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As a general constant of life, it is inevitable to get older. Though you cannot control age, you can take steps to slow down age decline by making smart and healthy choices along the way.
From regular exercises to the food you eat to your retirement goals and making friends, all affect how slow or fast your body ages. Below are some methods to keep your mind and body together and healthily ensure you age.
- Perform regular checkups
With regular checkups, you notice early issues like hormonal problems and treat them before they become more significant issues. Hormones are a vital communicator between the body cells in both men and women. They are also responsible for regulating body functions.
But, as you age, hormones can become imbalanced. So most people explore hormone optimization therapy as a solution. Hormone optimization aims to determine if the body’s hormone level is below the suitable threshold. And when so, treat it through a developed plan that improves the hormone function.
- Be more active
Exercises can lower the risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, some cancer, and heart diseases, leading to compression of morbidity. This means that you can stay healthier in your later years compared to those who would spend their final years with chronic illness.
Exercise can also prevent dementia and other cognitive changes. So when your doctor clears you, you should get a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week.
- Get quality sleep.
Lack of sleep usually affects emotions, memory, weight, and appearance. And as you get older, falling and staying asleep can become harder. However, it would be best if you had the same minimum sleep hours.
Sometimes sleep problems can be due to medication side effects, snoring, prostate problems, and underlying medical issues like depression and acid reflux. So, you can address these problems with your doctor to get satisfying sleep.
- Quit smoking.
The risk of heart disease can decrease in as little as a day when you stop smoking. For long-term benefits, middle-aged people who quit smoking reduce their risk of dying early.
Additionally, performing exercises can also help you fight withdrawal symptoms and smoking cravings. So, you can create a time to get fit at the time of the day when you usually get the urge to take a cigarette.
So when you do this, instead of smoking when you have the urge, you might find yourself craving a bicycle ride or a walk. If you are struggling alone, you can speak with your doctor about aids and smoking cessation programs.
Final Thought
Aging healthily does mean you have to look like you’re in your 20s. It means living your life as best as possible and having the mental and physical health to enjoy it. Like the adage says, you can age like a good bottle of wine.
Maintain a healthy life by surrounding yourself with people who love you and do what brings joy to you. It is normal to be worried about the challenges that accompany old age, so you can discuss them with someone about your concerns.