7 Tips for Helping Your Body Age Gracefully

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Aging gracefully is about more than looking great. Done properly, it will also help you feel more youthful and energized. It can be done with a little care and planning. These seven tips will help you grow older without feeling old.

1. Stay Active

You have probably heard this a million times, but that’s only because getting adequate amounts of physical exercise on a regular basis is probably the single most important thing you can do for your health. You should be aiming for at least 30 minutes of moderate movement on most days. That doesn’t mean you have to hit the gym — unless, of course, you want to. Instead, look to activities you enjoy to make the time more pleasant. A few examples of things you can do to move more include heading out for a daily walk around your neighborhood, playing an active game with your grandchildren, or spending time gardening.

2. Schedule a Physical

Even if you feel healthy, an annual physical with your medical provider is an absolute must. When problems are identified early, you can take action to correct them before they affect your quality of life. Learn what your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar numbers are. You might also consider having your vitamin and hormone levels checked with lab work. Minor imbalances in these can directly impact how you feel and how well your body is able to function. Luckily, they can be corrected. Specialists like Dr Amy Lee are crucial to developing proactive plans so you can age gracefully and in the best way possible.

3. Explore New Things

Take time to learn something new, whether it is a foreign language, craft, or career-related skill. Learning a new task boosts memory and cognitive function. it can also bolster self confidence. All of those have tremendous implications for your physical and emotional wellbeing.

4. Eat a Balanced Diet

Strive to eat a balanced diet that includes lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. The Mediterranean Diet is one example of a healthy way to eat. In fact, it is routinely touted as one of the best diets for overall health. it is easy to follow and offers plenty of options without restricting entire food groups. There are tons of recipes available online, so you should have no trouble finding a few to include in your regular meal planning.

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5. Develop a Skincare Routine

Many people, especially women, focus skincare on their face; the skin on the rest of your body needs attention and care, too, though. Develop a skincare routine for your whole body to help it retain moisture and a youthful appearance. Look for products and methods that stimulate circulation to help combat the dryness that naturally sets in with age. Be careful not to use anything too harsh since older skin gets more delicate and thinner.

6. Use Sunscreen Every Day

You might already know that spending time outdoors and in nature is good for your physical health. All that sun isn’t good for your skin, though. UV exposure is directly linked to eye disease and several types of cancer. It is also a major contributor to premature signs of aging. You’ll be less likely to see wrinkles, creases and sunspots when you take proper precautions. Be sure to wear sunscreen every day and reapply it every couple of hours if you are outdoors for a long time.

7. Lower Stress Levels

Stress may be a natural part of life, but too much is potentially dangerous. It is linked to increased rates of illness and pain and can interfere with concentration and memory. Learn a few techniques to combat stress and use them on a regular basis. Both tai chi and yoga are excellent choices since they combine gentle exercise with meditative practices. This gives you a chance to increase balance and flexibility while lower stress and anxiety.

You can age gracefully by doing things like eating right, staying active and lowering stress. Be sure to schedule an annual physical and follow up with your doctor about any concerns to achieve the best physical and emotional health.