After 75, the risk of several serious health conditions increases. Learn about five major threats to healthy aging and practical ways to protect your heart, brain, lungs, strength and independence.
Reaching 75 is not a deadline for good health.
In fact, many people remain active, independent and mentally sharp well into their 80s and 90s. But aging does change the odds: certain chronic diseases become more common, muscles and bones can become weaker, balance may decline, and recovery from illness or injury can take longer.
That’s why prevention becomes especially important in later life.
A popular claim says that “99% of deaths after age 75 are caused by five things.” That statistic is too simplistic and should not be presented as an established medical fact.
The real message is more useful: several major diseases and injuries account for a substantial proportion of deaths among older adults, and many of the factors that influence them can be addressed through healthy habits, preventive care and appropriate medical treatment.
So what should someone over 75 pay particular attention to?
1. Heart Disease
Heart disease remains one of the biggest threats to longevity.
In U.S. mortality data for 2024, heart disease was the leading cause of death overall, with more than 683,000 deaths recorded.
The risk of cardiovascular disease increases with age, but growing older does not mean heart disease is inevitable.
What can you do?
Keep track of important cardiovascular risk factors, including:
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol
- Blood sugar
- Smoking
- Physical activity
- Body weight
- Diet
- Existing heart conditions
If you’ve been prescribed medication for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes or heart disease, take it as directed and discuss side effects or concerns with your healthcare professional rather than stopping treatment on your own.
Don’t ignore unusual symptoms
Older adults don’t always experience heart problems in exactly the same way.
Seek urgent medical attention for symptoms such as new or severe chest pressure, significant difficulty breathing, fainting, or other sudden concerning symptoms.
The goal isn’t simply to live longer.
It’s to remain strong enough to enjoy those extra years.
2. Cancer
Cancer is another major cause of death, and its risk generally increases with age.
In 2024 U.S. mortality data, cancer was the second-leading cause of death overall.
But “cancer” isn’t one disease. Different cancers have different risk factors, screening recommendations and treatments.
What can help?
Depending on your age, health history and personal risk, preventive care may include appropriate screening for cancers such as:
- Colorectal cancer
- Breast cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Lung cancer in certain people with a significant smoking history
- Skin cancers and other cancers when symptoms or risk factors warrant evaluation
Screening recommendations can change with age, and not every screening test is appropriate for every person over 75.
That’s why decisions should be individualized with a healthcare professional.
Pay attention to changes
Don’t automatically blame new symptoms on “old age.”
Persistent unexplained weight loss, unusual bleeding, a new lump, changes in bowel habits, persistent difficulty swallowing, or a cough that doesn’t go away deserve medical evaluation.
Early diagnosis can make a major difference for many cancers.
3. Falls and Other Unintentional Injuries
This one is often underestimated.
A fall that might cause a minor bruise in a younger person can result in a serious fracture or head injury in an older adult.
CDC data list unintentional injuries among the leading causes of death in older adults, with falls representing a particularly important source of injury.
The good news is that fall prevention is something you can actively work on.
Make your home safer
Look around your home for hazards such as:
- Loose rugs
- Poor lighting
- Cluttered walkways
- Electrical cords across floors
- Slippery bathroom surfaces
- Missing handrails
- Items stored too high to reach safely
Consider grab bars and nonslip surfaces in bathrooms and better lighting on stairs and hallways.
Strength and balance matter
Regular physical activity can improve strength, balance and physical function.
The National Institute on Aging recommends combining aerobic activity with muscle-strengthening and balance exercises as part of healthy aging.
You don’t have to begin with an intense workout.
Walking, chair exercises, resistance exercises and balance activities can be adapted to an individual’s abilities.
If someone is frail or has significant medical conditions, ask a healthcare professional or physical therapist about an appropriate exercise program.
4. Stroke
A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted or when bleeding occurs in the brain.
Stroke remains one of the leading causes of death, disability and loss of independence among older adults.
One of the most important things you can do is manage stroke risk factors.
These include:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
- Certain heart rhythm problems
- Physical inactivity
- Excess alcohol consumption
Know the warning signs
Think FAST:
F — Face: One side of the face may droop.
A — Arms: One arm may suddenly become weak or numb.
S — Speech: Speech may become slurred, confused or difficult to understand.
T — Time: Call emergency medical services immediately.
A stroke is a medical emergency.
Do not wait to see whether symptoms disappear.
5. Chronic Lung Disease and Respiratory Infections
Lung health becomes increasingly important as we age.
Chronic lower respiratory diseases were among the leading causes of death in U.S. mortality data, and CDC data also place chronic lower respiratory disease among the leading causes affecting older adults.
Conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can make breathing difficult and reduce physical capacity.
Protect your lungs
If you smoke, quitting is one of the most valuable steps you can take for your health—even later in life.
Also try to reduce exposure to:
- Secondhand smoke
- Indoor air pollution
- Dust and chemical fumes
- Poorly ventilated environments
Vaccination can also be an important part of protecting older adults against serious respiratory infections. Which vaccines are appropriate depends on age, health conditions and local recommendations, so discuss them with your healthcare professional.
Don’t ignore breathing changes
Persistent coughing, increasing shortness of breath, unexplained wheezing, coughing up blood or a major change in exercise tolerance should be evaluated.
Sudden severe breathing difficulty requires urgent medical attention.
What About Alzheimer’s Disease?
Although the five categories above are important, it would be misleading to leave out dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease is also among the leading causes of death in older adults in U.S. data.
There is no guaranteed way to prevent dementia.
However, protecting cardiovascular health, remaining physically active, staying socially connected, getting adequate sleep and managing conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes can contribute to healthier aging.
And cognitive changes should not simply be dismissed as “normal aging.”
Occasional forgetfulness can happen with age, but progressive problems with memory, judgment, communication or everyday activities deserve professional evaluation.
The Five Habits That Matter Most
There isn’t one food, supplement or morning drink that can protect an older person from all major diseases.
Instead, healthy aging comes from a collection of relatively simple habits.
1. Keep Moving
Physical activity is one of the most powerful tools available for healthy aging.
The National Institute on Aging notes that exercise can improve physical function, support independence, reduce fall risk and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and several chronic conditions.
The ideal amount and intensity depend on your health and fitness level.
Even small amounts of movement are worthwhile.
2. Eat for Strength, Not Just Weight
Older adults need adequate nutrition to maintain muscle, bones and overall function.
Build meals around a variety of:
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Whole grains
- Beans and lentils
- Fish or other protein sources
- Eggs, poultry or lean meats
- Nuts and seeds
- Healthy fats
Adequate protein becomes particularly important when trying to preserve muscle mass.
A healthy diet can also help manage cardiovascular risk factors, diabetes and other chronic conditions.
3. Keep Your Medical Appointments
Preventive healthcare becomes especially important with age.
Regular appointments can help monitor:
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol
- Blood sugar
- Kidney function
- Medication safety
- Vision and hearing
- Vaccinations
- Fall risk
- Cognitive concerns
Bring a current list of all medications and supplements to appointments.
This is particularly important if several different doctors are involved in your care.
4. Protect Your Social Connections
Healthy aging isn’t only about food and exercise.
Social isolation and loneliness can negatively affect overall well-being, while staying connected can support emotional and mental health.
Make time for:
- Family
- Friends
- Neighbors
- Community activities
- Religious or cultural groups
- Walking groups
- Hobbies
- Volunteering
Even a regular phone call can make a difference.
5. Don’t Ignore Small Changes
One of the most important habits after 75 is paying attention to changes in your body.
Don’t automatically assume that:
“I’m just getting old.”
New symptoms can have treatable causes.
Examples include:
- Sudden weakness
- New balance problems
- Unexplained weight loss
- Increasing breathlessness
- Persistent swelling
- New confusion
- Repeated falls
- Chest discomfort
- Changes in vision
- Persistent pain
- Loss of appetite
Getting checked early can sometimes prevent a small problem from becoming a much larger one.
What You Shouldn’t Do After 75
Healthy aging isn’t about doing everything perfectly.
It’s about avoiding unnecessary risks.
Don’t:
- Start extreme diets without medical advice
- Take large doses of supplements simply because they’re advertised as “anti-aging”
- Stop prescribed medication without speaking to your clinician
- Ignore repeated falls
- Stay inactive because you think exercise is “too late”
- Assume every symptom is normal aging
- Try aggressive weight-loss programs without professional guidance
The goal is function, independence and quality of life, not simply a number on the scale.
A Simple Healthy-Aging Checklist
If you’re over 75—or helping an older family member—use this checklist as a starting point:
Every day
- Move your body.
- Eat nutritious meals.
- Drink adequate fluids unless your doctor has prescribed fluid restriction.
- Take medications as prescribed.
- Stay socially connected.
- Get adequate sleep.
Regularly
- Check blood pressure when appropriate.
- Review medications.
- Keep recommended medical appointments.
- Have vision and hearing concerns addressed.
- Review fall hazards at home.
- Keep vaccinations up to date according to medical advice.
- Discuss appropriate cancer screening with your clinician.
The Bottom Line
There is no credible basis for saying that 99% of deaths after age 75 come from exactly five causes.
But the underlying message is worth paying attention to.
Heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic respiratory disease and unintentional injuries are major threats to older adults, while Alzheimer’s disease and other chronic conditions also contribute substantially to mortality.
And many of the things that help protect against these problems are surprisingly ordinary:
Move regularly. Eat well. Don’t smoke. Manage blood pressure and other chronic conditions. Prevent falls. Keep up with appropriate preventive care. Stay socially connected. And don’t ignore new symptoms.
Age 75 isn’t the end of healthy living.
For many people, it can be the beginning of a stage of life where protecting strength, independence and health becomes even more intentional.