“If I’d known I was going to live this long, I’d have taken better care of myself.” ~Eubie Blake, age 100.
You too can live to age 100!
5 Keys to Healthy Aging
Each of us can live young, vibrant, energetic and healthy lives for a long time if we want to. Continue reading about the 5 keys to healthy aging.
Key 1: Physical Activity
Pick an activity that you will stick with like; bowling, swimming, tennis, yoga, golf and walking. Being active will maintain muscle tone, burn calories and reduce free-radical damage in your body slowing down the aging process.
Commit to 30 minutes a day in one session or 10-minute intervals 3 times a day.
Key 2: Social Connectedness
Spending time with family and friends regularly creates joy, boosts the immune system and reduces the risk to illness. Being alone can increase stress, high blood pressure, sleep problems and more.
Get out and be social; play cards like Bridge, board games with your grandkids, try ballroom dancing and give back by volunteering at your church or favorite non-profit organization.
Key 3: Mental Alertness
Keep your mind active by always learning something new! When you flex your mind it’s like aerobics for your brain cells and lowers your risk of mental decline, dementia and Alzheimer.
Read books, learn a new skill on your computer, master a foreign language, do cross-word puzzles and start a blog about one of your passions; animals, healthy living, etc.
Key 4: Whole Foods
Fill your plate with whole foods adding some beans and whole grains limiting high-calorie foods. Shop your local farmer’s market and health market section of the grocery store. The health and longevity of your body is worth paying a little more for antioxidant rich foods! The alternative is time and money spent treating illness or cancer as we age.
Eat all the colors of the rainbow plus add a vitamin mineral supplement to fill in your diets nutritional gaps.
Key 5: Anti-Aging
Turn back the clock with some of these anti-aging tips:
- Hydrate your skin – massage organic sesame oil all over your body to get your blood circulating. Rinse off in the shower to remove dead skin cells and give your skin a healthy glow!
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids – is the easiest way to reduce inflammation and decrease the signs of aging. Best to absorb omega-3 from foods but supplements can help as well. Best choices are; ground flaxseed, beans, kale, oatmeal, pumpkin seeds and peanut butter.
- De-stress – release blocked energy to feel younger from the inside out. Take time for a regular massage or receive the same benefit with stretches and meditating to calm your self.
Recommended book: Healthy Aging by Andrew Weil, M.D.
Questions/Comments
Which one of these 5 keys to healthy aging are you going to execute now? I would love to hear from you so please comment below!
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Cheers to a Healthy Day!
Photo credit: Photodune.net