When I was younger, I could climb mountains, swim long distances, and enjoy all sorts of sports. I could dance all night long at school dances. As a young to middle aged adult, I felt like I was invincible. Starting a career, working long hours, running through airports to catch the net flight, eating whatever I want, little to no sleep to meet deadlines. Does this all sound too familiar?
Somewhere in the process, say around late 40’s to early 50’s, I started feeling a little more tired, pain in my joints. My back started hurting when sitting for long hours. Seems I needed more sleep.
What was happening, aging. As we get older, our bodies change. We all know and have experienced it. I know aging is a part of life. We all age, but I was wondering what I could do to age gracefully and enjoy life.
Here are a few tips for aging well.
Be kind to your skin.
We have all been told our skin is the body’s largest organ. It is our outer protection from harm. Make sure you take care of it. Wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and I recommend using a rejuvenating lotion which not only moisturizes the skin, but helps heal, protect, and prevent attract and retain moisture.
Replace loss vitamins and minerals your body losses daily.
These micronutrients are required by the body to carry out a range of functions. Our bodies do not produce the vitamins and minerals we need. We need to absorb them through the foods we eat. Research has shown, we are not getting the required vitamins and minerals through foods and need to supplement our intake of these essential micronutrients.
The National Institute of Health (NIH) NIH Vitamins and Minerals recommends several vitamins and minerals we should take each day. These should include A, B-beta, C-calcium, vitamin D & E, along with phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride, magnesium, zinc, and iron, name a few.
Want to know more about the benefits of vitamins and minerals. Checkout NIH vitamins and minerals supplement fact sheet at: NIH vitamins minerals fact sheet.
Everyone should be on a regiment taking daily vitamins and minerals for good health.
What you eat does affect your health.
We have heard the saying – eat your fruit and vegetables daily. Stay away from processed foods, and other such slogans. Slogans are rooted in common sense. What you take into your body does affect you.
When I was younger, at work, would have to eat what I could and get back on the job. This means not always eating the right foods. As such I gained weight and with the lack of exercise, I gained pounds.
Exercise for good health.
We know exercise is good for us. Research shows there is just not the physical benefits of exercising, but there are mental advantages too. As we age, our bodies change, and we need to compensate for the reduced mobility aging brings. Exercising is one area easy to put off what we should be doing. Here are a few pointers for getting out and being active.
Walk your furry friend. I take my dog “shadow” for a walk every day. We walk a mile, taking about 15 minutes. This quick walk helps to keep my joints, muscles limber, and helps with my breathing.
My wife plays golf 3 days a week. Enjoying the outdoors with friends. While getting some well deserve exercise.
Walk, bike, run, swim. Maybe taking a dance class or playing pickleball, softball or some other type of physical sport. Maybe water aerobics is your passion. In any case, get out, get active and see how younger you feel.
Stop smoking and reduce alcohol consumption.
If you smoke “STOP”. There are many health reasons why you should stop. I used to smoke 1 pack of cigarettes a day. I decided to quit and stopped in one day. Was it easy, NO. But I knew and found a reason to. Find your reason and stop.
If you’re a heavy drinker, reduce your alcohol consumption. Reducing your consumption of alcohol can extend your life.
Get medical checkups regularly.
If you want to get healthier, work with your doctor. They are in your corner and want to help. Schedule regular checkups. Track your progress and you will see and feel so much better.
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