An optimistic spirit and a sense of purpose may matter more than good genes for living to 90 or 100. Integrative medicine focuses on the mind-body connection and a sense of purpose to promote total wellness and longevity. Setting goals and staying engaged with life lead to healthier lifestyle choices and a longer life.
Magazine covers often tout ways to look younger, but ageing well is about more than skin-deep beauty. It’s about thriving physically and mentally. Just as a fine wine can improve with age, with proper care and attention, so can we.
Here are some ideas about how to age gracefully.
Losing Weight
Even small reductions in body weight can significantly lower health risks. Losing 5% of body weight can reduce risk of diabetes, heart disease and improve metabolic function. This means a 200-pound person can benefit greatly by losing just 10 pounds. Starting with a 5% weight-loss goal can be easier and help sustain long-term results.
Regular Exercise
Regular exercise offers numerous benefits such as keeping your mind and body active, improving sleep, and reducing stress. It is an essential aspect of overall well-being and you don’t have to push yourself too hard. You can develop healthy habits like taking the stairs, turning meetings into “walking meetings,” or squeezing in a virtual workout before brunch with friends.
Protein-Rich Foods
Increase your consumption of protein-rich, low-fat foods to stabilise blood sugar and insulin levels, lower disease risk, and prevent weight gain and stress.
Maintain A Positive Outlook On Ageing
The way you think about ageing influences how you age. According to experts, seniors who view ageing as a path to wisdom and satisfaction are over 40% more likely to recover from a disability as compared to those who see ageing as a state of helplessness or uselessness. Therefore, your perspective and mindset can significantly impact your physical and emotional resilience as you age.
Be Kind To Your Skin
As the body’s largest organ, the skin plays a crucial role in protecting the body, regulating temperature and providing sensation. To maintain its health and function, it’s important to take care of your skin by:
- Using sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors
- Undergoing yearly skin cancer screenings
- Opting for gentle products in your anti-ageing skin care regimen
- Staying hydrated
Avoid Processed Meat
Processed meats – for example hot dogs and sausages – are preserved by being salted, cured, or smoked for added flavour. However, consuming large amounts of these meats has been linked to poor health in various studies. For instance, a review conducted by Harvard revealed that eating one serving of processed meats per day, such as bacon, sausage, and deli meats, was linked to a 42% higher risk of heart disease and 19% increased risk of diabetes. So, avoid snacking on these meats when you play at a CA mobile casino and opt for a healthier alternative instead.
Interestingly, the saturated fat and cholesterol content was not the cause, as both processed and unprocessed meats had the same amount per serving. The main differences were in the levels of sodium and chemical preservatives, with processed meats containing approximately four times more sodium and 50% more nitrate preservatives than unprocessed meats.
