6 Tips for Aging Gracefully

 

 

Let’s be honest, aging is hard. Gray hair and wrinkles, no thank you. But with studies showing that happiness increases in a U shaped curve, aging may actually have more benefits than you think! In fact, not only are you more likely to be happier at 50 than 30, but you’re also eligible for a ton more financial advantages. Tired of paying high insurance on your house and car? Well, you’ll be happy to know that as a 50+ person, this high insurance is practically a thing of the past. Insurance companies will actually favor you because of your age. So, it really does get better with age. There’s also no need to stress about the physical signs as we’re here to help you every step of the way! These six tips will help you age gracefully and keep you looking happy and healthy for longer.

Stay Active

Being physically active is extremely important for all ages, but it’s especially important as you get older. Exercising regularly has been shown to have many health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease, strokes, and type 2 diabetes. Working out also improves strength and cardiovascular fitness, making everyday tasks easier and helping you to maintain your independence. This also allows you to keep up with your energetic kids and grandkids! As well as physical benefits, exercising is great for your mental wellbeing and overall happiness. Serotonin is released during and after exercise which contributes to improving your mood. This is extremely important for battling any old age depression.

Check Your Products

This is the number one tip for keeping your skin clear and plump. While many brands love to promote their products as ‘youth in a bottle’, or ‘the key to younger looking skin’, these are often just clever marketing tactics. In actual fact, these products usually contain harsh chemicals, that, while work in the short-term, can actually make your skin age prematurely. It’s always best to check the ingredients of products before purchasing them. Many people tend to opt for natural ingredients as these can be less harsh on your skin.

While It may not be obvious, this is also the case for hair products and can be a cause of early hair-loss. Many hair shampoos and conditioners contain chemicals such as silicone, which can dry out and damage hair follicles, leading to hair loss. However, finding the perfect hair care products can be overwhelming. With so may options on the market, where do you even start? Luckily, there are plenty of websites to help you find the perfect cure for hair loss. For example, Manual offers easy personalized hair loss treatment plans. These may include custom shampoos, conditioners and hair-loss tablets. Just input your information and they will do all the hard work for you!

Track Your Diet

Alongside exercising regularly, you need to make sure you are eating the right things. Tracking exactly what you eat allows you to control your levels of macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, and fat) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). It is likely you will need fewer calories to maintain a stable healthy weight as you age, so making sure your calorie intake roughly equals your calories burnt is important.

Eating healthily has strong links to the lowering of blood pressure and cholesterol and a reduction in the risk of diabetes. There are a variety of excellent apps and websites where you can input your meals and it will provide you with your caloric intake and macro and micronutrient levels. Alongside this, studies have indicated a link between the vitamins found in fruits and an increase in skin elasticity. So, if you’re looking for a safe and easy way to fix those pesky wrinkles, this might be the perfect solution for you!

Stay Hydrated

As you age, you experience physiological changes such as a reduced sensation of thirst, meaning you often do not drink enough water and can become dehydrated more easily. In fact, dehydration is one of the most common reasons for hospitalization for older people. A way to combat this and make sure you drink regularly is to carry a water bottle around with you. This is a great idea if your mobility is becoming a problem as it means you no longer need to make as many trips to the kitchen.

Look After Your Mind

One of the biggest tips for aging gracefully is to keep your mind active. The best way to this is to learn something new. In fact, depending on your age, you may even be eligible for free university courses. So, if you’re looking to change your profession, or just want to learn a new skill, make sure you research different universities and check what you’re entitled to. However, if this doesn’t interest you, there are plenty of easier ways to keep your mind active from the comfort of your own home. Some great ways include sudokus, wordsearches, or even just learning a new recipe to cook.

Additionally, keeping your mind active has also been linked to delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s, and with around 5.8 million people in the US living with Alzheimer’s, this may be something you want to think about.

Take Care of Your Skin

Everyone knows how important it is to wear sunscreen but, despite this, it is often the one product that people forget about. Whether it’s sunny or cloudy, sun protection is a must, as although they may be invisible, harmful UV rays that cause cancer and premature aging are present all year round. The easiest way to ensure you protect yourself is by choosing a moisturizer with UV protection. These are very common and can be found at any supermarket or drugstore. If you’re finding it hard to choose the right moisturizer, it may be a good idea to ask a professional or talk to your doctor.

In the end, the most important thing is to listen to your body. If you choose to exercise, make sure you do it according to your level, take regular breaks, and eat in a way that will fuel your active lifestyle. Whether you choose to follow these tips, or find your own personal ways, remember to stay positive and live life to the fullest!