As we get older, it’s normal for our bodies to slow down. We may not be able to run as fast, breeze through household chores or even get up from a chair the way we used to. However, that doesn’t mean life has to slow down too. In fact, continuing to challenge the body and mind into older age may have surprising benefits. According to a doctor who specializes aging, there’s one thing in common among her healthiest patients in their 70s, 80s and 90s. It’s not a specific diet or workout, but rather, an approach to life. “I don’t want people to think aging or disability is a failure,” Dr. Stephanie Rogers, a professor of medicine in the division of geriatrics at the University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, tells TODAY.com. But it’s not a time to give up, either. “There’s a lot that we can do to adapt and be happy and thrive, and sometimes improve or reverse (age-related conditions),” she says. That’s why the healthiest older people she treats tend to avoid one thing: Longevity tip of the day: Avoid getting too comfortable if you want to age healthier One of the biggest things Rogers wants people to avoid as they age is comfort, she says. That doesn’t mean depriving oneself of a plush bed or hot showers. It means not getting too comfortable. Instead, Rogers wants older adults to keep pushing themselves physically, cognitively and socially — to a degree that may cause manageable discomfort, but without overdoing it or causing harm. “If we are always doing the same thing, our body will get too comfortable and stop adapting, improving or even regenerating as well,” says Rogers. “However, if we’re always slightly switching things up a little bit, our body has to stay on its toes.” Diet Exercise Jul 8 This 10-second balance test may help predict how long you'll live, research shows Health Wellness Aug 9 The best age to start building bone density, according to doctors Why it matters “It gets down to the cellular biology of our bodies, which is you either grow or die on a cellular level,” says Rogers. The idea is that exposing the body to low amounts of stress can strengthen cells, also known as hormesis. “You want to always be kind of tricking your body with something new,” she explains. One example is doing the same strength exercises over an over. “You’ll be quite stable and strong doing them, but a lot of other things will atrophy in place of that,” Rogers notes. Switching up your routine will be difficult at first, but it will stimulate the muscles, nerves and joints in a new way that builds strength. “They have to fire and grow and change,” she says, which can improve balance and mobility. Ultimately, Rogers wants people to know our body and our lives can become better with age. “Studies show that people who have a positive view of aging really do age better.” How to get started Challenging yourself can look different for everyone. If you have underlying conditions or concerns, always check with your doctor before trying a new physical activity. Here are some ideas to get started: Try a new low-impact strength training routine. Make friends with someone of a different age. Go on a solo trip. Learn a new artistic skill. Practice another language. Incorporate new foods into your diet. One last tip from Rogers: Try to have fun. If you don’t enjoy something, you can always switch gears. This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY: The No. 1 thing to do before taking a new supplement, according to a cardiologist Forget 10,000 steps: A psychiatrist says this simpler walking goal can boost mood This 1 drink is more hydrating than water, dietitian says ...read more read less