10 Tips to Support Healthy Aging
Contrary to popular belief, how you age isn’t just up to genetics. There are lots of things you can do to age better from the inside out. A lot of them are simple lifestyle changes that can have a big impact and you can start as early as your 20s and 30s. These decades are often thought of as our prime, which means most people aren’t thinking about how their choices now will affect their future self.
How you can age with style..and in health
If you’re one of those proactive types, we’ve got good news for you. We have a list of 10 things you can do to age gracefully.
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Use SPF daily to protect your skin. Using sunscreen regularly can help prevent you from getting skin cancer, but it also helps aid against wrinkles due to sun damage. We often forget that our skin is the largest organ on our body and our first line of defense against harmful invaders.
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Eat at least six servings of fruits and veggies every day. This one can be hard to hear for some, but the truth is that fruits and vegetables are so, so good for you. They’re great not just for your waistline, but also for your heart and the more colorful your daily intake, the better. Why? You’ll take in more antioxidants which are good for heart health. There are so many kinds of fruits and vegetables, so make a point to find ones you love and eat them like crazy! Skip the ones you don’t like so it doesn’t feel like torture. Bonus: Eating this way may also help reduce period pain.
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Get into an exercise routine. When you’re in your 20s, your metabolism is at full speed, so indulging in a few extra cookies or chips may not make an impact now, but it will as you get older. Your metabolism naturally slows down as you age and the only way to accelerate it is through exercise. Find movement that brings you joy so you get excited to get active. And yes, a daily walk counts just as much as a daily run. Let’s break away from the idea that if you’re not getting sweaty and burning a certain number of calories it isn’t considered exercise. Movement is movement and your body craves it.
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Get your yearly physical exam. Being consistent with these can help prevent conditions like diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. By checking in yearly, your doctor can monitor changes and course correct before it’s too late.
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See a gynecologist. A yearly pap smear can help prevent cervical cancer, a totally preventable condition. It can also detect any abnormalities that can point to other conditions which means you can start treating them earlier. You can also discuss keeping hormones balanced and other reproductive organ concerns.
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Keep your stress levels in check. This is always a tricky one because, let’s face it, life can be stressful. The key is finding something that works for you to help you get into a relaxed state. Some people prefer meditation or yoga, while others prefer taking a walk in nature, sitting under a tree and reading, or taking a hot bath before bed. There is no right or wrong answer, as long as it feels calming to you. It’s also important to note that stress lowers the immune system as we age, so this relaxing mechanism will be important later in life.
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Don’t sacrifice sleep. “I’ll sleep when I’m dead,” has become too common of a saying. Sleep is incredibly important for the body. If you’re not getting into your deepest non-REM sleep cycle, you’re inhibiting your body’s ability to repair and regrow tissue, build bone and muscle mass, and strengthen your immune system. There is a reason you need more sleep when you’re sick or injured. The older we get, the more difficult it becomes to fall and stay asleep. Establish your good sleep habits now, so you can bring them with you later in life.
- Prioritize mental health. Mental health is another important aspect of healthy aging and it’s becoming more widely talked about. Keeping your mood elevated and stress levels down can greatly increase your chances of aging well. It can be as simple as spending time with loved ones and engaging in activities you enjoy. Another element is accepting your age, which can be easier said than done. Evidence shows that those who maintain a positive outlook about aging live longer. Embracing your age can make a big difference.
- Quit cigarettes and consume less alcohol. We are not going to pretend that either of these are easy to do, but there are numerous resources you can utilize to make the journey less frustrating. Both smoking and alcohol have been shown to cause premature aging and increase risk of disease, so quitting or greatly reducing your consumption is highly recommended.
- Drink water. I think most of us already know how important water is, but it warrants repeating. Water is key for keeping your bowel movements regular and improves energy levels and brain function. It also helps keep skin healthy and reduces the signs of aging. If you’re not sure how much water you should be drinking, talk to your doctor as it depends on several different factors.
Support your health with Semaine supplements
The 10 tips above are great ways to support healthy aging, but if you are a natural overachiever, you might be looking for more. Our supplements can be another part of your aging well toolkit.
- The Daily Hormone Balance – This multivitamin can increase energy levels, stabilize mood, promote clear skin, and curb cravings. It also supports healthy hormone levels and is great for everyone from menstruators to those in perimenopause.
- Menopause Essentials – This supplement helps stabilize mood, support sleep, and reduce hot flashes and night sweats. It’s for those in their 40s-50s or anyone in early menopause.
- Pre+Probiotic for Women – Designed to support a healthy gut microbiome, it also supports a healthy immune system. It’s good for those experiencing period poops, constipation, food sensitivities, or those in post-menopause.
Aging is a natural part of life, but it doesn’t need to be something you dread. You can support your body to age in a healthy manner by following simple lifestyle and diet changes. Try and focus more on how you feel and what your test results tell you versus what the mirror shows you. Health is about so much more than what you look like on the outside and more about what’s happening on the inside.