There are some very good habits that every person should have if they want to age well into their golden years. They’re really not that difficult to do, either. Missouri University has recently released an article on the best habits that you can have to improve your health well into your old age. The sooner you start practicing these habits, the better off you’re going to be. You don’t have to go out of your way to makes these changes happen. Focus on small, positive changes that you can manage. You’ll soon find out that you’re doing all of them!
Protect against the Sun
You always want to make sure that you’re protecting yourself against the sun. As MU puts it: “There’s a reason doctors and sun safety experts are always pushing people to put on the SPF: It works. Not only do sunscreen and other sun protective measures like hats and SPF clothing help prevent skin cancer, they also can protect your skin from premature aging. Dark spots and sagging, paper-thin or leathery skin are all caused by sun damage, so opt for a daily moisturizer with an SPF of 35 or more.”
Make sure you Exercise
You also have to make sure that you exercise a moderate amount of time. A weekly 150 minutes of moderate exercise, or 75 minutes of intense exercise, is recommended to protect yourself against high cholesterol, diabetes, dementia and posture-related issues. Dedicate about 30 minutes a day to getting your heart rate up with a variety of exercises. Impact exercises, such as walking or running, help strengthen the bones while weight training twice a week can improve posture, help with sleep and minimize inflammation. The more you exercise, the better you’ll feel, but you shouldn’t push yourself to the point of injury.
Worry about your Skin
Most people don’t worry about their skin as much as they should. You really want to make sure you put effort into keeping it healthy for yourself. While scrubs and exfoliating compounds can leave our skin feeling silky and smooth, too much abrasion can actually lead to premature aging. Instead, wash your face with a gentle cleanser twice a day (and after each sweat session) and add in a daily moisturizer. The more you take care of your skin, the more it’s going to take care of you and that’s how it’s supposed to be.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleeping can be one of the most overlooked aspects of our health, but it needs to be taken seriously if you want to age well. Getting a proper amount of sleep can be the best protection we have against some of the most common diseases that come with age. Getting a good night of rest not only reduces our chances of heart disease, stroke and obesity, it also can reduce inflammation and improve our brain’s ability to concentrate and focus. If you get enough sleep, then everything else will be easier for you to take care of.
Eat a Balanced Diet
In addition to causing obesity, cancer and other health issues, eating too much processed sugar can actually speed up the aging process in your skin, causing dark circles and wrinkles. Save the processed foods and sugary treats for special occasions and make fruits, vegetables and whole grains the main focus of your daily diet. Simply put, the better your diet, the better your health will be. Put effort into eating the right foods and you’re going to be in a very good place when it comes to your health. There’s no better time to fix your diet than right now.
Stay as Positive as Possible
Studies have shown not only do positive people live longer; they also have a 40% chance of a better outcome in a disabling situation. Make it a daily habit to reflect on things that make you happy or thankful and build positive social and family ties. Keeping a positive state of mind is so important that it really can’t be overlooked. You have to put the effort into being happy with your life. If you have to change things to make it happen, then don’t put it off. There’s no point in being healthy into your old age if you’re not enjoying it. Do everything it takes to stay happy and keep a positive state of mind. That’s really the only way to get the most out of the life that you have left to live while you can.