If you want to live a comfortable, long, happy life, then you need to make sure you’re taking the steps to protect your body as you get older. Looking after your body will ensure better mental and physical health, and improved mobility, sleep, and other bodily functions. Below, you’ll find 12 things that will protect your body as you age. Take a look and see what you should be doing:
Regular Exercise
For people over the age of 19, 2.5 hours a week exercise is recommended for general health and wellbeing. The type of exercise you do doesn’t matter so much, as long as you enjoy it, Just bear in mind that it helps to switch it up and get different types of exercise. Walking, swimming, weight lifting, biking, and classes are all great. It all depends on what you like to do, as this is what you will stick to in the long run. It always helps to exercise for reasons other than what your body looks like. If you focus on aesthetic goals only, you could easily give up. There are so many more benefits to exercise than aesthetic goals alone!
Look After Your Skin
The skin is the body’s largest organ, so you should treat it with care and protect it from the elements. Wear sunscreen every day and this will protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. The rays can be dangerous even if it’s not sunny, so make sure you apply it liberally no matter what. Learning of the various skincare ingredients and doing a bit of research can also help you to achieve healthy skin. For example, ingredients such as vitamin C, ceramides, and retinol can all be useful for different reasons.
Eat A Balanced Diet
Your diet doesn’t have to be ‘perfect’ or’ clean’. If you want to feel good and age gracefully, then eating a balanced diet is a must. Get plenty of fruits and vegetables – fresh, frozen, and canned all count. Lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats are also recommended. You can still eat the foods you like but you may want to make some sensible swaps to make the meals healthier. For example, using a spray oil rather than lots of olive oil in one dish.
Put A Focus On Your Mental Health
To some people, mental health is still taboo. However, it’s something we should all focus on if we want to be happy. There are many things that we can do to protect our mental health. For example:
- Spending time with the people you love.
- Exercising for endorphins and serotonin.
- Walking a dog – you can even walk dogs from a shelter.
- Accepting yourself as you are.
- Doing more things you enjoy.
- Find a way to volunteer and help others.
Lower Your Stress Levels
Stress can have terrible effects on the body if it is chronic and goes unchecked. It can age you prematurely, as well as leave you susceptible to a number of diseases. You can prevent stress by using talk therapy, getting plenty of sleep, enjoying some exercise, meditating, and doing breathing exercises. You may also find it useful to cut out caffeine in the afternoon, and finding time for a nap.
Let Go Of Your Bad Habits
Smoking and alcohol consumption will do nothing for your body as you age. Both of these bad habits increase the risk of disease and age the body prematurely. It’s not always easy to quit, but there are help and resources out there that you can utilize. You don’t need to try to do this alone. If you continue to smoke or indulge in unhealthy habits, your bones and other parts of your body may suffer. Tobacco use has been linked with hip replacement surgery, so bear this in mind as you let go of your bad habits.
Get Plenty Of Sleep
Sleep is important for both your mental and physical health. It can also play a role in how healthy your skin is. Now, how much sleep you need largely depends on your age. Adults over the age of 18 should aim for 7-8 hours a night. However, it can also depend on how much activity you do each day, as well as how much sleep you’re naturally inclined to have. It helps if you can get back in touch with your body’s circadian rhythms. For instance, you could go to sleep and wake up with a sunset alarm clock, have a solid wind-down routine, and be consistent in your sleep and wake times. You will reduce stress and the risk of depression, lower your risk of obesity, improve your focus, and more when you get enough sleep.
Focus On Your Oral Health
Not looking after your teeth will age your smile, put you at risk of gum disease, stroke, and other issues. Visiting your dentist regularly is absolutely crucial, but so is learning to take care of your teeth properly at home. You should:
- Brush twice a day with an electric or sonic toothbrush.
- Floss at least once a day.
- Use mouth rinse to get rid of further debris.
- Avoid using your teeth as tools.
- Avoid excess consumption of food and drink that is bad for your teeth or can stain.
Your teeth can give away a lot about your health in general. This is why visiting a dentist is important – they may be able to link poor oral hygiene with another issue and help you to get it dealt with ASAP.
Book Doctor’s Appointments Regularly
Visiting a doctor regularly ensures that issues are dealt with early on – ideally before they’ve even really begun. How often you see a doctor can depend on your age, lifestyle, family history, and any existing conditions that you may have. Checkups and screening tests as you get older are key. It’s also important to visit a doctor if you are experiencing symptoms. Don’t put it off!
Looking after your body is so important – we only get one!