How to Age Well

Aging is a given, but aging poorly is not. As time passes, it can bring you many positive things like new and stronger relationships, more family and more experiences. You can help yourself enjoy the gifts of time by following some simple diet and lifestyle habits that will allow you to age well. Here are some things you can do to avoid fatigue, joint pain, memory loss, weight gain and more.

Reduce Your Exposure to Toxins

We are all exposed to toxins whether or not we proactively try to avoid them. The problem with too many toxins is that they block cellular communication, increase inflammation and cause your body to work overtime to eliminate them. The environmental working group (EWG) has scored common toxins that are found in body care and household products. One of the most toxic ingredients that is found in many products is fragrance. They give it a score of 8 out of 10 because it is a known immune system toxicant. Along with avoiding toxic ingredients, staying hydrated with pure clean water is very important. EWG also has a tap water database that lists the contaminants for water districts by zip code. Using a high quality water filter is a must these days.

Exercise

Lack of movement or exercise causes loss of muscle mass and can lead to bone loss. Physical activity is also important because it keeps your lymphatic system moving. Your lymphatic system collects toxins and helps move them out of your body. Any kind of movement is helpful for keeping your body oxygenated and healthy. Resistance training and/or weight lifting can also help prevent bone loss. And of course, exercise helps you burn calories and can be part of a healthy weight management strategy.

Healthy Diet

Most processed foods contain ingredients that are known to cause inflammation. And if it isn't organic, it likely contain toxins. Eating a wide variety of chemical free fruits, vegetables, seeds, legumes, healthy fats and wild meat can make a positive difference in your health. You can make an even bigger difference by eating more foods that are known to be anti-inflammatory. Lemons, limes and dark berries are excellent anti-inflammatory foods along with avocado and avocado and olive oil. Non-starchy vegetables are more helpful than starchy roots such as potatoes, sweet potatoes and squash.

Community

Maintaining good emotional health is just as important to your wellness as the physical aspects. It has been shown that some of the longest living people live in "blue zones". One of the things that the blue zones have in common is a strong sense of community and/or family. Healthy social interaction can help you feel supported and encourages activities that keep you moving and engaged.

Poor Posture

Maintaining good posture as you age can help you maintain your balance and avoid pain and breathing issues. Physical therapy, bodywork, strength training, yoga, and practicing good posture can help reduce the risk of developing poor posture. Plus doing any of these things can help you identify other possible issues that can be resolved before they become big issues.

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