(BPT) - Living a long life is worthy of celebration, but living a long healthy life is the ultimate goal. When given the gift of more years, most of us hope to be able to live them well - happy, active and free from chronic illness or pain. While there is some element of luck and genetics at play, there are steps we can take to help make it more likely those years are good ones - and there's no time like the present to start. Fortunately, AARP members have access to benefits that can help save money on many of those pursuits.

Nourish and nurture the body

A balanced, nutritious diet can help keep you at a healthy weight while providing vital nutrients to fuel your body. It can also help protect against illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and more. For those who aren't comfortable in the kitchen, meal delivery alternatives that focus on a balanced diet are an easy solution. AARP members can access them affordably.

One way is through Daily Harvest, which offers easy-to-prep complete meal solutions that can be customized for your dietary needs. You can choose from over 100 delicious breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks, all built on fruits and vegetables delivered right to your door. AARP members receive $50 off their first order of nine items or more, and 10% off future orders by entering their AARP membership number on Daily Harvest's website and creating an account.

Silver Cuisine by bistroMD is another option that provides chef-prepared meals from the comfort of home. These dishes are created with the nutritional needs of people 50+ in mind. AARP members save 25% and get free shipping on their first order of $99 or more of Silver Cuisine™ chef-prepared meals, including specialty diet meals such as heart-healthy, gluten-free, diabetic-friendly and more. Plus, save 10% and get free shipping on all subsequent orders of $99 or more.

Take care of your body

Staying active is important for physical and mental health, but so is preventive care. It's a good idea to maintain regular checkups to establish a baseline and address any ailments before they become more serious.

For people on Medicare who may not have a primary care provider, AARP members and non-members can visit the Oak Street Health website to locate a doctor and schedule an appointment. Oak Street Health focuses on prevention with personalized care to help stay healthy - physically, mentally and socially. Benefits include same-day/next-day appointments where available, convenient locations, a care team dedicated to each patient, and a 24/7 patient support line.

Taking care of your body also means prioritizing often overlooked areas like dental care. Regular visits to the dentist not only brighten your smile, but they can also monitor and prevent disease. Studies have increasingly found a link between dental issues like plaque, gum disease and gingivitis, and other more serious bodily conditions. AARP members have access to information on dental insurance plan options for a variety of budgets and needs.

Eye health is another area to consider. By visiting an ophthalmologist or optometrist once a year, you can help keep your vision sharp so you can enjoy beautiful sights while avoiding injuries and falls. AARP members have access to information on vision insurance options that offer plans and a large doctor network, affordable glasses, lens enhancements and more.

You can also save on prescription eyeglasses with AARP^® Vision Discounts provided by EyeMed. Save 50% on prescription lenses with the purchase of a frame at LensCrafters, 30% on a complete pair of glasses (frames and lenses) at Glasses.com and save an additional $10 on a complete pair at Target Optical.

Medication is important in managing pain and conditions such as high blood pressure or debilitating arthritis. AARP^® Prescription Discounts Provided by OptumRx can help keep the costs of those prescriptions down. AARP members and non-members can receive a free prescription discount card that can be used at over 66,000 pharmacies nationwide for savings on all FDA-approved medications. AARP members also receive additional benefits, like deeper discounts on medications, home delivery, coverage for dependents and more.

Plan fulfilling experiences

When you feel good, you're more likely to want to travel and pursue new experiences, but the reverse is also true - travel and new experiences can help energize you and foster mental wellness. Whether it's a solo trip for rest and relaxation, or a group outing with friends and family, there are so many benefits that come from exploring new places, activities and cultures.

Booking your travel is made simple with AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia, a one-stop shop where AARP members can receive exclusive deals on hotels, car rentals, cruises and more. Members get exclusive deals, seasonal offers and special savings when they book through the platform.

The first few months of the year are an especially good time to explore the world from the water. It's 'Wave Season,' or the period when cruise vacations are at their cheapest. AARP members can save up to $200 onboard credit on select cruises with Holland America Line, whose fleet of 11 ships offers more than five hundred sailings a year visiting all 7 continents, including cruises in Alaska, the Caribbean, Mexico and Europe.

Let 2024 be the year you prioritize adding more well-lived years to your life. With AARP member benefits, you can embark on this journey with practical and cost-effective solutions, ensuring a healthier and more fulfilling life chapter.

AARP member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details.