It has sometimes been said that aging is inevitable, but that looking old is optional! Although we all age, we deal with it in different ways, with different results. So what are some of the secrets of those enviable people who manage to look far younger than their years?
Keeping mentally active will help one to age gracefully. Mental activities take longer as we grow older, but just like a muscle, the brain can be kept fit with activity. Some popular pastimes which encourage mental activity are suduko and crossword puzzles. Doing a puzzle a day can keep brain fog 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.
Make sure to get sun, but not too much. As you age, it’s important to find a balance when it comes to taking in direct sunlight. It’s important, as sunlight is a great way to get vitamin D into your system, but too much sun can have seriously effects on aging skin like sever burns and skin cancer. Manage your time in the sun, and when you are out in it, wear high SPF sunscreen.
Get enough sleep nightly. Seven to eight hours is as much as an adult needs at a time. Insufficient sleep is a risk factor for many diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and depression.
Keep up with the latest styles. Although some of today’s fashion is a bit off the wall, you are sure to find a piece or two that you will feel comfortable wearing. Just by adding a trendy top to your outfit, you are sure to feel and look good and the younger generations will notice.
Just because you are aging doesn’t mean you should just sit back and take it easy. To maintain good health, you need to continue to be as active as you possibly can. Sure, you may not be able to go out and race in a marathon, but you still can incorporate some activity into you daily activities. It is suggested that you include at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day. Maybe you could take a 15-minute walk twice a day. Dust off that old bike and take a ride around the neighborhood.
Don’t go to environmental extremes. The sun and the wind are two of the biggest factors that can ruin your skin without you sometimes even noticing it. This can make your skin age faster and cause things like skin cancer.
As you get older, keeping a good balance when walking is a common complaint. Oftentimes, some may resort to using a walker or cane to help them keep their footing. Studies had shown that instead of using the customary walker or cane, instead, use a pole. A pole will help strengthen the upper body as well as help the balance of the senior when they walk.
Be careful with your heart. Cardiovascular disease is the number one problem in society, so be aware of the organ in the center of your chest so that it keeps you well. Eat a proper diet, get enough exercise, and make sure your doctor runs tests on your heart to make sure that it’s working as it should.
Change your oils and change your life! Aging should mean less of the bad oils like partially hydrogenated, corn, cottonseed or soybean and more of the good like fish oil, flax oil, olive oil and nut oils! It is a painless change over that can really make a big difference in your overall health and well being, especially as you get older.
One issue that is faced by people as they age is the issue of not properly absorbing nutrients as the body ages. The digestive track is not as youthful as it used to be, and having a well rounded diet with additional nutrients taken as a supplement will help the issue of not absorbing nutrients properly.
A great way to keep looking young is to take care of your teeth and keep them white. White teeth are a key to your face and smile looking young. Cut back on the coffee and red wine which will stain the enamel of the teeth, and use some teeth whitening products to help improve their color.
Melatonin can helps you do more than get a good night’s rest when you are sleeping. This powerful and natural hormone does a great job as an antioxidant. The natural supply of melatonin diminishes as the body ages and adding a supplement to your diet can improve sleep as well as give your immune system a vital boost.
As you age, start increasing your intake of raw fruits, seeds, grains, nuts and vegetables. Eat a well balanced diet and be sure to include raw broccoli, cauliflower, soybeans (edamame) and cabbage in your diet. Limit your red meat consumption and try to eat more fish. Raw foods will help your digestion and nutrient absorption.
Using olive oil is a key to keep your body looking and feeling young. Olive oil is a versatile, delicious and healthy way to reap the benefits of good oil for your body. Over the years, oils have gotten a bad rap from nutritionists, but oils are essential for keeping a body healthy.
Thinning hair is quite common with aging. It can happen due to medications, hereditary conditions, menopause or illness. Thinning hair can be an irritating thing to deal with and you may talk to your doctor about your options. There are many hair extensions on the market today which will hide the problem without the use of old fashioned wigs.
If your goal is to age gracefully and with dignity, it is our hope that the contents of this article have been helpful to you. You are, after all, only as old as you feel! So if you still feel young at heart, let that reflect in how you look!
