More than 90 percent of American seniors age 65 and older want to remain in their homes and age in place as they grow older, according to an AARP report. It’s not surprising -- particularly among people who are accustomed to living alone -- that so many seniors want to maintain their independence. But living independently in one’s golden years requires maintaining control over one’s physical and mental well-being, and that means making good lifestyle decisions, eating healthy, and staying active and socially connected.

Seniors who stay connected to friends and loved ones tend to remain physically active and benefit mentally and emotionally from frequent interaction. Social engagement helps seniors feel involved in others’ lives, which makes regular contact so important. If you live too far away for personal contact spend some time catching up through social media. Make frequent use of Skype and FaceTime so you can spend some time eye-to-eye with those who are closest to you.

Physical activity can do a lot to alleviate depression and help you feel better emotionally as well as physically. That’s an important factor considering the high cost of giving into despair and depression, which can lead to loss of appetite and weight loss; feelings of worthlessness; suicidal thoughts; memory problems; and a loss of motivation and energy. Go for a walk with friends a couple times a week or, if you’d rather exercise with companions, take a yoga class with friends but be sure it’s the right kind of yoga. If you have mobility limitations, a class that’s too strenuous can do more harm than good, so look for an instructor with experience working with older adults. Remember, the key is to engage in some form of exercise on a regular basis.

Focus on preventative health this year by taking advantage of your free annual wellness check through Medicare. If you’re taking multiple prescription medications, pay attention to any symptoms that could indicate a dangerous interaction. Such reactions might include sleepiness, loss of appetite or a combination of allergic reactions. Older adults are more prone to getting cavities and oral infections as they grow older, so be sure to visit the dentist at least every six months.

Knowing how to get the most of your Medicare coverage requires understanding your rights and taking advantage of your free Medicare annual wellness check-ups. You should also shop around for the best deal on Part D prescription coverage, since coverage options change from year to year. Consider adding a Medicare Advantage plan, which combines services associated with Parts A, B and D all rolled into one plan, or add some other form of supplemental coverage if you have a chronic illness.

Researchers believe that memory loss and other forms of mental decline in seniors is related to lifestyle habits. Play word games, read detective novels, take up an engaging new hobby or volunteer with a local charitable organization. You’ll find that staying mentally active helps you achieve a positive outlook and stay motivated.

It’s important to eat healthy as one ages and to emphasize high-fiber foods including vegetables, fruit and whole grains to help an older adult’s digestive system work properly. Dehydration is also a problem as seniors grow older, so it’s essential to drink plenty of water every day.