How to stay healthy at every age
As we move through life, our priorities shift – but one thing remains constant: when you look after your health, you feel stronger, more energised, and ready for whatever comes next. That can mean different things at different stages – preventive care, screenings, or wellbeing support.
With so many options, it can be overwhelming to know what’s right for you. That’s where your private health cover comes in, helping you access the right care when you need it, whether it’s check-ups, treatments, or member-only perks. Let’s break it down by decade, with key health priorities and practical ways to stay on top of your wellbeing in your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond.
Your 20s: Build a healthy foundation
Your health might not always be at the top of your 'to-do’ list in your 20s, but building good habits now sets you up for a healthier future.
Keep an eye on: Your mental health
Life is changing at lightning speed – studies, work, relationships. It’s no surprise that 1 in 5 young Australians experience mental health challenges.
Check in with yourself: Noticing shifts in your mood, motivation or stress? A chat with a mental health professional can help.
Stay active: Exercise isn’t just for fitness – it's also a great way to boost your mood and manage stress.
Build a support network: Friends, family or a mental health program can be a game-changer.
How private health insurance can help: Some of our Extras policies cover mental health support, helping you stay on top of your wellbeing. nib has partnered with Lifeline to deliver the Lifeline Support Toolkit to help Australians navigate self-help resources and take ownership of their mental health experience.
Read more: Healthy habits to start in your 20s and Health checks in your 20s
Your 30s: Balance health and life
Between career, family and personal goals, your 30s can be full-on. But your health needs to be part of the mix too.
Keep an eye on: Early signs of chronic diseases
Hypertension and type 2 diabetes can creep up in your 30s, often due to stress, diet or lack of exercise.
Get regular check-ups: A simple heart health or diabetes screening could catch potential issues early.
Move every day: Whether it’s gym sessions, home workouts, rock climbing or hiking with friends, get moving and stay moving.
Make time for meals: Balanced eating isn’t just about weight management, it helps fuel your energy and mental clarity. In other words, skip the snacky stuff.
How private health insurance can help: With the right cover, we’ll pay benefits towards your gym membership, personal training sessions and weight management programs (like Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers). For more information on how to claim, head to our Gym and weight management claiming page.
Read more: Healthy habits to start in your 30s and Health checks in your 30s
Your 40s: Look after your heart
Your 40s are a great time to reassess habits and make small, powerful changes to protect your heart and overall health.
Keep an eye on: Heart health
Your risk of high cholesterol, high blood pressure and weight gain increases, so make sure to look after that heart of yours.
Schedule a heart health check: Quick tests and health checks can detect early warning signs before they become serious.
Eat smart: Swap processed foods for lean proteins, whole grains, and heart-friendly fats. Healthy food can be tasty, too. Add some new recipes to your bag of tricks.
Find a workout you love: Strength training, Pilates or even brisk walking can help maintain heart and muscle health. If you get bored, try something new. Tennis anyone?
How private health insurance can help: Get a little bit of extra support with your health by accessing a health management program through our partner Honeysuckle Health. Whether you want help with your heart health or weight management, there’s a program that can give you the support you need.
Read more: Healthy habits to start in your 40s and Health checks in your 40s
Your 50s: Future-proof your health
With regular check-ups and smart lifestyle tweaks, you can keep living your best life.
Keep an eye on: Chronic conditions and cancer
Health risks like osteoporosis, arthritis and some cancers become more common in your 50s.
Book regular screenings: Mammograms, bowel cancer tests and prostate checks can catch issues early.
Protect your bones: Strength training and calcium-rich foods help prevent bone density loss.
Stay active and social: Exercise and social engagement boost both physical and mental health. They go well together, too.
How private health insurance can help: This can be an important time for you to check your private health insurance hospital cover and ensure you’re covered for everything you might need.
Read more: Healthy habits to start in your 50s and Health checks in your 50s
Your 60s and beyond: Keep your body and brain top of mind
Your 60s and beyond are all about staying active, connected and doing more of what you love.
Keep an eye on: Cognitive health and mobility
The risk of dementia, osteoporosis and balance issues increases, but there’s plenty you can do to stay sharp and steady on your feet.
Challenge your brain: Reading, puzzles, learning a new skill – it all helps keep your mind active.
Prioritise mobility: Gentle exercise, like yoga, Pilates or strength training, keeps joints and muscles strong.
Have a chat: Social interactions aren’t just good fun – they help lower the risk of cognitive decline, boost mental health and prevent isolation.
How private health insurance can help: If you haven’t been staying on top of your health checks then now is the time to start. Book an appointment with your GP to get up to date with the latest tests and develop a health plan to keep you running well past the next decade. Review your private health cover to make sure it aligns with your health needs and goals.
Read more: Health checks in your 60s
Your health, your future
The best way to look after your future self? Start now. Whether you’re in your 20s, 40s or 60s, small steps today can help you feel stronger, more energised and ready for what’s next. And no matter what life stage you’re in, private health cover can be your partner in wellbeing – helping you access preventive care expert support to keep you feeling your best.
If you’re already an nib member, you can login to your account to make sure your cover has got everything you need – plus access bonus benefits to help you manage your health proactively. If you’re not an nib member just yet, get a quote to compare plans to ensure you’re getting the most value from your private health cover.
The information contained in this article is provided as general information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For personalised medical advice, always consult your qualified healthcare professional.