Are you aging or getting older?

Delay the aging process with smart lifestyle choices.

by Lorraine Gantt

I know we’ve all heard the phrase, “age is nothing but a number.” It’s true, it is! Getting older merely has to do with the number of years you’ve been on this earth. Everyone will get old, but you do not have to “age.”

However, science does tell us that between the ages of 35 and 40, muscle cells begin to atrophy, or shrink, which kicks the aging process into full gear.

This means that our flexibility, strength, endurance, posture, and balance start to decrease if we do not actively focus on these areas. Secondly, while our body is effected, our mind can be negatively impacted as well.

While you can’t stop the clock, you can delay the aging process and glide smoothly through each year, making the second half of your life better than the first. Below are five steps to help delay aging.

Full-body regime

It’s imperative to activate all muscles. No matter what your problem spots are – stomach, buttocks, hips, it doesn’t matter – the entire body must be exercised equally. Examples of effective exercises are weight training, walking or running, and stretching.

Don’t worry, be happy

Surrounding yourself with positive friends and family, and finding time to laugh is good for the spirit. Go dancing, go to the park, travel - don’t let age get in the way of living your best life.

Hydrate

Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated. Hydrated skin is healthy and appears more youthful, bright and increases your “glow.”

Eat well

Wholesome nutrition prevents or reverses chronic health issues such as hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables and most importantly, stay away from processed foods. Processed foods contain ingredients that the body doesn’t recognize, contribute to inflammation, and that weakens the immune system, contributing to the onset of chronic diseases.

Get ample rest

A good night’s sleep – at least seven to eight hours – is one of the best things you can do to prevent aging. It is just as important as food, water and oxygen. Sleep deprivation can lead to a higher risk of chronic health problems like hypertension as well as other physical and psychological issues.

The goal is to outlive your life, don’t let your life outlive you – Own Your Age!

Lorraine Gantt is a registered nurse. She is also a certified personal trainer and certified weight loss specialist with the National Academy of Sports Medicine. She participated as a National Physique Committee (NPC) Body