This article outlines the top causes of death for adults over the age of 65, starting with the number one cause: heart disease. Using disease prevention strategies, such as eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight, can help you avoid or reduce the impact of some these conditions.

These conditions are associated with—or caused by—diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and hyperlipidemia (high levels of fat in the blood). Smoking, improper diet, obesity, too much alcohol, lack of exercise, and family history increase your risk of developing heart disease.

That means that quitting smoking (or not starting), achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, drinking alcohol in moderation, and eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet can all help reduce your risk of heart disease.

If you have a family history of heart disease or you have any of the conditions associated with heart disease, talk to your healthcare provider about how to lower your personal risk.

Lifestyle changes that may reduce your risk of developing cancer include not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, eating more fruits and vegetables, and cutting back on red and processed meats. Using sun protection can also help protect against the development of skin cancer.

A recent study also showed that people who engaged in recommended amounts of exercise had a statistically significant reduction in seven of the 15 cancer types studied.

The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is to get your vaccine and booster shots. Follow appropriate masking guidance for your area, and avoid contact with people who are sick.

If you are diagnosed with COVID-19, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about any underlying conditions you have, and when your symptoms might warrant a trip to the hospital.

Strokes can cause paralysis, speech disorders, swallowing problems, and immobility. High blood pressure (hypertension) is the most important risk factor for stroke, but diabetes, high cholesterol, and smoking also increase the risk.

Quitting smoking and managing conditions such as high blood pressure with the help of your healthcare provider can help lower your risk of stroke.

Avoiding head trauma will reduce your risk. Ways to do this include wearing a seat belt and wearing a helmet when playing contact sports. Challenging your brain by studying a new area or learning a new skill may also offer some protection. Smoking has also been linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

Diabetes may increase your risk, and studies have shown that people with high blood sugar had more rapid cognitive decline compared to those with normal blood sugar. Diet may have a significant protective effect. Research has shown that the MIND diet reduced the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by as much as 53%. The MIND diet is a hybrid of the Mediterranean and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diets.

The most important thing you can do to prevent or slow the progression of CLRD is to stop smoking (or not start) and avoid secondhand smoke. Be mindful of using a wood-burning stove or fireplace, as they can increase also increase your risk of lung damage.

Maintaining an appropriate weight by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can reduce your risk of developing diabetes.

Smokers are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Quit smoking or avoid it altogether.

Balance disorders, failing eyesight, and slower reflexes may contribute to a greater risk of accidents in people aged 65 and older.

Exercise programs can help you improve your balance and maintain strength. Other steps you can take to minimize your risks of a fall include: keeping eyeglass prescriptions up to date, rising slowly from a sitting position (to avoid getting dizzy), and wearing rubber-soled, flat shoes.

It’s also important to be aware of potential side effects of prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications.

If left untreated, kidney inflammation can cause your kidneys to fail (also called renal failure). When your kidneys fail, toxins can build up because your body can’t filter your blood properly. You may see a decrease in urine output. Chronic renal failure may lead to a ​need for dialysis. See a healthcare provider for treatment if you have symptoms of a kidney problem.

Talk to your healthcare provider about annual vaccines that can help you keep from getting sick. Practice good hand hygiene to avoid spreading germs and avoid exposure to cigarette smoke to help your lungs stay strong.