HEALTHY HABITS OF PEOPLE WHO AGE WELL

6 Healthy Habits of People Who Age Well

Exercise, diet, stress management—even attitude—can be as significant as genetics when it comes to growing old healthily and gracefully. Undoubtedly, growing older affects nearly every bit of your body, but aging well may be as simple as adopting some everyday healthful habits.

Be mindful about what you eat

Adequate nutrition plays a substantial role in how well your body ages. A low-glycemic diet which is laden with fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein is considered the healthiest by many experts. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help your skin manufacture the essential oils it needs to stay supple and retain its youthful look. On the other hand, sugary, fatty, and carbohydrate-heavy foods can speed the aging process. Opt for whole grains and natural sweeteners.

Be mindful about how much you eat

Research shows that overeating may result in a shorter life span, plus increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. A balanced diet with adequate portion control can help you age well and live longer.

Develop and maintain a positive attitude.

When it comes to aging well, you are what you think. Aging adults who think of age as the acquisition of wisdom and overall satisfaction are more likely to recover from disease or disability than those who see aging as becoming ever-increasingly helpless and useless.

Exercise and move regularly

Remaining active is an essential part of aging well. Muscle mass declines with age, particularly in women.  Exercise, especially resistance workouts, can increase mass and strength. Staying fit can also reduce memory loss associated with aging. Keeping fit may also reduce age-related memory loss since exercise can strengthen the hippocampus, the region of the brain involved with learning.

Stay social and involved

Healthy relationships with friends and relatives can extend your lifespan. People with strong social ties typically have a higher chance of living longer than those with poor or inadequate connections.

Get plenty of quality sleep

It is well-publicized that adults should sleep for seven to nine hours nightly. However, insufficient sleep may lead to a higher risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Recent studies have also shown a link between insomnia and accelerated aging of the brain. A chronic lack of sleep can adversely affect your brain’s function and speed up the aging process. Moreover, the body releases a growth hormone that helps restore collagen and elastin during sleep, which are the building blocks of young, healthy skin.
Sleep is not a luxury, it is an essential need. If you aren’t getting adequate nightly sleep, consider taking naps. Naps can help to improve memory and even make up for missed overnight sleep time.