Aging – is there a way to slow it down?

If there is one thing all people have in common it’s the fact that they age. This is a universal quality of all living things, which, like it or not, is inevitable. But is there really nothing you can do about that? While it may be the natural course of things, we do have some control over this process. Your lifestyle and habits are major factors in the process of aging. Completely stopping it may still be beyond our reach. Slowing it, however, is completely doable.

What you eat matters. Try to stay away from processed and junk foods. Most of these contain saturated fats and added sugar. They are high in calories and low in nutrients, which makes them unhealthy. Sticking to healthy foods like veggies, fruits, meats, etc. will keep you in better shape and protect you from many diseases.

Quit smoking. This habit is linked with heart and lung disorders and may very well be the number one killer of today. By stopping, you significantly reduce your risk of heart and lung disease, effectively increasing your lifespan and quality of life.

Alcohol consumption is also connected to a few serious conditions. Drinking a glass of wine now and then undoubtedly has its benefits, but overdoing it will do more harm than good. Moderation is key. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water, and stay hydrated.

Watch your weight. Maintaining optimal body weight is extremely good for your general health. Exercise regularly, walk when you get a chance, Physical activity keeps you in great shape and has protective properties against various diseases.

Some people underestimate the importance of sleep. We spend about a third of our lives sleeping. During this time, the body rests and regenerates the fastest from trauma. A chronic lack of sleep is a major contributor to many physical and mental illnesses. Getting at least 7 hours of sleep is of paramount importance to your health.

Consider talking to a doctor, who specializes in anti-aging or geriatrics. They will give you the best advice and tailor it specifically to your needs. They may also conduct assessments of various biomarkers, including different hormones, and organ function tests to catch any diseases you might have early. This will give you the best prognosis.

Stress is a silent killer. Nowadays our lives are so busy and stress is bound to be a part of it. But when it starts to get overwhelming and turns into a chronic condition, it can be severely debilitating. Stress can even go unnoticed and slowly affect your sleep and even physical health. It’s important to avoid it when you can.

Always have something to do. Make sure there’s an aspect of your life that makes you happy, even after retirement. That may be a trip to somewhere new and exciting or a hobby. Keeping an open mind, enjoying life will keep your mental health in check so you can live a long and fulfilling life.

Th e process of aging is extremely complex and cannot be stopped. If you live by these tips and stay healthy physically and mentally, you’ll enjoy a longer, trouble-free and happy life.

Anna Kucirkova

Declaration of interest: the author has been supported by Double Wood Supplements to write on the subject of healthy aging. LINK