Aging gracefully is not governed by one overriding formula that suits everyone’s needs. However, building your own strategy can begin with the right information and suggestions. Be determined to live the best you can, as long as you can. Many of the issues of aging depend on how you handle them, and these tips will give you some help along the way.
Sugar has been proven to have an aging affect. You don’t have to cut it out of your life completely, but definitely cut back on it. It has been shown to actually reduce the lifespan in multiple studies. Stick with foods that are naturally sweet like fruits to help your sweet cravings.
Go nuts with nuts! Nuts are one of the worlds most perfect foods. They are filled with important vitamins, minerals and fats that help our bodies stay in the best shape they can be. They are a great snack food as they really help us fill up without having to eat a lot of them. Be careful with them though as they are high in calories.
When aging, there is nothing more important than your personal health. If you feel good, consider what you have been doing and find ways to continue the momentum. If you feel mediocre, look for ways you can personally improve your health. If you feel sick, seek help and do so right away.
Living can be very hard work. Even if you do not have a job outside of the home, it is going to take it out of you some days. Take the time to rest now and then. You could do this every day if your schedule permits but if it does not, be sure to rest and relax at least a couple times a week.
As you age, watch your sugar intake. Sugars have been been found to be directly linked to the negative effects of aging, including a decreased lifespan! To increase your longevity, take sugar out of your diet and replace it with natural sweeteners. It can add years to your life.
Maintain your muscle mass by getting exercise on a regular basis. Use a pedometer and make sure that you are taking at least 5,000 to 10,000 steps each day. If you maintain your muscle mass, you are sure to avoid some of the terrible falls that you would otherwise incur.
Make sure you’re keeping hydrated. Your body relies heavily on water and if you’re not getting enough of it, your skin is the first part of your body to suffer. This can lead to dry, lifeless skin and premature wrinkles. Not only that, but it can lead to internal problems as well. So make sure you’re drinking enough water each day!
Start making a will. Death is a topic people don’t like to talk about, but it is inevitable. When you feel ready, begin preparing your will and final papers so that your family knows how you would like things to be handled after you pass on. This will also make sure that there are not any family fights and disagreements later on.
While an occasional drink every now and then is perfectly acceptable, in order to slow the aging process, alcohol is something that should be avoided. In excess, alcohol can cause cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers, can weaken your immune system and affect your system of balance resulting in injuries. By limiting alcohol, you are helping your body fight the inevitable aging process.
Address health conditions. If you know you have diabetes, for instance, make sure to monitor your glucose regularly. If you have high blood pressure, make sure to eat right. Health problems tend to worsen as you get older; you can stop that being diligent about your health problems and keeping them under control.
Have regular hearing screenings as you get older. Loss of hearing is something that happens gradually, so you may not even suspect that you have hearing loss until something drastic happens. Have hearing screenings done so that you know if your ears are still working well or you need to consider a hearing aid.
One of the things that you will want to do as you age is purchase clothes that fit instead of baggy jeans and shirts. The more your clothes fit, the more toned your body will look, which will give you the ability to show off the curves of your body. Purchase quality clothing to improve your appearance and hide the signs of aging.
Practice safe sex. Seniors in their 70’s, 80’s and upward are having sex more often than ever. Unfortunately, more are getting hepatitis B, syphilis, HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Medicare already pays for HIV testing and there’s talk about covering other STD tests. Please use lubrication and wear condoms (polyurethane or latex).
Facial care products that you already use on your face work great on your hands as well. Hands go through pretty much the same conditions as your face does, especially harmful sun ray conditions over extended periods of time. Use these cremes, lotions and other products that you use on your face on your hands.
Exercise is an essential component in the aging process. If you want to look and feel good as you get older, participate in at least 30 minutes of physical activity, each day. You can do just about anything, including going for a walk in the morning or playing a group sport with some friends. No matter what you do, make sure that you enjoy it so that you will continue participating in it, over time.
In order to avoid the negative effects of aging, it is important that you do not smoke. Not only are cigarettes dangerous for your overall health, but it can also damage collagen and elastic in the skin, leaving it elastic. It also decreases your body’s oxygen, which will create wrinkles.
No matter how you decide to use the above tips, you can effectively deal with the problems aging brings about. The choice is yours and yours alone. Be proactive and prepare yourself for these challenges. Make your life happen, don’t let it happen to you!
