Just because you’ve reached a certain age, it doesn’t mean that you can’t still look young. Here are some tips on how you can increase your longevity and keep on enjoying life.
Have a healthy diet
First and foremost, a healthy diet is of the essence for a long life. It’s recommended that you eat fruits and veggies that can be fresh, frozen, and canned. Then, you want lean protein that you can get from chicken and turkey breasts, fish, and beans. Incorporate whole-grain cereals, bread, pasta, and rice into your everyday diet as well.
Unless you are lactose-intolerant, dairy products are also important so get some low-fat or fat-free milk, yogurt, and cheese. When preparing meals, use oils instead of solid fats and keep your salt intake to a minimum. Lastly, try to stay away from unhealthy fats, refined sugars, and processed foods.
Don’t neglect exercise
Staying active is also vital for lowering your risk of heart disease, cancer, and other diseases. Plus, it will help you retain mobility, improve sleep, and lower stress. Set aside 2.5 to 5 hours a week for moderate-intensity exercise and add some muscle-strengthening activities with resistance bands or weights at least twice a week.
Some workout options that you can consider include walking, cycling, dancing, and swimming. Avoid sitting for too long to reduce the risk of chronic illness and early death.
Take care of your skin and teeth
As the largest organ of your body, it’s essential that you take care of your skin. Treating it with care will not only help you look younger but you can also regulate your body temperature and protect your body from the elements. To maintain it, remember to wear sunscreen when you go outside and look for gentle skincare products. Get skin cancer screenings on a regular basis and remember to stay hydrated. Then, proper oral hygiene is also important for your longevity.
To prevent gum disease that’s been linked to stroke and heart disease, you want a good dental routine and regular visits to your dentist. Furthermore, you can look into supplements like diatomaceous earth that can improve the health of your skin and teeth, among many other things.
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Think about your mental health
Your mental health is also important so look for ways to lower your stress levels. Whether you will look for new hobbies or go back to some forgotten ones, doing something that helps you relax and makes you happy is crucial for a good mood. What is more, you want to spend time with your loved ones.
Socializing can improve your mental wellbeing and longevity while even spending time with your pet can lower blood pressure and reduce loneliness. Another thing that can help you feel better is accepting your age. A positive attitude towards aging can make a huge difference.
Get enough sleep
Getting enough quality sleep is imperative for your mental and physical wellbeing. Adults that are older than 65 need somewhere between seven and eight hours of sleep, even though it can all depend on the person.
Good sleep can lower the risk of stroke, heart disease, depression, obesity, and inflammation. If you’re currently not getting enough shuteye, look into ways of improving your sleep such as replacing your mattress or changing your sleeping environment.
Cut down on unhealthy habits
Lastly, cutting down on unhealthy habits can also be beneficial for your health. For instance, alcohol and smoking can cause premature aging as well as increase the risk of disease. If you’re willing to stop smoking, you can talk to a healthcare professional and get some help. In terms of alcohol, one to two drinks per day is acceptable.
There are many ways how you can still look young even as you grow older. Keep these tips in mind for longevity.
