Aging Gracefully

September is Healthy Aging Month. While getting older is inevitable, healthy habits can be developed at any age, setting you up for even more years of graceful aging. 

It’s important as we age to remain active and connected with those around us. From food choices and activity level to retirement goals — it all affects how fast or slow your body ages. Taking care of your body and brain by incorporating these easy tips to aging gracefully, you’ll be on your way to turning back Father Time (almost). 

Diet

Losing just 5 percent of your body weight has been shown to reduce your risk for diabetes and heart disease and improve metabolic function in the liver, fat, and muscle tissue. 

Avoid Processed Meat

Processed meats had about four times more sodium and 50 percent more nitrate preservatives than unprocessed meats. In addition, other research has implicated processed meats in a higher risk for colon cancer. 

Add Darkly Colored Fruits and Vegetables — blueberries, cherries, spinach, and kale are loaded with nutrients, fiber, and carotenoids. They will also fill you up, making you less likely to binge on junk food.

Skip Packaged Foods

Eliminate processed foods! Try to live by the one ingredient rule. If a packaged food contains only one ingredient (ground turkey, for instance), it’s probably a reasonable choice. 

Stay Hydrated

Drinking more water is the most natural way to get young, healthy skin.

For most people, drinking eight eight-ounce glasses of water every day will keep you hydrated but aim to drink at least half your body weight in ounces.

Exercise

Regular exercise can keep the body decades younger. Therefore, incorporating 30-45 minutes of any type of exercise daily is beneficial. Studies have shown that people over 70 who have exercised regularly for years had hearts, lungs, and muscles that were in equivalent shape to those in their 40s. The key is finding out what you enjoy, then getting up and moving.

Brain

Cognitive decline is not inevitable as you age, and adopting healthy lifestyle habits can significantly reduce your risks for dementia later in life. For example, making new connections and staying in touch with family and friends can keep you healthier and may add years to your life. It’s also a great idea and a fun way to keep your brain active through reading, art, and hobbies.

See Your Doctor Regularly

Checkups and preventive screenings are essential at any age, especially as you get older. Along with wisdom, age brings greater chances of health problems. Annual checkups allow your doctor to find them early when they can be treated early and sometimes cured. 

NY Health is the premier center for all your health needs. With specialties in family medicine, internal medicine, physical therapy, nephrology, rheumatology, surgery, urology, and OB/GYN, you can get the care you need and deserve throughout all stages of life.