It’s often said that the worst part about growing old isn’t the aches and pains that come along with age, it’s remembering your youthfulness and the desire to have it back.
Throughout human history men and women have sought ways to defy aging, to find the so-called “fountain of youth,” even going as far as sending out entire expeditions in search for that magical elixir that would return one to a youthful state.
As fantastical as these notions are, youthfulness is a desired quality among human beings. And over the years, scientists have studied tiny molecules in hopes of unlocking the secrets of youth.
There have even been strides in the nutritional supplements market with focus being made on nicotinamide mononucleotide supplements, or NMN, which has been proven to stall the effects of aging, among many other benefits.
Thankfully, there are many healthy habits that you can adopt if you want to stay youthful beyond your years, and here we’ll explore a few of these.
Foods that Help Combat Aging
Our diets play a crucial role in our overall health. Unfortunately, we’ve grown accustomed to fast food, along with junk food, as a staple in our lives; a diet that is far from nutritious or healthy.
Overeating on a regular basis eating past the point of feeling full after eating contribute to a variety of health problems, including one with a shortened life, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. It’s vital to keep to a regular diet and healthy food habits if you want to age gracefully and live a long time.
But science and nutritionists have shown that certain foods do contain vital nutrients that can help to stave off the effects of aging.
Foods rich in Vitamin C, D3, and B12 are the prominent choices that can help to stall the effects of aging if incorporated into a daily diet regimen. And these can typically be found in fruits and vegetables.
Even if you have to have your meat and potatoes, eating more vegetables and fruits can have a wonderful effect on your health.
Spending Time Outdoors
Many people might think spending time outside is counterintuitive to combat the effects of aging. And this is largely due to the fact that sun exposure does age our skin faster than any other source.
But studies have shown time and time again the benefits that come from spending time communing with nature. Spending time outdoors can help you have some sunlight too. The key is to get out into the natural world because doing so produces a calming effect on the mind. Spending too much time in the sun can lead to wrinkles and even skin cancer. Besides, you can wear sunblock, or use a hat to keep the sun off of your face. Wearing sunscreen, on the other hand, can help to slow down the aging process. While the sun’s UV rays do stimulate the creation of vitamin D, which is necessary for bone strength, this is hardly a compelling reason to exposed oneself.
Being around moving water, in particular, has a way of calming the mind and reducing stress, and stress is one physiological process that can increase the effects of aging.
So take a walk regularly, or go fishing a couple of times a week. The benefits you’ll gain from communing with nature will not only benefit the mind but the body as well.
Running or Walking
But running and walking take work, right? Well, yes it does but this is actually the entire point.
Regular exercise has been shown to have a beneficial effect on our DNA and the ability for certain molecules to remain intact. DNA repairs itself through complex processes, and regular exercise has been proven by science to aid in this process and keep it functioning at an optimal level.
Staying active will also assist you in leading an active lifestyle. An active person does not need to rely on others to carry out daily tasks or travel from one location to another. Exercising or being energetic does not necessitate going to the gym and working up a sweat. Going for a walk, playing games with a friend, doing yoga, and so on are all examples of exercise. Try to incorporate some muscular strengthening, balance, or cardio workouts into your regular routine if at all feasible.
In addition to the benefits that running and walking have on our DNA, this healthy practice also gets you outdoors, and regular exercise also has boosting effects on the immune system as well as the ability to reduce stress and allow one to handle stress more efficiently. When you are involved in some sort of physical activities, you automatically starts to feel fresh and active. This helps you stay active for a long time.
Even if you’re not the type that likes to run or walk outside, other activities such as jumping rope or doing light callisthenic exercises can also produce these effects.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep deprivation has an effect on your memory, mood, weight, and even looks. It can be more difficult to fall and stay asleep as you become older, but you still require the same number of hours.
Most sleep disorders, according to the National Sleep Foundation, are caused by snoring, pharmaceutical side effects, and actual medical diseases such acid reflux, depression, and prostate issues. It’s a good idea to discuss those concerns with your doctor. Create a relaxing environment, set aside enough time for sleep, and practice mindfulness meditation to get a better night’s sleep.
Age happens to us all, and though our aging processes all vary according to environment, sun exposure, stress, and genetics, taking the time to develop and nurture healthy habits will only benefit you in the long term to live a healthier and balanced life.
If you can make changes in your lifestyle, it’s best to incorporate these into your life now before the effects of your old ways catch up to you.