10 Things That Help You Age Better
Aging is a process that everyone has to go through sooner or later. It is often portrayed as a depressing or even scary transition, but the process of aging is actually beautiful. The way you age is a reflection of the choices you make.
Aging better means that you’re not only aging well physically but mentally as well. Let’s look at some ways which can help make a significant difference in how you age.
Stay Physically Fit
The key to aging gracefully is to take good care of your body. Bad posture, poor eyesight, and unhealthy habits can have a significant impact on your body later on in your life. Research shows that exercise is vital in maintaining cognitive function and can also reduce the risk of cognitive decline in later life. (Ageing, fitness, and neurocognitive function. Kramer, A. et. al) Try to incorporate some form of physical activity like walking, swimming, or cycling in your daily routine.
Be Mindful of Your Diet
What we eat plays a major role in our health and well-being. The over consumption of junk food can lead to issues like high cholesterol, fatty liver, and obesity which affects the quality of your life. Maintain a balanced diet consisting of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and wholegrain foods. Research by Ohio State University also indicates that including foods that contain antioxidants, omega 3, and various nutrients in your diet can contribute to better aging.
Curate a Healthy Morning Routine
Everything, from the food you intake to how many hours of sleep you get every day, contributes to the way you age. This is why it’s ideal to create a healthy morning routine and stick to it. This includes getting an adequate 7-9 hours of sleep, waking up early in the morning, engaging in some physical activity, and eating a nutritious breakfast to give you the energy boost that you need to get through the day.
Learn Stress Management Techniques
Studies show that prolonged stress can cause inflammation and damage to DNA cells, accelerating the process of aging. (The Link between Chronic Stress and Accelerated Aging. Yegorov, Y. et. al) In order to avoid this, learning stress management techniques is vital. From meditation to deep breathing, find a technique that works for you and stick to it whenever you’re stressed out.
Get Regular Health Checkups
With age your immune system gradually starts growing weaker and you’re more prone to falling ill. Regular health checkups and screenings can help detect the signs of any illness or health issues early on so that they can be treated in the initial phases. Preventive care like vaccines can also protect you from catching any viral infections, improving the overall quality of your life.
Take Care of Your Skin
Your appearance is the first thing people notice about you and taking care of it is one of the primary steps to aging better. Prolonged sun exposure is one of the major causes of premature aging. Be mindful of your skin’s exposure to the sun and remember to always apply SPF before going out.
Moreover, consider incorporating Retinoids in your skincare routine. Science has proven that retinoids help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, slowing down the aging process. (Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety. Mukherjee, S. et. al)
Practice Self-Care
As you grow older you are often so busy caring for your loved ones that you neglect yourself. Self-care is an essential part of aging. It involves taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health. This can include activities like regular spa days, meditation, or simply taking some time out for yourself to relax. It can help nurture your body and soul and allow you to age with grace and joy.
Pick Up New Hobbies
It’s never too late to do something you’re passionate about, whether it’s a hobby you want to pursue or a passion project you always wanted to start but never got the time to. Picking up new hobbies fosters a sense of joy and fulfillment within you. Not only do they keep you occupied but also improve your creativity and life satisfaction.
Experience New Things
Learning never stops and with every new thing that you experience, you grow and learn from it. Research in psychology highlights that embracing novel experiences as we grow older have both cognitive and emotional benefits. (Happiness: Unlocking the mysteries of psychological wealth. Biswas-Diener, D.) Whether it’s trying new foods, learning new skills, or traveling to new places, step out of your comfort zone to experience different things to enrich your life.
Give Back to the Community
If you want to age with purpose and feel a sense of fulfillment with your life, then give back to the community. Whether it’s volunteering, mentoring, or donating money or your possessions, giving back instills a feeling of pride and purpose. It also helps you leave behind a meaningful legacy and sets an example for the newer generations.
Aging better is not just about looking good; it’s about feeling great and staying sharp. The choices you make throughout your life greatly influence the way you age. By making better and healthier choices, you can enhance your well-being and age with vitality.