Aging is something that happens to everyone. We all get older. A vast majority of us look to this period of our lives with dread and worry, but it does not have to be that way. Aging can actually be quite the positive experience. This article will offer some tips to gracefully age.
Watch your caloric intake in order to slow down your aging. Overeating and obesity are linked with more health problems than can be listed here. Talk with your doctor about how many calories you should be taking in at your age, weight and fitness level and then stick to it.
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.
Keep your brain active. You are never to old to learn new things. Older individuals are often wise and you should always try to learn. Whether you take a course on computers or do one of those tricky newspaper puzzles, your mind will constantly be at work and gaining knowledge.
Try to quit smoking or reduce the number of cigarettes that you smoke each day. Smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable death. However, it is never too late to stop smoking, and as soon as you quit, your risk of having a heart attack decreases. By quitting you could also save yourself a lot of money.
Quitting smoking is one of the most important health tips at any age but as you get older, you are going to hear it more and more from doctors and friends. Smoking does not only lead to cancer, but it will also accelerate the aging process of your face. You will develop more lines around the eyes and mouth.
While you are aging, be sure to maintain a balanced diet. Thinking about a balanced diet isn’t just for your younger years. In fact, it is more important as you age. Make sure your body is getting the proper amount of fiber, vegetables, fruits, cholesterols and fats. Being proactive on this will help you keep up your health for a long time.
All women over 65 should be tested for bone density since this is the only way to diagnose osteoporosis. Some doctors recommend baseline bone density scans at menopause and at regular intervals after. Predicting fracture risk and determining rate of bone loss can help in the monitoring and prevention of osteoporosis.
For even healthier aging, eat more fish and less red meat. Red meat can muck up your arteries by sticking to the linings. Seafood has the exact opposite effect. Seafood not only does not stick as much to the arteries, it even helps prevent other things from sticking as well! As an additional supplement, consider taking omega-3 oil, the same oil found in seafood, every day.
Take a computer course or have someone teach you the basics of the internet. It can take you places that you may never see in your life. It is like a vacation or a journey that you can take from the comfort of your own home. There are so many things that you will learn while on the internet.
Take additional calcium supplements with your vitamins. Calcium gets more important to your body the older that you get. Most adults need about 1,200 mg of calcium each day. If you do not get the amount that your body needs, your bones are going to get brittle and weak.
Just because you are taking a good multivitamin everyday does not mean that you do not have to eat a healthy diet. Be sure to take the time to learn what foods provide your body with what nutrients and balance your diet accordingly. This will keep you healthy far longer than just using the vitamins.
One of the best ways to increase happiness and decrease stress is to enjoy the company of good friends! Especially as we age, good friendships can go a long way in improving moods and mental health and have even been shown to increase longevity! Get out often or invite friends over frequently to brighten not only your day but your prospects for health as well!
Although everyone misplaces things and forgets things from time to time, no matter how old you are, if you notice that you or a loved on started being overly forgetful or misplaces items in strange places, it is time to talk to a doctor. Frequently forgetting things or placing everyday objects such as your car keys in the microwave or freezer is a cause for concern.
Go easy on alcohol. Moderate drinking has been claimed to lower the risk of heart problems and other ailments. For older people, “moderate” means one drink for men and half a drink for women a day. A “drink” is defined as either 12 ounces of beer, 6 ounces of wine, or 1 ounce of hard liquor. To avoid drug interactions, ask your doctor if any alcohol is safe.
Remember, you are only as old as you feel. If you try to remain active and continue doing those things you enjoyed when you were younger, you will actually remain healthier and more fit than if you sit around. Don’t act like a teenager, but do continue to participate in volunteer activities and sports that you enjoy.
One of the best ways you can do in order to slow down the aging process in your body is to eat a balanced diet daily. Be sure to have a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grain and fiber. A balanced diet will help you maintain optimum health.
As stated in the introduction to this article, aging is something that is going to happen to everyone. No one can cheat death. However, the more good advice one has on the process, the easier it is to cope with the transitions and changes that aging entails. This article offered some of that advice.