The fountain of youth is a heavily sought out treasure - but let's face, aging is inimitable. This doesn't mean, however, that one cannot take care in slowing down aging and promoting a healthier lifestyle that can help you in living longer. Through picking up a few simple habits to creating small changes in your life, both can create a huge impact on the your lifespan. Here are tips we have found to help you slow down your biological clock.
Find Grace Within Aging
In accepting that we are all going to age and embracing it gracefully is shown to have significantly improved one's longevity. Everyone grows and matures differently within their "biological clock". Within a study performed by Duke University, it was found that people with the same chronological age actually drastically varied within their physical and mental health. The 954 participants in the study were shown to each age at different rates, some having more physical restraints such as brain decline and health issues. At 38 years old, these volunteers had biological ages that ranged anywhere from younger than 25 to as old as nearly 60. Those study shows that our genetics go beyond the aging process and it is important to keep up a healthy lifestyle.
Create A Better Diet
In approaching a healthy lifestyle that ensures longevity, it is crucial in starting with a diet. Creating a diet that consists primarily of whole foods and plants, while high in protein, has been proven in promoting longevity. A healthy diet should limit itself of processed foods or anything that is full of unhealthy fats and high sugar. There are a number of benefits that includes prevention of diabetes, inflammation, and heart disease. A study done by the University of Michigan has found that eating a diet such as whole foods, beans, legumes, lean meats, and five servings of fruits and vegetables can also help supply your body with nutrients needs to promote cell health and reduce the likelihood of chronic illness within old age.
Exercise Regularly
It was found that a lifetime of regular exercise can help slow down aging. In a study performed by the University of Birmingham, a group of seniors who exercised regularly were compared to a similar group of people who didn't actually had boosted immunity, increased muscle mass, and matched cholesterol levels to a young person. Aerobic exercises and even cardio can help improve heart health while balancing strength training can help improve bone strength and decrease arthritis pain. Finding a routine that works for you can be essential in slowing down aging.
Avoid Anger and Stress
Anger and stress can take a major toll on your body and may actually shorten your lifespan. By promoting a happier lifestyle, one can actually prolong their life, with a study done by the Psychobiology Group showing that people lived 18% longer than those who were reported as being unhealthy. Those who have reported high levels of stress have suffered twice as much from heart attacks, heart disease, lung cancer, and strokes as well. Learning to deal with your stress and anger through spirituality or mediation can be vital in promoting longevity.
Go Outside (But Protect Your Skin)
Sunlight and Vitamin D may be important in promoting bone health and may actually lead to lower chances of heart disease and cancer. In a study done by the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, it was found that older adults who had low levels of Vitamin D had a tougher time performing every day tasks such as getting dressed or walking up the stairs. In just getting 15 to 30 minutes of sunlight, it can provide an adequate enough of Vitamin D needed to promote a healthier lifestyle. In going outside, keep in mind that sunlight can be harmful to the body and actually increase aging of the skin. You can prevent issues such as premature wrinkling by wearing an SPF sunscreen of 30 or more and opting for shade. It is also recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology to wash your face at least two times a day and apply a moisturizer to keep your skin looking fresh and young.
With these tips, one can easily defy the aging process and help you live longer. Start by implementing some of these ideas gradually, and soon you'll be seeing changes taking place!
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-Patrick
