Sophie Okolo, MPH

Although it’s not uncommon for people to feel sad as they age, this doesn’t have to be the case. Research indicates that older people are happier than their younger counterparts. Indeed, aging gracefully is possible when you prioritize your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.  And you can achieve this with the right steps. Here are a few worth considering to achieve the desired outcome. 

1. Take care of your skin

The skin is the body’s largest organ, and it protects your body against extreme temperatures, sunlight, and harmful chemicals. To protect your skin, wear sunscreen and protective clothing before stepping outside. You’ll also find it helpful to drink lots of water and have a good skincare routine. However, you want to ensure that your skincare products don’t have harsh chemicals that can damage your skin. You can invest in natural products, so keep this in mind. As a tip, prioritize yearly skin screenings to reduce your risks of developing skin cancer.

2. Exercise

Regular exercise is crucial to healthy aging, as it reduces your risk of developing heart disease and cancer while retaining a youthful body. It also improves sleep and lowers stress. Experts advise walking for 30 minutes daily -you can break it into smaller strolls to make it easier. You can also swim or dance as a form of exercise. Consequently, focus on balance training and bone-strengthening workouts to reduce your risks of tripping and falling.

3. Eat healthily 

A healthy diet can help you maintain a healthy weight while supplying your body with nutrients. It also boosts your immune system, reducing your risk of developing diseases. You can include fruit, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats in your diet. By all means, avoid using solid fats for cooking; instead, leverage healthy cooking oil options. You also want to avoid processed foods and refined sugars, so keep this in mind. Consequently,  reduce salt intake to regulate your blood pressure. 

4. Take care of your mental health

Aging gracefully may be challenging if you’re struggling with depression and anxiety. Fortunately, you can avoid these by spending time with friends and loved ones. Learn to embrace your age and maintain a  positive attitude. Consequently, make time for activities you enjoy to boost your happiness. For instance, you can spend time in nature, pursue a new hobby, read a book, tend your garden, swim, and so on.

5. Prioritize your oral hygiene 

Moreover, your teeth are a huge part of your physical appearance. For instance, your smile is one of the first things people see when you greet them. However, you may lack the confidence to associate with others if you aren’t happy with your teeth. Also, poor oral hygiene can make you prone to bad breath, gingivitis, and so on. Oral issues have been linked to heart disease, pneumonia, and arthritis. Therefore, prioritizing your oral hygiene makes sense. Make sure you brush and floss twice daily. You’ll also find it helpful to avoid sugary foods, as they can cause tooth decay. To improve your teeth’ appearance, you can consider treatments like Invisalign and teeth whitening in Mountain View. Consequently, visit your dentist every six months to identify and treat any oral condition quickly.

6. Drink lots of water

Drinking enough water can improve your energy levels and brain function while keeping your skin healthy. Moreover, it prevents kidney stones and flushes toxins, so keep this in mind. On the other hand, you risk developing fatigue and dehydration if you drink little to no water.  Experts advise drinking at least 8 glasses of water daily. Admittedly, consuming plain water can be quite challenging for some. If you are in this category, you can infuse lemon or lime to flavor your water.  Consequently, consider eating watermelon, cucumber, and other fruit with high water content.

7. Get enough sleep

Research indicates that sleep deprivation can cause high cortisol and glucose levels, triggering hypertension and type II diabetes. Seeing these, getting adequate sleep becomes necessary.  Good sleep rejuvenates your mind and body, preparing you to tackle the day ahead. You should aim for at least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. You’ll also find it helpful to prepare your room for this reason. For instance, you can invest in quality mattresses and bedding, so keep this in mind. You also want to avoid eating heavy or drinking caffeine before bed.  

Although age is inevitable, you’re sure to age healthy and gracefully with the right strategies. Hopefully, you’ll consider those mentioned above for the best results.