Adria Navarro, PhD
Program Manager
USC Verdugo Hills Hospital
Community Resource Center for Aging

The new year offers a chance to reset, not through drastic resolutions but through thoughtful and achievable health priorities. Successful aging means prioritizing five areas of life. How are you managing health prevention, nourishment, movement, rest and your sense of connection with others? Small steps can lead to meaningful, lasting change. For more than five years USC VHH Community Resource Center for Aging (often referred by acronym CRCA or simply shortened to Resource Center) has been consulting with older adults and their care partners to enhance and improve upon these successful aging domains. 

Some psychosocial issues may make successful aging feel elusive. Yet in many situations there are options. Confidential conversations start the process of finding support aimed at complementing your medical care. Reflect on what matters to you – both “how” you want to age and “why.” We all have intrinsic drivers, perhaps related to love, security, growth or making a difference. By evaluating your situation there is a focus on “what” local programs/services are available and best suited to address current needs as well as “where” to find them. 

Preventive health remains one of the most effective ways to stay well. Annual checkups, recommended screenings, dental visits and routine vaccinations help identify concerns early – often before symptoms appear. Making preventive care a priority can reduce longterm health risks and support better quality of life.

Healthy eating doesn’t require dramatic overhauls. Small, consistent changes – adding more fruits and vegetables, choosing whole grains, reducing added sugars and cooking at home more often – can have a meaningful impact. Many people find success by planning meals ahead or adopting simple guidelines like “half the plate vegetables.”

Regular physical activity supports heart health, strengthens muscles and bones, improves mood and boosts energy. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s consistency. Walking, stretching, dancing, gardening or taking short movement breaks during the day all count. Finding activities that feel enjoyable makes it easier to stay active throughout the year.

Mental health is an essential part of overall health. This year, more people are recognizing the importance of managing stress, building supportive relationships and seeking help when needed. Practices like mindfulness, journaling, therapy and unplugging from screens can help create space for rest and clarity.

Sleep is often overlooked yet it plays a critical role in memory, mood, immune function and longterm health. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule, limiting late night screen time, and creating a calming bedtime routine can make a significant difference. For many, improving sleep is one of the most transformative health changes they can make.

Simple habits – drinking enough water, moderating alcohol and avoiding tobacco – remain foundational to good health. These small daily choices accumulate over time, shaping how we feel and function.

Personal health priorities are easier to reach when they’re shared. Community support often turns individual goals into sustainable habits. Joining a walking group, cooking with family or checking in with a friend about progress can provide accountability and encouragement. 

In addition to consultations, the Resource Center offers services designed to complement other providers in the community. CRCA connects 1) those experiencing dementia-related caregiving, 2) processing grief and loss, 3) managing solo aging and 4) writing a guided autobiography. 

For reservations and more information, reach out to the USC VHH Community Resource Center for Aging at (818) 949-4033 or email Aging-Resources@med.usc.edu.