Unless you have found a way to operate a time machine or defy the laws of reality, you are going to experience aging as we all do. This means fine lines may begin to appear, wrinkles, blemishes, or more serious health-related problems. However, while we may not be able to defy aging, we can certainly combat its effects with some sound advice.
In order to age gracefully, be sure to see your doctor regularly! Putting off appointments with your doctor could really be detrimental in your overall health. Regular checkups make is possible for your doctor to catch problems while they are small enough to fix. Save yourself a good bit of time, money and grief by keeping those appointments.
Be sure to protect your skin from the sun. Getting a bit of sun each day can be very beneficial but be sure to wear sunscreen while you do it. Overexposure can lead to wrinkles and even skin cancer. Taking care of your skin is vital to living a long and healthy youthful life.
Osteoporosis is an unwelcome part of aging. It is the loss of bone density. There are many ways you can prevent or at least slow this down. One important tip is to limit or eliminate caffeine consumption. Caffeine causes the body to excrete calcium, the exact opposite of the effect you want!
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.
If you are feeling down because the thought of aging has you in a funk, just smile and laugh. You have the wisdom that those younger than you do not. Laugh and smile often, and occasionally cry, but laugh more. It’s true that laughter is the best medicine because laughter releases your body’s feel-good emotions called endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.
When you age sometimes you feel you have earned the right to be an ornery individual and not treat people as well as you should. This could not be farther from the truth. In order for people to treat you with respect and dignity you must also show them the same respect and dignity.
Keep a positive outlook on life! If you stay positive, your body will be under a lot less stress. The less stress your body is under, the healthier your body will be, the healthier you’ll look, and the longer you’ll live. So whenever things get gloomy, try and look at things in a positive light.
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.
Have lots of fun! Now more than ever, you can follow your heart and make positive change in the world. Fill your days with the people and things you love.
Don’t overeat! Overeating is one of the most common factors in shortening your life span. You don’t want to starve yourself, but you should be conscious of the amount of calories you’re taking in each day. Check with your doctor and find out the amount of calories you should be taking in based on your age, gender, and body type, and try to stick to that number.
Stop destructive behaviors. If you are still smoking and drinking heavily, now is the time to stop. Getting older means that a lot of body functions begin to slow down, including those things that protect you from the harmful things you do to your body. You’ll feel much better if you stick to those activities that enhance your health instead of take it away.
Looking younger depends on not wearing powder makeup and foundation. Although makeup is supposed to help people look better, it makes the skin less elastic and contributes to the skin losing hydration. It is okay to wear it every now and then, but for the most part try to just use mascara and lip gloss and avoid putting makeup directly on the skin.
Be independent. It might be easier to start to let others do things for you, but to stay vibrant, maintain your sense of independence and your ability to do things for yourself as you get older. Not only will it keep you busy, but you stay strong as you do things for yourself.
Your eyes need special care as you become older. It’s critical that you take care of them by seeing an eye professional regularly. Most important, be sure to seek professional care whenever you experience pain in either eye, persistent redness, swelling, disturbances or “spots” in your vision, or if you think your eyesight is changing.
Have the seasonal flu vaccine every year. As you get older, you will become more susceptible to illnesses, including the flu. The flu can also do more damage on an older body. So to stay healthy throughout that November-April flu season, have a flu shot every year, preferably in September or October.
Improving the quality of what you eat is a great way to combat aging. Eat a varied diet of ample fruits and veggies, high quality sources of protein, wholesome dairy products, eggs, and nourishing, natural oils. Enjoy three meals every day, keeping portion size in mind, and reduce your snacking.
These tips may not be the answer to looking like you are twenty while you are really fifty, but they will certainly help you look and feel a good deal younger each day. You should stay on a steady routine and continually repeat these tips on the same schedule to ensure their effects are lasting.
