’t already, and if you aren’t hearing your best, ensure that you get the hearing help you need.”

“My patients often ask me what limits they should place around screen time to protect their eyes,” says Jennifer Lyerly, a Raleigh, North Carolina-based optometrist who specializes in contact lenses and myopia management. “The more successful approach is to start thinking less about limits and more about what activities are good for your eyes, body and mental health. Getting outside, being active—those are things that serve your entire wellness and also help reduce daily eye issues like dryness and eye fatigue. Instead of focusing on a negative association like setting limits, reward yourself with an outdoor walk or exercise break where you have no screen in sight every single day.”

“Aging isn’t the end of being fit—it’s part of an evolution,” says Rachel Tavel, a doctor of physical therapy and certified strength and conditioning specialist in New York City. “Your health and fitness levels are not constant. They are moving targets that require constant reassessment in order to match you and bring you to the next level. This doesn’t end with aging—it only changes.”