Aging is a part of life, and nothing we can do about it. However, there are many things you can do every day to put yourself in the best possible position to be healthy and active later in life. A doctor has now shared a list of five things you must never ignore in order to age better.

To age gracefully has many different meanings. While many might believe that aging well just has to do with staying healthy, there are many other factors at play when it comes to being prepared for the future.

Sure, avoiding disease is, of course, important, but in later years, the concept of aging and preparing for a healthy future also includes aspects beyond physical health.

But at the same time, it’s quite hard to “keep track” of whether you are aging well or not, right? Now, one doctor has outlined five factors that can help you determine whether you are aging well and what you can do to change it.

Speaking with the NY Post, Dr.Mitch Glen, medical director of physician education at Access Medical Labs, who specializes in anti-aging, holistic, and integrative medicine, has shared five subtle signs of healthy aging and warnings you should never ignore.

5 subtle signs you’re aging well
The first of the five: A strong grip.

Ghen told the NY Post that stronger grip strength “correlates with better muscle mass, cardiovascular health and longevity,” and can be easily measured at a doctor’s office by squeezing a dynamometer handle with maximum effort for a few seconds.

However, you can also do this at home by clenching a tennis ball or wringing out a wet towel. While it is a good measure of a strong muscular system, flexibility and consistent energy are also important. If you have joint pain or muscle stiffness, it can be a warning sign that your muscular system could be in trouble, the doctor said.

Moving on, Dr. Mitch Glen pointed out that moving with ease is also crucial. Exercising regularly strengthens bones and muscles and increases balance and flexibility. According to Heart.org, one should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise on 2 or more days each week for all major muscle groups.

If you feel dizzy, fatigued, or out of breath even with minimal activity, or experience an irregular heartbeat or swelling, your heart may be having difficulty pumping blood effectively.

DYI physical tests
Thirdly, quick recovery from viruses and infections is also important. If you have prolonged illness or frequent infections, it could be a red flag that your immune system is distressed. According to Ghen, you should recover from most viruses within 10 days. Also, good tooth health is vital.

“Check your gums — they should not bleed or be inflamed with regular flossing or brushing,” Ghen said.

Dr. Mitch Ghen continued, saying that a good mood and a sharp mind are vital for aging well, too. For example, confusion, poor concentration, and personality changes could signal that significant brain function is declining. One way of strengthening the mind can be, for example, to think of as many words as you can that start with the letter “F.”

Finally, Dr. Ghen shared some simple DIY physical tests you can do at home, per the NY Post.

Sit on the floor and try to stand up without using your hands.
Sit on a chair and see if you can stand, then sit and stand 30 times without difficulty.
Place your hand flat on a table and use your other hand to pinch up the skin between your thumb and first digit — the skin should quickly return to its original position.
Test your balance by walking where the heel of the front foot touches the toes of the back foot with each step.
Stand on one foot with your eyes open and hands and arms out for 30 seconds.