Bodytalk
LAST week we discussed aging responsibly. This week let's look at some proven ways to do that. Aging well connected
to many physical,
mental factorsThere is no fee, so everyone has the resources to be successful.
I won't just consider the physical, because our emotional and mental well-being also contribute to our state of health or "unhealth" as we move forward in time.
>> Get enough sleep. Sleep promotes longevity. There is no better way to rejuvenate yourself than by getting a good night's sleep. If you have trouble sleeping, get some help, because sleep is crucial to good health.
>> Maintain a healthy body weight. Excess body weight is a risk factor in several diseases, as is being underweight. Try not to be seduced into wanting to look like a walking X-ray.
The young female stars that have bought into that image, and that have such a great influence over us, are laying the foundation for physical problems later in their lives.
>> Exercise daily. If there ever was a magic bullet, exercise would be it. Exercise helps to ward off disease, and it increases our metabolism and our energy level.
It makes us stronger and more self-reliant, helps control our body weight and helps us sleep better. It improves our mental alertness, helps us manage our stress and enhances our appearance. Regular exercise enables us to feel better about ourselves. The only people who don't believe this are those who don't exercise regularly; everyone who does wholeheartedly agrees.
>> Eat a healthy low-fat diet and avoid fad diets. Limit the amount of soda and alcohol you drink, limit the amount of sugar and saturated fat you eat, and avoid processed and chemically treated foods as much as possible. Eat less meat, eat more fish and beans, and stop eating those huge servings of carbohydrates you so enjoy. Snack less and pass up fast food
>> Keep your mind active by always learning new things. Keep educating yourself through all stages of your life. Our brains are wired to learn, and if our brain cells are not activated, they will die.
>> Stay socially connected. Find a group of like-minded people, or create a network of friends to do things with. Join clubs and organizations and become active in your community.
>> Develop some meaningful friendships, and most important, have someone you can talk to honestly and openly. Older individuals who are involved with others definitely have a lower mortality rate.
>> Maintain a positive point of view. A negative point of view will foster negative feelings and moods. On the other hand, when you think positively, life will be happier. Optimists pay more attention to life, and they take more responsibility for what happens to them. Optimists are generally healthier and stronger, they have higher self-esteem, and they're more likely to do all the other things we've mentioned to maintain a high level of health and well being in all stages of their life.
Stephenie Karony is a certified health and fitness instructor,
a personal trainer and author of "Body Shaping With Free Weights.''
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