As I write this, wearing eyeglasses with progressive lenses, I can attest to the fact that we all need to make adjustments as we age. Getting regular eye exams is important, and as you age, you may notice that you will need stronger prescriptions (or your first prescription, if you never wore glasses before). Prescription sunglasses make all the difference while flying, not only for reading screens and checklists in the cockpit but also for effectively spotting other aircraft in the sky.

Staying healthy and getting regular medical checkups are key to ensuring our readiness and fitness to fly at any age. In addition to maintaining physical health, there are ways to stay mentally sharp as well. In between flights, that could include online courses, webinars, and seminars to engage in ongoing education. To keep mentally sharp in the cockpit, participate in recurrent training, and incorporate simulated emergencies and other ways to stay proficient on every flight. Another option is to fly with a flight instructor for a flight review annually—or even more often than that—instead of every two years.

It's fun to fly with a friend, so why not bring along a safety pilot? You can put them to work by asking them to help with tasks such as communication with air traffic control and scanning for traffic.

It’s almost certain that your personal minimums will change as you grow older, too. You’ll likely shift your ideas about what weather you’re comfortable flying in, the type of aircraft you fly, the airports you operate at, your frequency of training, and your proficiency.

The AOPA Air Safety Institute has created VFR and IFR personal minimum guides that you can download and use to ensure you are operating safely at any age.

For more about aging gracefully and flying safely, see this Air Safety Institute Safety Spotlight.