Aging gracefully is about living your best life and having the physical and mental health to enjoy it. Here are ten tips to help you age gracefully.
Be Easygoing on Your Skin
Your skin is your body’s biggest organ. Taking care of it can shield your body from the elements, control your body temperature, and deliver sensation.
To keep your skin performing its best:
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- Wear sunscreen and protective garments when outside.
- Get annual skin cancer screenings.
- Stay hydrated.
Exercise
Frequent exercise significantly reduces your risk of heart disease and cancer and helps you keep your mobility longer. Exercise also reduces stress and enhances sleep, skin and bone health, and disposition.
Muscle and bone-strengthening workouts can be completed using weights or resistance bands.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Nutritious foods help you age gracefully. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggests that you eat:
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- Fruits and vegetables, either fresh, frozen, or canned
- Lean protein, such as fish and beans
- At least three ounces of whole-grain cereals, breads, rice, or pasta every day
You should also keep your salt intake to a minimum to keep your blood pressure down.
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Pay Attention to Your Mental Health
Being content and keeping your anxiety down goes a long way in helping you live and age nicely.
To keep your mood elevated:
- Spend time with companions and loved ones. Expressive relationships and a solid social network enhance mental and physical well-being and longevity. Having a pet has been linked to lower stress and blood pressure, decreased loneliness, and better attitudes.
- Accept your age. There is proof that individuals who keep a cheerful attitude about aging live longer and may recuperate better from a disability. Aging is unavoidable, and learning to welcome it can make all the difference.
Stay Physically Active
Multiple studies have connected a sedentary life to an increased risk of chronic illness and early death.
Limit Stress
The consequences of stress on your body are extensive, ranging from early aging and wrinkles to a more increased risk of heart disease.
There are several proven ways to reduce stress, including:
- Using relaxation strategies, such as meditation, breathing exercises, and yoga
- Getting enough sleep
- Talking to a friend
Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol Consumption
Smoking and alcohol have been demonstrated to cause early aging and increase the risk of disease.
Quitting smoking isn’t painless, but resources are available to help you quit. Talk to a doctor about how to quit.
As for alcohol, restrict your intake to the suggested amount to avoid health risks: one drink per day for women and two drinks for men.
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Get Proper Sleep
Adequate sleep is essential for your physical and mental health. It also plays a part in your skin’s health.
Getting enough sleep has been demonstrated to:
- Reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke
- Reduce stress and unhappiness
- Reduce the risk of obesity
- Decrease inflammation
- Enhance focus and concentration
Find New Hobbies
Finding unique and meaningful hobbies can help you preserve a sense of purpose and keep you entertained throughout your life.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is about acceptance and living in the moment by concentrating on the present. Practicing mindfulness has many proven health advantages that can help you age better, including:
- Improved focus
- Sounder memory
- Lower stress
Where to Go for Help
Though aging is inevitable, some people find it challenging to deal with the changes that come with getting older.
If you’re anxious about your health, have trouble feeling positive about aging, or fear that you’re not aging well, it’s essential to reach out for help.
Talk to someone you trust, such as a family member or close friend. Professional help is also available through a physician or a counselor.
