WASHINGTON, D.C. (7News) — Award-winning journalist and book author Steven Petrow joined Good Morning Washington recently to provide exclusive tips that will help people age gracefully and avoid making the same health mistakes made by their parents.

“We have to be a little more aware of what we’re doing and make some small adjustments as we go along,” Petrow said. “Doing one thing was fine when I was 20, but not so much in my sixties.”

Petrow’s essay in the Washington Post, “Five tips for aging better than your parents,” provides strategies for younger generations to curb signs of poor aging, while embracing healthy habits.

In the article, the contributing columnist and author of the forthcoming book, The Joy You Make, focuses on efforts to “age smarter” by valuing the gifts that come with aging, while taking any necessary steps to make life less difficult.

Petrow noted that as individuals get older, there can be a stigma about utilizing hearing aids or glasses. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing health, rather than being stubborn when it comes to implementing helpful assistance.

Based on continued research and personal experiences with his parents, Petrow curated a list of “things not to do as he gets older.” After collecting items over the decades, he transformed the record into his most recent book, Stupid Things I Won’t Do When I Get Old.

According to Petrow, a key tip to aging flawlessly is staying connected to others. He explained that it’s critical as you get older to stay “in the mix” of emerging technology and innovation.

The journalist also mentioned that an extensive amount of his research shows that nurturing intergenerational relationships is critical to successful aging and includes positive benefits on health and psychological well-being.

“Smiling also releases dopamine and serotonin, which makes us feel happy and less stressed,” Petrow said. “And when you are doing that with someone else, you are bouncing that energy back and forth. “