The aging process is something that has the power to cause anxiety and concern in the minds of almost anyone. However, with the proper information, it is possible to grow older with confidence and hope. Take advantage of the advice contained in this article, and you can look forward to experiencing what may turn out to be the very best time in your life.
Aging can be a state of mind as well as body. To reduce the feeling that age is creeping up on you, take action and fight back! A healthy diet, exercise and a good attitude about life can keep you not only feeling younger, but looking younger too!
It is never too late to quit smoking for in order to slow aging. Smoking not only increases the risk of lung cancer and emphysema, it is associated with a number of other cancers, cardiovascular disease, and a decreased resistance to illness. Of course, it also has a terrible effect on skin. By quitting smoking, the aging process can be more comfortable and you can extend your life expectancy.
Let guilt go. A long life is sure to have things that you may feel guilty about. Do not let this guilt run your life. Make amends or forgive yourself and forget. In many cases there is no way to undo the things that have been done, and all that we can do is make the most of the time we have left.
Stay fit well into your golden years. Try to incorporate some kind of physical exercise into your daily routine. Take a long walk each day, join a water aerobics class or take a nice bike ride. These things will keep the blood flowing and give you some pleasure each day.
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.
If you are still smoking, quit now! Smoking is never good for you, but it is even more important to quit as you age. Smoking breaks down your skin's collagen leading to premature wrinkles. Smoking is also directly linked to increased risks of cardiac problems and cancers, and the risks only multiply with age. Quit now, no matter what your age, to help your body have a healthy aging process.
Releasing endorphins is going to make you feel great. Let yourself feel emotions. Laugh and cry but be sure to laugh more than you cry. If it takes a funny movie or a funny book to bring out the laughter, take the time to watch or read them. It is the body's natural way to feel good.
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.
To age gracefully, remember to include safety into your life. By putting safety first, you increase your odds of living longer. You will also be a living example to your children and grandchildren that safety matters. Always wear your seat belt when traveling in a car. Wear a helmet when riding your bike. Use smoke detectors in your house and change its batteries regularly. By just using common sense, you can reduce the risk of accidents, which could injure your body or even cause death.
Many times we are guilty of not wearing sunscreen, but this is one of the main factors in skin aging. The effects of sun damage can take years to develop and the years spent sunbathing at the beach when we were young will come back to haunt you. So make it a point to always wear sunscreen, healthy skin depends on it.
Hormone levels can drop as you age leading to some unwanted issues. Follow up with your doctor regularly about your hormone levels through check-ups and physicals. Listen closely to the results and potential ramifications. Look for foods that will help promote production of these hormones or look for supplements from your doctor as needed.
Despite popular dogma, older folks need as much sleep as younger people, which is at least 7 or 8 hours nightly. If you get that much sleep and still feel sleepy during the day, see your doctor because you may have sleep apnea. People afflicted with sleep apnea repeatedly pause breathing while asleep. Left untreated, this disorder can increase your chances of heart disease and other problems.
Keep up with your social calendar as you age. Studies have shown that people with an active social life have less chance of suffering from Alzheimer's. Visiting with friends and family will nourish those relationships and keep your mental health in top condition. Sharing your life with your social circle will lead you to a more fulfilling life.
Aging is something that many approach with a sense of dread or fear. But, the fact is that when armed with solid guidance, embarking on one's golden years is something that can actually offer excitement and great promise. Put these tips to work in your life, and you will soon understand how to age gracefully.
