9 Green Flags That Signal You’re Aging Well

If someone asked whether you feel you’re aging well, how would you answer? Yes? No? Or you have no clue?

We all know that certain behaviors, like eating well, staying physically active, having a positive mindset and staying socially connected, can help our health and lifespan in the long term. But even if you’re doing all of those things, the answer to that question may not be obvious. Fortunately, small (yet mighty) signs like the ones below can let you know that you’ve got this aging thing on lock. (And don’t worry–If one of your flags is looking yellow or maybe red, click the links in that section for quick tips that may help.)

1. Folks say your skin is “goals” when you post a selfie. “Black don’t crack” aside, your skin tells a lot about what’s happening beneath the surface. “When skin maintains brightness and elasticity, it typically reflects good circulation, adequate hydration, balanced nutrition and healthy collagen production,” says LeShaun Williams, a family nurse practitioner at the Center for Better Aging at St. Bernard Hospital in Chicago. “It can also signal that inflammation levels in the body are relatively low and that you’re supporting your health through sleep, movement and proper skincare.”

2. You don’t have to negotiate with your body before you sneeze. Some people call it the “freeze, squeeze, sneeze” routine. Urinary incontinence is common and can occur for many reasons, not just aging. But if you’re able to laugh, cough, sneeze or exercise without clenching your muscles and worrying about a sprinkle of tinkle, your pelvic floor muscles are likely strong and healthy.

3. “Something” doesn’t always hurt. It’s kind of a running joke that once a person hits 40 or 50, random aches and pains start popping up out of nowhere. While it’s normal to experience discomfort every now and then, it shouldn’t be an all the time or “everything hurts” thing. “Not living in a constant state of pain is a meaningful sign of healthy aging,” says Williams. “It suggests joints, muscles and connective tissues are being maintained through movement, strength, flexibility and inflammation control.”

4. You’re still kicking come late afternoon. “A common misconception is that constant exhaustion is simply part of getting older,” Williams says. That’s not true. “While recovery time may increase modestly with age, older adults should still have sustainable energy for daily life,” she explains. We’re not saying you have to be in go mode 24/7. But if your get-up-and-go hasn’t got up and gone, that’s a good sign.

5. You can open the pickle jar, no problem. According to the Cleveland Clinic, your grip strength is a strong indicator of your overall health. If your arms and hands are getting weaker, the same thing is probably happening with the rest of your body. Strong grip strength is important for maintaining your independence in daily life. So, if you’re still twisting off tight lids and lugging around heavy grocery bags without any issues, that means your overall muscle strength is likely still holding steady.

6. Changes don’t irk you (at least not too much or all the time). Think about how you handle the following situations: switching from one task immediately to another, someone asking for help while you’re in the middle of something or a last-minute schedule change. Do you lose your stuff or roll with it? Of course, hormonal shifts can ramp up moodiness and brain fog. So, if you get thrown off sometimes, we get it. But as long as it’s not all the time, and you can usually deal with changes without getting too irritated, that’s a sign you have cognitive flexibility. Research suggests that strong executive function skills, including cognitive flexibility, play a role in your physical and mental health.