Doesn’t time fly, especially as we get older? And I can’t help but wonder why some people age really well while others don’t. Obviously, having a chronic medical or mental condition impacts how well we age, but are there things we can do to slow the aging process? The answer is “yes!”
One of the easiest (and most fun) things to do is to socialize with others. Time spent with others has a bigger impact on lifespan than where you live, where you work, or whether you have a partner. Consider these other habits and activities:
Do something creative: Studies have shown that people who have hobbies, crafts, or other creative outlets think more clearly and have a better quality of life.
Exercise is one of the most important factors in staying healthy. Work in your garden (or volunteer with the Gardening Angels at St. Therese!) or take a brisk walk around your neighborhood. Each week, aim for at least 2.5 hours of activity that gets your heart going. Consider attending the Stretch and Strength classes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at St. Therese. Exercising will help you look and feel better, as well as help prevent diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
Wear sunscreen: The sun’s ultraviolet rays cause more than 90% of the damage to your skin, including wrinkles, rough patches, sagging, skin blemishes, and skin cancer.
Learn something new: Challenging yourself to learn something new will help prevent brain decline. Consider learning a new skill that involves your body, like dancing, pickleball, or golf, allowing you to exercise and socialize at the same time, which will help keep your mind and body young.
Practice good oral hygiene: Brush, floss, and rinse your mouth to help prevent cavities and gum disease, which has been linked to heart disease, stroke, and even pancreatic cancer.
Don’t smoke: Smoking causes wrinkles by narrowing your blood vessels and limiting the blood that gets to the top layer of your skin. It also causes cancer, heart disease, and lung disease.
Eat healthy: Be mindful of the food you eat. Eat fruits, vegetables, and healthy grains while avoiding processed foods and those high in salt content. Also, have larger meals earlier in the day and a light dinner, when possible.
Drink water: Generally, people should drink four to six cups of water daily, although this may vary due to certain health conditions, medications, activity level, and temperature. Sometimes, as people age, they don’t drink enough water, so make it a point to monitor your intake.
Pray, meditate, and practice mindfulness: All of these things will help bring you peace and emotional well-being. Attending church will give you peace of mind and allow you to socialize with your community.
References
- WebMD How to Outsmart Father Time, Medically Reviewed by Poonam Sachdev, October 14, 2024
