Turning back the hands of time. It’s a challenge that mankind has wrestled with since the birth of scientific research and discovery and every decade seems to bring a greater intensity towards finding some sort of solution.
So what have we learned thus far? Quite a lot actually. There are steps we can all take towards slowing down the aging process considerably. Through methods that involve proper diet, exercise, and other responsible lifestyle choices, aging doesn’t have to be a scary concept.
It doesn’t matter how old you are, it’s never too late to get started on slowing down the aging process. This particularly true for seniors who are receiving caregiving at home. In fact, many in-home care for seniors groups are starting to promote healthy activities and meal programs to help seniors get on the right track towards reducing the effects of aging.
We all get older, but that doesn’t mean we need to accept the symptoms that come with it. Here are just some of the most common steps anyone can take for hitting the brakes on aging.
Exercise
This is a no-brainer, of course. Staying active can increase your chances of slowing the aging process down considerably. There are so many options from which to choose, but those activities that help to build and maintain muscle mass are some of the most effective out there.
We start to loss muscle mass some time in our late 20’s and it only goes downhill from there. That’s why it’s so important to work on building muscle over time, to keep you from becoming weak and chunky. While muscle mass starts to go, your ability to gain weight becomes far more increased.
So try some simple resistance training exercises and lifting weights. Be sure to place a closer emphasis on doing things like squats, pullups and pushups, and bench presses. But remember, go easy at first and don’t overdo it. This is a marathon, not a sprint.
Speaking of marathons and sprints, running is also a smart way to get that much needed exercise for turning back time. Get out there and run or walk, do it casually or competitively if you wish. Set goals for yourself by training for a 5K or 10K.
Next thing you know, you’ll be running marathons on the weekends! These are highly beneficial for your cardiovascular system, lungs, brain, and heart. Aerobic activities such as jogging or running can also have an effect on your cells and their repair processes. If you can directly impact the cells in your body, you’re going to have more energy and improved strength for your body’s self-repair mechanisms.
Healthy Diet
If we’re talking about exercise, you had to know the next thing we were going to discuss is good nutrition. Think of your body as a luxury automobile, it only runs properly if you fill it up with the highest quality fuel.
The same goes for your diet plan. While every body is different and nutritional demands can vary, we can all benefit from the essentials when it comes to choosing the right foods to put on our plates.
Fish and poultry are heart healthy protein options that can be prepared in ways that make them fully nutritious, rich in vitamins, low on the harmful stuff, and taste great. Be sure to get plenty of fruits and vegetables as well.
Avoid sugary drinks, fatty fried foods, and empty calories that are only going to make you gain weight and feel lousy in the long run.
The Occasional Drink
Those of you who have a taste for red wine are in luck. Enjoying a glass or two on occasion can be extremely beneficial to slowing down the aging process. That’s because of anti-oxidants like resveratrol which has been shown to actually have an impact on reducing the effects of aging.
It’s also found in grapes and other fruits and nuts, but the wine-making process results in a greater concentration of this compound in red wine.
So the next time you’re in the mood, have a glass of wine. But remember, always in moderation. Imbibing too much on a routine basis can have an adverse effect and lead to some pretty bad hangovers the next morning.
So watch your alcohol intake in order to get the most health benefits from your glass of wine.
Sleep
Finally, this one is pretty self-explanatory. If you don’t get enough sleep your body can’t recharge itself and heal properly. A lack of sleep can have adverse effects on just about every aspect of your health. So be sure to get at least 6 to 8 hours of sleep per night.
Your body will thank you and you’ll look and feel a whole lot better in the morning.
