The aging process is a natural and inevitable part of life. The sooner you accept this, the sooner you can start developing a plan to help you age with grace and ease.
The best part about aging is that it doesn’t happen overnight. Work on building daily healthy habits, this will make lots of difference in decades to come, for some, growing older is a time of rejuvenation, while for others, this is a time for new challenges and new experiences. Importantly, it should be a time to grow in a healthy, cheerful way.
Tips For Aging Gracefully:
1. Regular exercise
Regular exercise significantly lowers your risk of diseases, such as heart disease and cancer, and helps you keep your mobility longer. Exercise also lowers stress and improves sleep, skin and bone health, and mood.
2. Eat healthy foods
Healthy diets help one age gracefully. Avoid using solid fats for cooking and use oils instead. Stay away from processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats. You should also keep your salt intake to a minimum to keep your blood pressure down.
3. Stay social
Take time to engage in activities you enjoy. Spend time with nature, pursue a new hobby, volunteer — do whatever brings you joy.
Finding new and meaningful hobbies can help you maintain a sense of purpose and keep you engaged as you grow older.
Evidence shows that people who engage in leisure and social activities are happier, experience less depression and live longer.
4. Get enough sleep
Good sleep is important for your physical and mental health. It also plays a role in your skin’s health. How much sleep you need will depend on your age?
Adequate sleep has proven to improve focus and concentration, reduce stress and depression and lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.
5. Drink plenty of water
Drinking enough water helps improves energy levels and brain function. It has also been proven to help keep skin healthier and reduce signs of aging.
6. Get a vitamin boost
Lots of people have a vitamin D deficiency and don’t know it. It’s estimated that it affects half of the adult population. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to cognitive impairment, bone problems, and also cardiovascular disease.
Try to get outside in the sunshine for at least 15-20 minutes a day for a vitamin D boost. Also take food rich in this nutrient, including multivitamins.
7. Curb an unhealthy lifestyle
Smoking and alcohol have been shown to cause premature aging and increase the risk of disease. Quitting smoking isn’t easy, but speaking to a doctor can help.
If you drink alcohol, keep at least two days per week booze-free to give your liver time to recover from the toxic effects of alcohol, and don’t exceed recommended daily limits for alcohol consumption.
8. See a doctor regularly
Seeing a doctor regularly can help the doctor find problems early or even before they start. And receiving comprehensive care will ensure you stay in good health. How often you see a doctor depends on your age, lifestyle, family history, and existing conditions.
Visit a comprehensive care clinic and ask your doctor how often you should do checkups and screening tests as you age. Also, see a doctor anytime you experience worrying symptoms.
Takeaway
Aging gracefully is more about being healthy and happy than keeping wrinkles at bay.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle, surround yourself with people you love, and do things that bring you joy.
It’s natural to worry about the challenges that aging can bring, so speak to a medical professional about your concern