Evidence shows that people who engage in hobbies and leisure and social activities are happier, experience less depression, and live longer. Mindfulness is about acceptance and living in the moment by focusing on the present. Practicing mindfulness has many proven health benefits that can help you age better, including:. Drinking enough water helps keep you regular and improves your energy levels and brain function. How much water you should drink depends on:.
Not taking care of your teeth not only ages your smile, but also puts you at risk for gum disease , which has been linked to heart disease, stroke, and bacterial pneumonia. According to the American Dental Association , a dentist can spot signs of nutritional deficiencies , infection, cancer, and other illnesses, such as diabetes. They recommend brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and using a mouth rinse.
Seeing a doctor regularly can help the doctor find problems early or even before they start. How often you see a doctor depends on your age, lifestyle, family history, and existing conditions. Ask your doctor how often you should go in for checkups and screening tests as you age. Also, see a doctor anytime you experience concerning symptoms. Though aging is inevitable, some people find it difficult to deal with the changes that come with getting older.
Nothing can guarantee you a longer life, but there are a few simple practices that will improve your odds of aging well. Most sun damage occurs in our youth, but it makes sense to cover up and avoid excessive sun exposure at any age.
Other research shows that for light-skinned people, slathering on sunscreen really does prevent or at least delay wrinkles. Studies show that 20 percent to 30 percent of medication prescriptions are never filled, and that approximately 50 percent of medications prescribed for chronic diseases are not taken as prescribed. Many people who fill their prescriptions only take half the prescribed dose. This lack of adherence is linked to an estimated , deaths and at least 10 percent of hospitalizations.
Some research has tried to figure ou t who is most likely to take their meds and who is not. People who have been in a job or home for only a short period of time are at higher risk of not taking their medications correctly.
Social support is also a factor. People who live alone or are unmarried are more likely to skip medications or not fill prescriptions. Often they can give you samples, coupons or have a hospital social worker contact the drug company to see if you qualify for an assistance program.
Fill your prescription, take your meds and put yourself on a path toward better aging. Arthritic hands may struggle with small buttons or gripping the wheel.
The American Automobile Association has created a very useful interactive guide to help older drivers identify the makes and models of vehicles within various price ranges that may best suit their particular issues. At SeniorDriving. For those with various vision problems common among older people, for example, features like a high-contrast instrument panel with large number and letter displays, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and glare-reducing side mirrors can enhance driver safety.
Falls are the leading cause of injury among Americans over age Each year, nearly one-third of older adults experience a fall , and 20 to 30 percent of them wind up with injuries ranging from broken teeth to broken hips. Falls and their accompanying serious and less serious injuries can precipitate a cascade of medical problems, the onset of severe disability, and the end of independent living and the beginning of round-the-clock care.
First, you should improve your fitness and balance to minimize your chance of falling. Then you should plan for the right way to fall. Balance training has been shown to reduce fall risk by 50 percent. Talk to your doctor about your risk and work with a trainer, therapist or take an adult fitness class to improve balance. Exercises like tai chi have been shown to improve balance. Other balance exercises include walking backward and sideways.
Walk on just your heels and then your toes. Practice standing from a sitting position without using your arms to push yourself up. If you do fall, you can plan for the right way to do it. Check your house for potential hazards an occupational therapist can help you with this.
And pet lovers need to be mindful that their furry friends are a major risk factor for falls. Dogs and cats cause more than 86, falls requiring emergency room care each year. Be aware of the four-legged hazard in your midst as you age. Tara Parker-Pope is the founding editor of Well, an award-winning consumer health site with news and features to help readers live well every day. Twitter: nytimeswell. Eat Small changes in your eating habits can lower your risk for many of the diseases associated with aging.
Avoid Processed Meat Processed meats like hot dogs and sausages have been salted, cured or smoked to enhance flavor and improve preservation. Skip Packaged Foods The best eating strategy for aging well is to skip processed foods and beverages. What About Supplements? A Month Without Sugar December 30, Move A body in motion will age better than one on the couch. Exercise in Intense Intervals High-intensity interval training is less intimidating than it sounds.
Lift Weights Weight lifting can help you maintain muscle mass and stronger bones as you age. Exercise for Younger Skin Exercise not only helps keep the inside of your body healthy, it also appears to slow and even reverse the effects of aging on your most visible organ — the skin. Does Exercise Slow the Aging Process?
October 28, Age Like a Former Athlete August 23, Think Aging well means taking care of both the body and the mind. Dance Like No One's Aging Learning while moving may be a potent way to slow the effects of aging, strengthening both the body and the mind at the same time.
Try Yoga and Meditation Studies have found that people who run, weight train and dance have a lower risk of developing dementia than people who are not physically active at all. Related Guide How to Meditate Meditation is a simple practice available to all and can reduce stress, increase calmness and clarity, and promote happiness. How to Build Resilience in Midlife July 26, October 22, Fast Time and the Aging Mind July 20, Connect Staying in touch with family and friends — and forming new relationships — can keep you healthier longer and may add years to your life.
Strengthen Social Ties Make friends. Keep Working To retire or not to retire? A Longer Life April 20, A life of moderation is more conducive to a longer lifespan as opposed to a life of deprivation. Be daring and do something a little risky such as bungee jumping or parasailing. An adventurous streak reinforces a younger spirit. Furthermore, try new things like an exotic dish or learn a new language.
The sky is the limit. Age is just a number. Put these 10 tips into practice and age gracefully! My passions are all things beauty and I have an unhealthy obsession for anti-aging. When I'm not writing a plethora of articles, I enjoy indulging in shopping, music, fine dining and catching up on the latest celebrity gossip from the E channel to People Magazine.
Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Or at most, two things: wrinkles and sagging skin.
But according to dermatologists, the majority of people experience a combination of wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, loss of elasticity, and loss of volume meaning the opposite of flatness , as they age. How fun. On top of that, the texture and color of your skin affect the likelihood of it exhibiting these characteristics. With the march of time, elastin and collagen become looser collagen even eventually stops being produced over time. Fat cells also start to shrink.
Traditionally, Dr. Liotta explains that if you have thicker skin, the signs of aging are less noticeable.
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