Aging is a biological process that affects not only our bodies but our minds, as well. While some people grow old gracefully, others fight Mother Nature every step of the way. No matter which type of person you are, the information contained in this article gives you a wealth of tips, hints and advice on the physical and mental effects of aging and the different ways in which you can combat, control or learn to live peacefully with these changes.
Surround yourself with wonderful people. If you find that the people that you spend a majority of your time with are grouchy more often than they are happy, consider looking for a new group of friends to hang out with. Happiness is contagious and if you are surrounded by it, you are likely to be joyful as well.
When you get older, you tend to want to hold onto the past and resist change, but you should really embrace this change as the whole part of the process of getting older. It’s all in the attitude. Look forward to them, and think of them as a new adventure.
Depression is a “hidden” risk for developing osteoporosis. Cortisol is a stress-related hormone related to depression that depletes the bones of minerals. Studies have shown that women with depression have lower bone density in their spines and hips. So, if you’re feeling down, see your doctor to find out if you have depression.
Understand the stress triggers in your life and manage them. As you age it’s as important to take care of your mind as it is your body. Your mind and body are linked to the point that the health of one can severely affect the health of the other. Take the time to proactively approach your stress triggers and reduce them or even get rid of them! Your body will thank you for it!
It may sound depressing but remember you are nearing the end of your life each day. Keeping this in mind will allow you to appreciate even the smallest things in life. It will give you the drive to strive to get the most out of each and every day in your life.
As you age, your skin needs more care since it is aging also. When outdoors, you need to protect your skin from the harmful rays emitted by the sun. You should apply a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) which is at least a 15. Spending too much time in the sun without proper sun protection can also lead to those unwanted, dark age spots which are associated with aging skin.
Learn all you can about your health. Learn about what aging does to the body, what things you can fix and what will happen as you get older. Knowing this information allows you to take charge of your own health and to make changes that will keep you feeling great and living well.
A critical factor to prevent aging and increase lifespan is to not smoke. Smoking destroys the body and speeds up the aging process. Smoking is the easiest way to look older and shorten your lifespan at the same time. It causes disease, ages the skin, and is overall one of the main preventable killers known to man.
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.
Stay flexible. Muscle and skeletal problems are linked to lack of flexibility, so make sure to do some stretching at least three days a week. Breathe normal throughout each stretch and hold it for 10-30 seconds. Stretching will help your body stay loose and supple so that it doesn’t feel tight and stiff.
A healthy lifestyle can help you slow the aging process. Consume a large variety of nutritious foods to ensure you get the nutrients you need. Make sure to include lean proteins, fruits and veggies, low-fat dairy and hearty whole grains. Have three or four smaller meals every day, and avoid excessive snacking.
Have a screening done for Alzheimer’s disease, especially if you are experiencing memory loss. Ability to remember things declines slightly with age, but if you have a family history of dementia and are having memory loss, get tested. There are medications available to slow the disease down, but you have to be diagnosed first.
Begin to really protect your hair while aging. Damaging habits can contribute to hair loss even more significantly while aging. Try to avoid using curling irons and harsh chemicals on your hair. Air dry your hair when you can and save fancy hair styles for big occasions.
As you start to age, your body starts to slow down. Remember do not slow down and become inactive. Instead look into things that you can do to help build energy. Sign up for a dance class. This will help you get exercise as well as spend time with people.
It’s especially important for the elderly to wear sun block when they will be in the sun for extended periods of time to prevent skin damage. A health food store is an excellent place to look for all-natural sun block. It’s never too late to start protecting the skin, and don’t forget about the hands!
A wonderful gift adult children can give is caring for aging parents! To do so, there are many things to consider. In the area of finance, it is essential to create a budget specifically for care giving. Make a list of what funds you have to work with, and the needs of you parents. This will help you see if funds are being utilized to their fullest potential!
Nobody wants to grow old, but it’s a fact of life that everyone must deal with eventually. Although no one has yet discovered the fountain of youth, there are ways to ease the aging process and make it less problematic. From hiding wrinkles to understanding Alzheimer’s, the above article provides everyone with the information they need to prepare for life as a senior citizen.
