Physical therapists have long emphasized the importance of strength training, especially for older adults. According to experts, strength training isn’t just for working out; it can also help build independence by keeping older folks safe and stable in their daily activities. If you’re looking for an easy (and affordable) way to strength train at home, this set of five resistance bands may be it. While the pink and blue packs go for close to $17, the multicolor set is just $12, making it 33% off.

Each color band offers a different level of resistance, from three to 20 pounds. The bands are made of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a stretchy, latex-free material that blends qualities of rubber and plastic. Each band measures 59 inches long and 6 inches wide, making them extra accessible to hold and use. Reviewers who have tried many bands compliment the durability and quality of this set, with many saying it’s the best set they’ve tried.

“What I really like is that these are both wide and long. What that means is that they are long enough to give you the stretch necessary for physical therapy and wide enough that you can hold them tightly,” one user wrote. “These are far superior to the ones that the PT facility I went to uses.”

“Wide, long and easy for an elderly woman with arthritic hands to use,” another user says. The bands are even “grumpy old man” approved for making strength-building easy and fun.

Because the bands are light and are easy to hold, they’re loved by older reviewers for making movement more accessible. A 69-year-old reviewer says the bands are “good even when I’m watching TV to work out with them,” joking that he’s a enjoying them as a “grumpy old man!”

“I bought these for my elderly mother to add a bit of resistance for her exercises,” one reviewer wrote. “…Being in her mid 70s she is work on stabilizing herself and adding some upper body strength, too. While anyone could get benefit from these, I believe this is the perfect end user for this type (beginner and elderly).”

Many reviewers who bought the bands for their older parents say they ended up buying a set for themselves. “I bought these for my mother. They are super easy for her to use. She is 88 years old and she loves them,” Jeff wrote. “They are super awesome and we really loved them.”

Shopper Newton calls the bands “incredibly helpful” for both building strength and “recovering safely” at home. “They’ve allowed me to start my muscle recovery process at home, progressing step by step at my own pace,” Newton says. “…I also like that they can be adjusted to fit different needs and levels.”

Reviewers love these resistance bands for helping build strength at home. Read more 5-star reviews and grab a set for yourself for $12.

“I bought these for my elderly mother to add a bit of resistance for her exercises. They provide a wide range of ‘weight’ and start with as little as 5lbs. She’s able to comfortably use the red one (the second lightest), so this set will be all she needs. Being in her mid 70s she is work on stabilizing herself and adding some upper body strength, too. While anyone could get benefit from these, I believe this is the perfect end user for this type (beginner and elderly).” — Jaych79

“Wide, long, and easy for an elderly woman with arthritic hands to use. Decent selection of resistance options, though probably not suitable for non-rehab type workouts” — Joshua Noble

“What I really like is that these are both wide and long. What that means is that they are long enough to give you the stretch necessary for physical therapy and wide enough that you can hold them tightly. These are far superior to the ones that the PT facility I went to uses.” — Catfish Jeff

“These resistance bands have been incredibly helpful for me. They’ve allowed me to start my muscle recovery process at home, progressing step by step at my own pace. They are very strong and durable, yet comfortable to use. I also like that they can be adjusted to fit different needs and levels. Overall, a great tool for anyone looking to build strength or recover safely at home.” — Newton

“Fast delivery, love the package that tells you the strength of each one, individually packaged. Just started with them, but you could tell the durability. My age it’s good even when I’m watching TV to work out with them. 69-year-old army veteran. Enjoying grumpy old man!” — Roy

“I bought these for my mother. They are super easy for her to use. She is 88 years old and she loves them. They are super awesome and we really loved them. Yes, I even use them some myself. Great product. I highly recommend it.” — Jeff

The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through “fake” hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)

If you want to age well, the amount of sleep you get matters. A new study suggests there’s a “Goldilocks” time frame you want to aim for ― and it’s slightly less than eight hours.

Analyzing biological clocks throughout the human body, researchers found that too few hours of sleep (anything less than six hours) may speed biological aging in the brain, lung, heart and immune system. But too much sleep (more than eight hours) also accelerates aging in nearly every organ in the body, according to study, published in the journal Nature last month.

If you’re looking to age minimally, the “sweet spot” is between 6.4 and 7.8 hours of sleep per day.

Getting either too much or too little sleep was also associated with a range of physical health conditions, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease and gastritis. Insufficient and excessive sleep durations were also significantly associated with depression and anxiety disorders.

The study supports “the idea that sleep is important in maintaining organ health within a coordinated brain-body network, including metabolic balance and a healthy immune system,” Junhao Wen, the lead researcher and an assistant professor of radiology at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, said in a press release.

Wen and his colleagues used advanced statistical models called “aging clocks” to figure out the amount of sleep that’s associated with accelerated aging.

While most aging clocks estimate biological aging across the entire body, organs age at different rates. Wen and his team developed organ-specific aging clocks that may provide patients with more personalized and precise insights into their health.

“In the liver, for example, we have an aging clock built with protein data, an aging clock of metabolic data, and an aging clock of imaging data,” Wen said.

The hypothesis is that different organs, even within the same person, age at different rates, Wen told The Washington Post.

This doesn’t mean that sleep duration alone is aging our organs faster or slower, but too much or little sleep may be markers of poorer overall health in the body.

One limitation for the study? Wen said more research is needed involving people of Asian and African descent, since the data for sleepers was taken from U.K. Biobank data, which is heavily weighted toward people of white European ancestry.

Research has long confirmed that chronically under-sleeping can lead to a reduced lifespan and a range of health issues: hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke. But those who love to sleep may wonder: Why might too much sleep be a problem?

“Chronically long sleep time is associated with many health issues because oversleeping is often a byproduct of an underlying disease such as a sleep disorder like sleep apnea, inflammatory conditions, cancer, neurodegenerative disorder, and poor mental health,” said Dr. Chelsie Rohrscheib, a neuroscientist and researcher at Wesper, a company that designs at-home tools for diagnosing sleep disorders like sleep apnea.

Some studies have shown that long-sleepers have markers of inflammation, which is associated with diseases like cardiovascular disease and cancer, said Rohrscheib, who is not affiliated with this current study.

“The other answer is that long sleeping increases a sedentary lifestyle and reduces the total amount of physical activity achieved each day,” Rohrscheib told HuffPost.

The study also found that women may need a little more sleep than men. The difference is relatively small, though, said Rohrscheib: typically about 10 to 20 additional minutes per night.

The exact reasons for this remains unclear, but sleep researchers believe it may be related to hormonal differences and fluctuations throughout life, particularly during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause.

“Others have proposed that women may experience greater emotional and cognitive demands, which could increase the need for sleep to support essential brain functions such as memory consolidation, emotional regulation, and overnight recovery,” she said.

Dr. Chris Winter, a a neurologist and host of the podcast “Sleep Unplugged,” said the study’s most interesting finding was its suggested optimal sleep range of 6.4 to 7.8 hours per night ― slightly below the eight hours many of us have been taught is the sleep “magic number.”

“The range is essentially an average of seven hours of sleep, not eight,” Winter, who was not affiliated with the study, told HuffPost. “I would love to dislodge from the public’s collective mentality about sleep that ‘eight hours’ of sleep is ideal for everyone, or even attainable for everyone. It’s not.”

Winter’s takeaway is that we should aim for a consistent seven hours or so on average, though if eight works for you, more power to you. A person’s need for sleep varies greatly based on age, lifestyle and genetics.

“If you struggle to get eight consistently, this is not something to overcome to optimize your health,” he said. “It may simply be that your body favors a number below what you are shooting for, yet still well within the range of optimized.”

Tina Fey apparently isn’t thrilled by what’s under her bossypants.

In an interview with “Today” published Thursday, the “Mean Girls” creator got pretty candid about aging.

Fey, 56, told the outlet that she wasn’t really prepared for the realities of entering her 50s until, well, she did. The “Saturday Night Live” alum emphasized some of the surprising changes by describing them with a two-word term: “reverse puberty.”

“I feel like it’s a reverse puberty in a way. It’s like your body starts to change and be disgusting in new ways,” Fey told the outlet with a laugh. “When you’re 12 or 13, you’re like, ‘Why am I so oily?’ And now you’re like, ‘Why am I so papery?’” she added.

Fey said that she finds some solace with her fellow writers in the “Four Seasons” writers’ room.

“We’re all pretty much the same age,” she said of the creative team behind her Netflix series.

“Almost all of us have known each other a super long time, and so all the writers are really good about sharing their own things,” she added before revealing that some of their aging-related experiences have been used in the show.

“Then sometimes our spouses are like, ‘Is that me?’ And then we’ll usually just be like, ‘No, no.’ We’ll just lie and say, ‘That’s so and so,’” Fey said.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter last year, Fey said she now struggles to stay up past midnight, which proved quite a challenge for her at the “SNL50” afterparty last year.

“I’ve never been able to get over the fact that I left the 40th afterparty before Prince’s surprise set,” Fey told THR. “So the whole week leading up to the 50th, I drank water, I went to bed early, I saved it all up. But when I got to the afterparty, I couldn’t find any of my friends, and obviously, there was no chance of Prince, so I thought, ‘Actually, I’m out.’”

The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.

Experts tell us that balance is something that can likely decline with age, unless you take measures to train it — a worthwhile endeavor, according Annalise Calo, physical therapist at WAVE Physical Therapy & Pilates in Ohio. She said the risks associated with weaker balance come from a person’s reduced ability to quickly recruit the muscles needed to prevent a fall, which can lead to increased mortality in the case of pelvic fractures, some studies show. After coming across this popular $18 “balancing disc” online, we asked Calo if this is as effective a training tool as reviewers claim it is.

“These discs can be helpful when used in the right context,” Calo said of balancing tools like the ProsourceFit disc, which is a 15-inch inflatable cushion that can be used to perform a number of balancing and core-strengthening exercises. ”[They] move as your weight shifts, helping to improve proprioception (awareness of your position in space) and reaction time.”

Calo notes that a disc like this shouldn’t be first in line for balance training, but rather used as an adjunct tool, and it’s not for people who have severely compromised balance. Someone should be able to stand for at least 30 seconds in certain positions — with one foot in front of the other, for example, or on one leg only — if they are going to use this tool.

Calo also indicated that posture is something that is additionally impacted by age, “due to reduced joint space or disc height and decreased proximal muscle strength, which normally helps keep the body more upright,” she said.

The ProscourceFit disc aims to engage multiple core muscles that are required for maintaining a healthy posture, and can even be placed behind the back while sitting to provide support or as a cushion to help reduce sedentary habits while sitting for long periods of time. This is important to note because, as Calo pointed out, sitting more frequently can reduce hip flexor mobility, which also leads to a more bent-over posture.

“This pillow is particularly good when sitting at a computer. It allows me to move my spine as I sit. So much better than being locked in a postural slump. I also like being boosted a couple of inches taller, which helps with the angle of my hands on a keyboard,” one Amazon customer said.

Made with a dual-textured surface on both sides to prevent slipping, the disc can be inflated to your preferred firmness and intensity levels. The device will be more supportive when filled to capacity with air, making it easier to stand on. You can deflate the cushion to create a less stable surface and challenge yourself further.

“You can stand on these discs with both legs or a single leg. If you have mastered those activities, you can work towards closing your eyes while standing on one or both legs,” Calo said.

She said that you can even get more advanced and stand on the disc while passing a weight from hand to hand, or place the disc on a step and step up and down onto it, paying close attention that there is no risk of slipping.

One ProsourceFit balancing disc reviewer claimed that they used to have trouble walking, often tripping. Then, after about two weeks of regular use with the disc, they noticed a big difference.

“I now have more confidence in walking and getting in and out of the bathtub,” they wrote.

Before you try out these discs for yourself, Calo cautions that many older adults have worse balance than they realize and should see a professional, like a physical therapist, to assess it before training independently.

Promising Amazon reviews:

″I really like my balance disks. Had trouble walking, tripping n very unsteady. I now have more confidence in walking and getting in n out of the bathtub. I use mine most days 3 times a day. I stand balancing then I do a light bounce about 10 minutes at a time. I use mine close to the kitchen sink or counter so I have something to grab if I loose balance. Sooo glad I have them. Made a big difference in about a 2 weeks.” — Pamela Woodard

“Everyone in my house uses this! Best $10 I’ve spent. Really works your core strength while balancing. I do some yoga poses and I can definitely feel a difference.” — yvette c

“I bought this to work on my one leg balance, and it has done a great job! Easy to inflate, and perfect size for practicing standing on one leg. After practicing on this, my balance on the floor is greatly improved. Well worth the price just for that.” — Annie C.

“I use this on my office chair for balance and posture. It allows me to ‘free sit’, encourages me to move and balance – thus strengthening my core muscles, keep my spine flexible and strengthen my back up to my shoulders.
I’m still recovering from being rear ended, and this is an easy tool to get more of a work out all day every day. It is helpful for balance – standing on it as well. It has helped re-train my brain through dizziness and balance issues.” — Nancy Horne

If you want to explore more expert-recommended products to treat sore muscles, reduce pain and promote movement at home, take a look at the list below, gathered from previous HuffPost reporting:

Countless times, we’ve been told by pain experts, spinal doctors and other professionals that your pillow plays a critical role in managing neck and back pain. Case in point: this four-piece wedge pillow set that reviewers say offers “life-changing comfort and support.” Even better? A variety of these sets are currently on sale. According to our price trackers, the white and gray set, which is usually $129.99, is down to just $67.99 today. That’s almost 50% off!

Whether you need leg elevation, or lumbar and back support, these pillows can help your alignment. You can angle the back pillow horizontally to keep you supported in more conventional supine sleep positions, while the elongated pillow can support the neck, back or arms.

“All the [different] pieces can be adjusted to fit you exactly, the best way for your pain,” one reviewer wrote. “…Having this with the knee rest made sleeping so much easier.”

The pillow’s covers, which are removable and machine-washable, are made with a soft fleece material. It also features anti-slip points so that your pillows stay exactly the way you want them. Reviewers also say this pillow set has come in clutch for post-surgery healing, pregnancy, reading in bed, or for anyone who suffers from chronic back pain.

“This set has been a game-changer for my sleep and relaxation,” shopper Mike said. “Each piece is thoughtfully designed and incredibly versatile — whether I’m reading in bed, elevating my legs, or needing back support, there’s a perfect wedge for the job.”

Fans say the memory foam gives “just the right balance of firmness and softness,” seriously helping with pain reduction.

“It conforms to the body without sinking too deep, offering real orthopedic support,” Mike added. “I’ve noticed a significant reduction in back and neck pain since I started using it.”

Another shopper, who was using the pillows after recovering from surgery, says the pillow doesn’t just offer physical comfort — it helps you feel better emotionally.

“There are 40 million versions of this out there on Amazon. THIS is the one you need for post-surgery,” they wrote. “…This is expensive for something you may only use for a few weeks, but I really think for your comfort and sanity, it is a purchase well worth making.”

“I’ve noticed a significant reduction in back and neck pain since I started using it,” one Amazon customer enthused.

The pillows may even help with snoring — something backed up by reviewers and research.

Inclined pillows aren’t just for physical pain relief. According to The Sleep Foundation, “a wedge pillow can help promote proper spinal alignment and relieve pressure on the back, neck, and shoulders.” There’s also research to suggest that sleeping in a supported, inclined position can reduce snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, as well as nasal congestion.

Fans who used to snore say the pillow is making their sleep partners happy, because with the lift “I seldom snore anymore.”

“Another unforeseen benefit is my lack of snoring while sleeping on them,” reviewer super duper wrote, saying the pillows have “made my recovery so much easier.”

Reviewers love this four-piece wedge pillow set relaxing comfort. Take a look at more promising reviews, and grab a set for yourself on sale.

“Life-changing comfort and support! I recently purchased the Kingfun 4pcs Orthopedic Bed Wedge Pillow Set, and I couldn’t be happier. This set has been a game-changer for my sleep and relaxation. Each piece is thoughtfully designed and incredibly versatile—whether I’m reading in bed, elevating my legs, or needing back support, there’s a perfect wedge for the job.
The memory foam is high-quality, with just the right balance of firmness and softness. It conforms to the body without sinking too deep, offering real orthopedic support. I’ve noticed a significant reduction in back and neck pain since I started using it.
The covers are soft, breathable, and easy to remove for washing. I also appreciate how everything stays in place without sliding around, thanks to the smart design. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing chronic pain, or just looking to elevate your comfort, this wedge set is well worth it. Highly recommended!” —mike

“These pillows are well-made, firmness just perfect! They are used on the bed and couch. Great for people with a bad back, wonderful, elevation, head, arms, legs etc. I like that they have removable slips with a zipper, easy to wash. Comes with a bag to store when not in use.” — celia vanhoose

“Worked out great for my husband’s recent full shoulder replacement surgery 2 weeks ago. The different pieces are making it easy to keep him comfortable wherever he is sitting or sleeping. The pieces have a soft, grip-like material so they can be changed around to help with different positions. He is able to sleep comfortably because it helps him not move, so he doesn’t risk injury by being able to lie back safely. Some reviews indicated the Velcro straps don’t line up. They are a little off, but can still strap if you feel it’s necessary, but honestly, I have not even needed to use them, as these stay in place because of the material. Soft and very comfortable. Definitely is helping with managing through the pain from surgery. Well worth the price. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.” —Kim

“I bought this wedge pillow when my second trimester started because I couldn’t sleep flat anymore without it being uncomfortable. Having this pillow got me through the rest of the pregnancy because I could Sleep at an incline. I would definitely recommend this pillow for anyone who finds it unbearable to sleep supine (on back). Also helps with heartburn.” —Connie Loh

The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through “fake” hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)

Studies show that low-impact exercise is especially beneficial for the physical and cognitive health of older adults. If you’re looking to get more movement in without putting undue pressure on your joints (or wallet), we spotted a compact, folding, low-impact stair stepper and climbing machine currently on sale for 15% off. Reviewers call the machine a welcome addition to their home setup, calling it “a great workout for an old man” and “a very significant aerobic workout, plus excellent low-impact strength development.” While it usually goes for close to $150, you can nab it today for under $130 — but you have to act fast — this is a lightning deal that ends soon.

Weighing under 30 pounds, the machine “folds into the size of an ironing board,” making it an easy addition to your home setup.

Made with alloy steel, this compact machine can help you move your legs, glutes and core without forceful landings on your feet, ankles and knees. The machine easily folds up, making it painless to store or move around your space. It can also hold up to 330 pounds.

When you’re ready to move, simply unfold the machine, adjust the handlebars, step height and stride length for intensity and comfort and move as fast or slow as you’d like, gliding your knees up and down. The digital interface tracks your speed, time, steps and calories, and there’s a spot for your phone to follow along with workouts.

“Space-saving design and light enough to transport and maneuver,” one wrote. “…The piston/hydraulic action is smooth and makes very little noise. For reference, I am 5′ 10″ and medium build, have no issues with knocking my knees on the pistons. The legs are sturdy as well and do not shake.”

This climber lets you move fluidly, without harsh jumps or lifts; fans say it’s helping them regain their confidence while working out and feel physically stronger. Because it has no added resistance, you use your body weight and position to maintain the intensity, ensuring you always feel safe and in control.

“I am an old man who lost his butt muscles and was having back problems. This simple machine has been great for both problems and I’ve only had it a month,” one shopper wrote. “Sturdy, functional, easy to assemble and use-I could not recommend it more.”

66-year-old shopper Errin, who works a sitting desk job, got the machine “to strengthen my quads.” They say, “that set of muscles have gotten noticeably weaker as I’ve aged, and I could tell that the weak quads increased my fall risk. This stepper definitely targets quads! I use it a few times a day, about 50 steps each time. I really think it has helped already.”

Another reviewer, who enjoys the machine for indoor, all-weather fitness, says it’s also been great for their child who has self-described “neurological/motor issues.”

“It is kind of a challenge to find stuff for her to improve her strength and balance,” they wrote. “She uses this, too, and we started at doing ’10 steps’ each time, throughout the day. She’s doing 33 steps each session and does a few throughout the day, plus other activities that help her strength building and balance.”

Others love it for a “FULL BODY workout.”

Per the American Sport And Fitness Association, “low-impact exercise” means movements that don’t have forceful landings or cause “shock absorption” in your joints — like running and jumping. Generally, these movements include having one foot on the ground (or pedal) at all times, making them a great option for older folks and people with mobility limitations, according to the National Library of Medicine.

While the machine certainly targets your bottom half, users say it’s surprisingly versatile, offering “a wide range of motion, depending on how you use it.” (Some even say it makes for great cross-training if you also like to use a rowing machine.)

“You can stand up straight on it, reach your arms into the air, and work your upper body and improve your balance. You could even add free weights. This is GREAT for improving your posture and core stability,” Eva wrote. “…If you stand up and lean back while holding the rails, and hunch over slightly, you can engage your abs. A nice bonus is that this stretches out your low back and gives it a little break.”

Reviewers say this folding climber is a step above the rest. Read more 5-star reviews and grab one on sale.

“Best 100 bucks I ever spent. I am an old man who lost his butt muscles and was having back problems. This simple machine has been great for both problems and I’ve only had it a month. Sturdy, functional, easy to assemble and use- I could not recommend it more.” — Amazon customer

“1. Affordable 2. Space saving folds into size of an ironing board. 3. Adjustable – I’m a strong 270lb man and on the right settings was able to do a HIIT workout on this machine. Really tests cardio and builds strength in legs without knee strain or impact. At the same time this can be adjusted for grandmothers, kids, ladies doesn’t matter. Can’t recommend this highly enough. Been using it for 4mos and it’s very solid.” — Kevin

“My mother bought something similar years ago, 1988. I utilized it with intent to see how long it would last from excessive use. It’s still in her basement and works. This Sunny equipment is well built and sturdy. If size, space, portability, and cost are issues, then this is the one for you. With proper form (slight squat) this will give you the burn and conditioning you’re after. I can watch TV while burning calories and attaining fitness. This will shape your buttocks, thighs, hips, calves, and more without breaking the bank for one of those steppers your see in the gym. I can take this anywhere, like outside and on the porch for fresh air and a good cardio session. I definitely like the longer cylinders for resistance and sleek design. Keep that towel and water bottle within reach, for you will get the burn with this low impact, blood pumping exercise!” — EdMenSal

“i have been using it about three weeks now. It was easy to put together, and very sturdy. I wanted something to strengthen my quads. That set of muscles have gotten noticeably weaker as I’ve aged, and I could tell that the weak quads increased my fall risk. I am 66 yrs old, female, in a desk job during the week, but fairly active on most weekends. (I ride and work with horses, stack hay, and do other work around a small farm.) This stepper definitely targets quads! I use it a few times a day, about 50 steps each time. I really think it has helped already.

July 22, 2020: I can hardly believe I’ve used this for over 5 years now! It’s as good as new despite almost daily use.” — Errin

The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through “fake” hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)

Middle age is a time of life where there’s a lot going on.

Many in midlife are simultaneously responsible for the care of both elderly parents and young children (part of the so-called “sandwich generation”) while also facing the stresses of being mid-career and adjusting to the ways their bodies are changing.

There almost seems to be more to do in the same 24 hours during these years and, in turn, even less time for self-care.

But, unfortunately, skimping on that work of taking care of yourself can become normalized real quick — and it eventually adds up. In fact, the habits we pick up in middle age can have a direct effect on our long-term health and well-being.

In the spirit of longevity, HuffPost spoke to experts about the most common bad habits they see people develop in middle age — and what folks can do to turn things around.

Dr. Ashley Cremona-Simmons, a board-certified family medicine physician and the founder of @DrCSEquityRX, told HuffPost that one of the most harmful things someone in middle age can do is lose sleep. In fact, she sees more patients complaining about the difficulty of getting a good night’s sleep as they approach middle age.

Cremona-Simmons said that patients should try to go to bed at the same time every night, aiming for 7-9 hours of sleep.

There are a few lifestyle changes she recommends to help support that goal: patients should avoid caffeine after morning and turn off screens to wind down before bedtime.

Cremona-Simmons also noted that habits like “bed rotting” can impact sleep too — and recommends that beds should only be used for shut-eye and intimacy.

She points patients to CDC recommendations that “they should look for signs of poor sleep quality.”

“They should tell their doctor if they have issues falling asleep, feel very tired after sleeping or repeatedly wake up during the night,” Cremona-Simmons said. “These could be symptoms of sleep disorders that need further management.”

When life gets busy, it can often feel like there isn’t time to pull together a nutritious meal. That’s part of why adequate nutrition is one of the things that can easily fall off your radar in middle age, leading to less-than-great eating habits becoming the norm.

“There are so many recommendations surrounding what equates to adequate nutrition that it can be hard for patients to navigate,” said Cremona-Simmons. “Setting realistic goals increases the chance that the patient will actually meet them.”

Cremona-Simmons noted that maintaining a healthy weight can directly affect a patient’s likelihood of chronic disease in old age. Though genetics and environmental factors come into play, she always recommends a healthy diet for middle-aged patients. After all, it’s one element that they can control.

“I tell my patients to focus on eliminating processed foods as much as possible, focus on a varied diet with a lot of plant sources, and to increase consumption of fiber,” she said. “A diet heavy in plant sources and fermented foods helps maintain a proper gut biome.”

The benefits of physical activity are well-known, Cremona-Simmons said, noting that increasing exercise has been shown to improve muscle mass, symptoms of anxiety and depression, lower fasting glucose levels and more.

The CDC recommendation is for adults to aim for 150 minutes or more of moderate aerobic exercise and two days or more of strength training per week. After 65, they should also work on balance and mobility.

“I tell my patients to start with small goals, especially if they are relatively sedentary,” said Cremona-Simmons. “For example, they can start with just increasing their daily steps, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or taking breaks to walk around their office building. The goal is to get moving!”

Though physical activity is clearly vital for good health, Anna Di, a chiropractor and owner of UNITY Chiropractic Wellness in New York City, told HuffPost that it’s not enough to increase exercise one week and skip it the next. Instead, she said, a healthy movement routine hinges on a schedule.

“One of the biggest challenges middle-aged patients face is that they’re kind of at the peak of their lives, where there are so many things they have to juggle, that it becomes really easy to push physical health to the side because other things require more immediate attention,” said Di. “The budgeting of time to take care of your physical and mental health actually becomes even more important at this stage of life, but a lot of people do not realize that until symptoms start showing up.”

Di said accountability is hugely important when maintaining a consistent workout routine. It’s also important to try a range of movements, exercising different areas of the body.

“You are the doctor for that hour, treating yourself. That time is dedicated to getting better. Use this time to give yourself a good cardio workout, a patient but efficient stretch, or to do a few weight-training exercises,” she said. She added that trying new activities with a partner who can keep you accountable can also help prevent loneliness and, in turn, benefit mental health.

Di said one of the worst things a middle-aged patient can do is ignore pain. When specific movements become difficult or painful, it’s not a sign to become less active but to seek out support.

“One analogy I like to use is if you are taking a hammer and hitting your thumb over and over and over, eventually once the hammer is gone, even the tiniest tap against your thumb or grazing the skin becomes extremely sensitive because of all the repetitive trauma that builds up over time,” said Di. “That does not mean you can never use a hammer again. It means you need to coordinate better so you stop hitting your thumb and start hitting the nail on the head.”

She says beginning to move in ways that are not painful requires the conscious effort of “learning proper movement patterns, improving coordination, being patient with yourself during movement and sometimes working with specialists who can help guide you.”

“In middle age, sometimes the habits you had when you were younger really start to show. People notice that they are doing the same activities they used to do before, but now they do not recover as quickly, or they start feeling pain doing things that used to feel completely normal,” Di said. “A lot of people also lose confidence in movement because they are afraid of pain or reinjury.”

“But sometimes pain and bad habits happen because you do not yet have the strength, endurance, coordination, or even mental confidence to perform movements properly,” she continued.

Though it may be harder to make new friends in middle age, it is still a prime time to form emotionally healthy relationships and build community, as Gwenyth Lloyd and Sarah Burrows, two mental health professionals at the SUNY New Paltz Psychological Counseling Center, told HuffPost.

Old age becomes a bit of a catch-22 when it comes to a social life. It can feel increasingly difficult to make friends out in the wild and to find the time to see the people you already know and love, but supportive relationships also have an increasingly central role in well-being at this age.

“If they have not cultivated those positive, healthy relationships, [people in middle age] can experience an intense sense of isolation,” Burrows said. “Social support is critical.”

The treatment for isolation is simply finding community and connection.

It can be as simple as striking up conversations with people outside or deeper, like building reliable social networks around things you care about, Lloyd noted, emphasizing how her own faith community created that space for her.

“Whether it’s at church, the community center, no man is an island,” Lloyd said. “We all need that stimulation. We all need to feel loved, to feel accepted.”

Lloyd said addictive behaviors can have a detrimental effect on mental health. In fact, substance abuse is considered a co-occurring disorder because of the way it affects the well-being of addicted people.

Overindulging in things like drugs, alcohol and even sex can cause patients to abandon the healthy and stable routines that actually benefit their mental and physical health.

It doesn’t help that things like alcohol just hit your body differently—with many people losing the enzyme that helps us metabolize alcohol (alcohol dehydrogenase) as we get older.

Most of us don’t consider the way we talk to and about ourselves when we’re thinking about health, but our outward behaviors are generally a manifestation of what’s happening inside.

And hopelessness begins when we are mean to ourselves, according to Burrows and Lloyd.

“Another bad habit can be how you think. Having a very negative outlook on life, a pessimistic and a very self-critical attitude, internally shaming, guilting, berating yourself, leads to depression and withdrawal, and even fear of connecting with others,” Burrows said.

Negative self-talk can be the result of trauma or family dynamics that were never addressed developmentally or in therapy, Lloyd notes. It results in poor interpersonal relationships, cycles of anger and, ultimately, a diminished quality of life.

But Burrows and Lloyd say cultivating more positive attitudes is something that can be developed at any age.

“The prescription is laugh heartily, smile regularly, and say hello to the world,” Lloyd said.

You don’t want to forget your jawline whenever you’re upgrading a skincare routine. Thankfully, we’ve discovered a 7-pack of collagen chin masks that reviewers love for giving their jawline a youthful lift. In fact, a 58-year-old reviewer said the masks “took about 10 years off my face.” Shoppers admire the mask’s softness, non-odor and cooling abilities, saying it’s actually comfortable to sleep in. And if you need even more reason to give them a try, the masks are finally back on sale for 18% off, making them under $20 for a pack.

Designed with power-packed Japanese hydrogel, this mask is a true treasure for folks determined to sculpt their jawlines to perfection. Unlike other V-line face masks, these masks provide a precise lift and a stretchable fit, featuring ultra-soft ear loops for seamless, non-slip wear for face shapes.

“Color me surprised,” one reviewer shares. “I can’t believe this worked. I have lost 100 pounds after having gastric sleeve and my neck has noticeably been sagging and looking rough. I have only done two treatments so far, but even after one, the changes were super noticeable! I’m definitely going to add these masks to my nighttime skin routine.”

“It instantly made my neckline tight, smooth and younger looking,” another said. “I only wore it for an hour on the very first day and literally had my 18 year old daughter tell me she couldn’t understand how I looked SO young!”

Another shopper who used the mask before a family event says the tightening effect was so visible, “my mother asked me if I had cosmetic surgery!”

“It snatches perfectly, obviously professional level,” they wrote. “It’s a staple in my skincare routine.”

This beloved jaw-tightening mask also features a mix of natural ingredients — collagen, aloe vera, and hyaluronic acid — that work to deeply moisturize and refresh skin, while also boosting skin radiance. Granted, while skincare goals vary, everyone appreciates a product that can provide the basics while snatching your jawline to perfection.

“These masks really work! I can tell a huge difference in my jawline and neck,” says Cashlady. “These are much more comfortable on my ears because they stretch without breaking like some of the other brands. My face feels moisturized, soft, and smooth after each use, and I can see my jawline and neck tightening up after each use! I have tried several brands, and this is by far the best.”

If you’re ready to stop spending money on firming creams, painful masks, or trying to define your jawline with targeted exercises, these Stylia masks may be the missing piece to your nighttime routine.

Need more convincing before adding these to your cart? Take a look below to hear from other shoppers who are in awe of these jaw-tightening masks.

“I came across an ad for these. I figured it was just another scam and I was going to waste my money. I am pleasantly surprised by these. I feel like these are very high-quality and fit nicely. They stretich nicely, the silicone on the inside sticks very well and the outer side is a soft, felt like material. I’ve been wearing these with an additional chin strap at night for a few hours while watching TV and doing things around the house. After I remove this, I do my normal skin care routine and I have been wearing a chin strap at bedtime. I really didn’t think I would see any results. This morning I woke up and I honestly couldn’t believe my neck skin is tighter. I also started a few facial exercises. So I believe these along with the strap at bedtime and some facial exercises are making an impact on my skin. I absolutely recommend these. I think the key is to treat before it becomes a big problem. I wish they had these 30 years ago. I would’ve started treatment when I was 20 as a preventative.” — Dobie Girl

“I love this product. I had some facial injections in my chin, lip, and jaw area, and had significant bruising. I put this on right when I go to bed, and I leave it on all night. I also store it in the refrigerator. It really helped with the bruising, the overall texture of my skin, and especially improved the hydration of my skin. I also think it helps improve the jawline. I wake up, looking so refreshed. I have worn one every night for the past week and will probably go to once or twice a week, or when I need a pick-me-up. I will continue to re-purchase.” — DRA

“I was skeptical at first. However, using it according to the directions, it actually lifted and tightened my chin. I started noticing the difference after two weeks, so please be patient. People have noticed without me saying anything. I’m about to be 58 years old, and it looks like I took about 10 years off my face. It’s very comfortable; sometimes I forget I’ve put it on. It is definitely not sticky and fits your chin perfectly. It does say to stretch it before you put it on, but I recommend stretching it as you’re going along this way; you don’t overstretch it, so it fits perfectly around the ear without missing any part behind the jaw. They have no odor. I highly recommend these because it actually works. I am very pleased with the results.” — peppercorn

“This product is really good for lifting and smoothing out wrinkles on the neck. It doesn’t just work on the double chin; it also helps with the wrinkles on the neck while lifting up the chin. I really like these chin and neck lifts.” — Josephine Harris

The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through “fake” hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)

Neck pain seems to be on a mission to claim us all, but we’re down to put up a fight. So many of us live hunched over a computer or looking down at a phone (guilty boots right here). And if you’re over 40, chronic neck pain is like a rite of passage; that’s the age when it’s most common and becomes more frequent. That said, people are finding seriously “life-changing” relief in an unsuspecting $17 RestCloud stretcher they can use for 10 minutes a day. The number of folks who’ve endured multiple decades of neck pain who vouch for pain and tension is truly astounding. One reviewer even notes that it “saved me from surgery” (!) and a “car payment” worth of bills. We’ll definitely take this hidden gem for under $20, Alex!

“I was spending nearly a car payment each month on massage therapy and chiropractic,” he continued.

“The combination of this device and occasional chiropractic [visits], completely cured me. I am working out again like I’m 20 years younger. I don’t even need the massage therapy or the chiropractic anymore…I’ve never spent such a small amount of money for something so life-changing. ”

Just pull it out and lie on it for 10 to no more than 30 minutes a day, per the brand. Easy peasy. The ergonomic design allows for a three-way stretch that won’t feel like you’re playing a game of Twister. It elevates your neck and curves just so, helping to support your upper spine and neck while relieving pain, tension and stiffness.

“When I use this, I just lay on it for about five minutes to let the muscles in my neck relax and then I use my arms to gently flex head backwards across it,” Otta noted.

Reviewers who’ve experienced neck pain and chronic headaches for time periods ranging from four to 20 to 30 years credit their consistency with this simple gadget for their long-awaited relief.

“I have dealt with neck pain and tension for about 20 years,” shopper B. Arellano says.

″… I constantly need to go to the chiropractor as my neck easily gets out of place and I get horrible headaches. I bought this to see if I could give myself a little longer in between visits or some better relief at home.”

The results? ”… After using it for about five minutes a day, I instantly feel a huge relief once I stand back up and so much tension relieved in my neck.”

Winner winner chicken dinner. Seriously.

One person noted that they can finally sleep without their CPAP machine, which is wild in the best way??? Meanwhile, several credit this thing with helping to drain their sinuses and relieving pressure in the nasal area.

“I’ve had horrible sinus congestion and pressure for weeks. NOTHING over the counter was helping,” Canon Girl shared, noting that she bought it for her posture troubles but appreciated this “surprise benefit.”

“After using the RestCloud, everything is draining.”

Just when you thought your medicine cabinet held everything you needed to beat the sinus issues this spring, boom, another relaxing solution enters your purview.

One reviewer’s massage therapist actually recommended the Restcloud massager.

“I finally started seeing a massage therapist to work on my shoulders and neck which is REALLY helping,” reviewer Thistle shared.

“She suggested I borrow this Restcloud device. I took it for the weekend and immediately bought one. It gives me so much relief… When I use this for the recommended 10 minutes I genuinely feel that I stand straighter afterwards. I also don’t have the sore tugging on my cervical spine. I think my neck has been craving this sort of relaxation for years!!”

“OK, I don’t usually leave reviews, but this one is necessary. I never would’ve believed that this portable squishy object would make any difference but it really does. I have had neck problems for over 20 years and this thing however it works after I use it I don’t feel pain. It also helps my headaches as well. Go get it. It works.” — JC

“I’m on year 20 of being a dental hygienist and my neck has paid the price.This has made a big difference with my neck pain and has helped with posture and kyphosis.” — Mary Voronkoff

“This is putting my chiropractor out of my business. I do this before bed or after a long time on the computer for about 30 to 60 seconds and feel amazing.” — Amy L.

If you’ve ever had your hair dyed, your stylist likely recommended a particular shampoo and conditioner to keep your locks looking lush long after you leave their chair. If you’ve recently stopped dyeing your hair, are in the process of going gray or have been rocking the all-gray look for years, rest assured, there are special products for you, too.

In fact, there’s a shampoo and conditioner system designed to address the unique needs of natural gray and blonde hair: Luseta’s “Color Brightening” purple shampoo and conditioner. Coming in two 16.9-ounce bottles with an easy-pump top, users say it’s a salon-quality set for a budget price, which is even better today, as it’s currently 37% off, according to our price trackers.

Wherever you are on your “gray journey,” reviewers seem confident that this set will upgrade your hair in the best way. “I did not expect all of the compliments about my graying hair,” says one user.

Per the rave reviews from folks who’ve gone gray or are blonde, this set is the best on the market for keeping their un-colored strands feeling silky and looking “luminescent.” The pair is designed to balance out the naturally gray and blond hues while nourishing the strands for long-term hair health. Some call it their “hair savior,” saying it’s a “must-have for anyone who wants their silver hair to sparkle.” Others say that after using it, it looks “like there’s a spotlight shining on my hair.”

The shampoo formula addresses brassy and yellow hues, split ends and deep cleaning needs. Meanwhile, the conditioner works to restore moisture, protect and repair heat damage and environmental stress while topping the hair off with a glossy finish. Both products are also paraben-, sulfate- and gluten-free!

One reviewer who recently stopped coloring their hair after 30 years of dying wrote, “My hair has never felt so clean, soft, shiny” while a reviewer in their mid-sixties who’s been dye-free for 12 years said this duo made their hair “brighter and healthier in appearance.”

It seems nearly everyone who uses it agrees on the product’s brightening and de-brassing ability, noting their gray hair almost looks like shiny silver. Even a reviewer with self-described “stark white” hair gave the set 5 stars.

“I am completely amazed at how much it has toned down my bright white color,” they wrote. “Friends are even asking if I am again ‘coloring’ my hair. I am so pleased with the outcome. And it holds the “toning down” in between shampoos.”

Many say they came to this set after not wanting to keep shelling out for more expensive options, and have been positively surprised by the results. “The best affordable gray hair product I’ve used yet!” one wrote. “My hair is shiny, and feels very healthy,” nothing the conditioner doesn’t make their hair greasy.

Whether you’ve long been gray all the way or are just starting your journey, check out some of these 5-star reviews of the Luseta brightening purple shampoo and conditioner before grabbing yours on sale.

“I think my hair is beautiful . It’s still a solid brown with lots of silver grey around my face . My hair grows with wild abandon , reminding me of wild ocean waves with waves of brown and silver mixed together . Lately my hair was looking dry lifeless and dull . I have used a purple shampoo before but ran out and never replaced it . I went to Amazon expecting to buy the same product . Instead I found a bunch of purple shampoo . When I read the reviews this product seemed like it would be good for me . I bought the shampoo and conditioner as a set . The review’s said the product is runney , mine isn’t . Everything else was accurate , my hair is curlier , shiny , soft , and smells good . The silver shines and sparkles like there’s a spotlight shining on my hair. . I am very happy with this product . I mostly bought my shampoo and conditioner from the dollar store . The price was a bit of a shocker for me but the other purple shampoo wasn’t cheap either . This is a case of you get what you pay for . If I want to look good , and I do , then I will continue to buy this product .” — Les Claus

“I wanted to wait to use this product for awhile to see how it worked with my hair. I have to say I love it! I received the glossy pearl ( the white set) as a gift. I purchased the thickening set ( the purple set) as I am on medication which effects my hair. I now. have waist length hair. Was this shampoo responsible for the growth of my hair? Not entirely, but it helped. I also purchased the mint and rosemary set ( the light green set) for strengthening. I have to say I am incredibly satisfied with all of them. As I said I have waist length hair. It is blonde and it is fine in texture. It can be a beast to work with. This line of products has been a great help! I have found them to be a great value for the money. Alitle goes a long way. Keep in mind when you wash your hair you only need to apply shampoo to your scalp. The remainder of your hair will be washed as the soap rinses from your hair. Then when applying conditioner you squeeze the water from your hair then apply conditioner half way up your hair shaft. Applying more than this is a waste. If you apply conditioner to your entire hair shaft and scalp you simply over condition as well as risk your hair becoming greasy. You hair closest to your scalp is conditioned by the natural oils your body produces via your scalp. Anyway back to the review. The scent of the three sets I have tried were lovely and not over powering. My hair feels wonderful afterwards. The sets do exactly what they say they are going to do. The glossy pearl controls frizz and makes my hair incredibly shiny. It looks and feels amazing..The rosemary shampoo is lovely as well. My hair is stronger and I have much less breakage. The biotin shampoo helped my hair look and feel thicker. Most people don’t know normal growth, fall, replacement for a person is typically 50 hairs a day. Some people have more, some people less. It is when you have bald spots and you can clearly see scalp it is time to worry. I truly have not been unhappy with any of the sets I have tried!” — Kindle Customer

“Shampoo and conditioner arrived in a cute box intact. Added bonus of stickers. I bought this because I’m letting my grays grow in and have tried various products to blend my grays. This is the one that works for me. Smells wonderful and leaves my hair soft with body and my grays appear more platinum. Love it.” — jennie bezick

Looking for products for thicker hair? Check out this collection of highly-rated prodcuts by Senior Shopping Writer, Tessa Flores.

The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through “fake” hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)