7 Science Backed Ways To Stay Healthy As You Age

There are so many great things going on with those who are aging in America today. Over 20 percent of those over the age of 65 are choosing to continue working rather than retire. In addition, the educational levels are on the rise, the poverty rate is decreasing, and the life expectancy is increasing.

Aging doesn’t have to be a dreaded event that takes place against your will. Aging doesn’t have to be feared and you certainly do not have to give up living your best life. These are facts backed up by science, proving you can stay healthy and happy as you age.

Below are seven things you can do to make the very best of aging.

1. GET TO KNOW YOUR BODY AND MIND

Your mind and body are connected. When your mind feels great, you feel better physically too. When your body is ill, your mind notices and your mental health can suffer.

Getting a full evaluation each year is a preventive technique important to remaining healthy as you age. Choose a doctor who considers both mental health and physical health as a whole unit and finds treatments to benefit both when needed.

The more you know about your whole body, the better prepared you will be to conquer aging with style. Take part in assessments and testing to verify you are healthy. With the results, you will be able to move forward with the other tips to stay healthy.

2. STAY PHYSICAL AS YOU AGE

There are many positive health benefits attributed to staying physical as you age. Being active decreases blood sugar and blood pressure. It can lower cholesterol but increase endorphins, the happy chemicals in the brain and gut.

The more you move your muscles, joints and bones, the more you are preventing stiffness and achiness. Being physically fit leads to feeling better mentally as well. It is a cycle, the more you exercise the better you feel, and the better you feel the more you want to exercise.

3. ACT YOUR AGE OR YOUNGER

You may be 65 but feel 45. You may be 85 and feel 60. Act the age you feel, not the age you think you are supposed to feel.

Don’t let yourself feel limited because of your age. There are no rules that say you must stop participating in fun activities when you turn 65. If you feel like doing something fun, do it. Find activities that make you feel younger.

Laughter and participating in fun activities have been linked to a better physical and mental health.

4. GETTING GOOD SLEEP IS ESSENTIAL 

During sleep, your brain tells your body to restore itself, heal it from the day’s pains, and get it ready to go for the next day. Therefore, getting good sleep is extremely important when trying to stay healthy as you age.

Getting good sleep means allowing yourself at least eight hours of positive rest. To get this, turn off the television and electronics, turn off the lights, and allow your body to determine the right amount of sleep it needs.

Pamper yourself with a relaxing bath, essential oils, and herbal teas to help you sleep. Use an eye mask to keep light from interrupting your sleep. Take naps as needed. Find the time to allow your body to heal itself, just as it was designed to do.

5. POSITIVE SOCIAL COMMITMENTS

Feeling valuable and like you belong to a group can lift your spirits and give you a sense of purpose. You can gain all of these through positive social commitments. Avoid becoming isolated and withdrawn from friends and family.

Instead, make plans as much as you can. Find fun things to do with your loved ones, travel, take classes, and start new hobbies. These are just a few ways to stay positive and help you stay healthy as you age.

6. FINDS WAYS TO STRESS LESS

Stress can do serious damage to your body. It can eventually lead to heart disease or stroke, which can lead to death earlier than expected. Stress can make you gain weight and create digestive problems. It can even prematurely age your skin, making you appear older than you are.

Stress can make your skin appear wrinkled, produce acne, and can make your eyes either have bags under them or dark circles around them.

Doing anything you can to decrease the stress in your life will be beneficial. Taking yoga classes, meditating, and even meeting with a counselor or life coach are a few ways to de-stress.

7. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF AVAILABLE TREATMENTS

Today there are many modern treatments provided by certified doctors and naturopaths that can make you feel and look wonderful. Take advantage of these.

If your hormones are out of balance, you may feel the signs of aging faster than if they are balanced. Natural hormone replacement therapy is a great way to fight the signs of aging. You can see an increase in libido, fewer mood swings, balanced weight and improved mental health with this type of treatment.

You may want to try skin rejuvenation that uses stem cells to help your natural cells produce better. This will help you fight wrinkles and other signs of aging.

If your vitamin levels are low, you will notice significant changes in your mental and physical health. It is likely you are not getting all the nutrients you need through the foods you eat. Getting vitamin infusion therapy, you are assured to get all the vitamins your body needs to stay healthy while aging.

In conclusion, aging is not what it used to be. It is improving and being seen as something to look forward to rather than dreading.

You can control many aspects of how well you age. Get help assessing the needs of your physical and mental health. Stay social, eat right, stay active, sleep well and reduce stress. Most importantly, have fun.

Implementing simple strategies like these can help you stay healthy as you age.