Aging Is Inevitable

Although aging is inevitable, we don't all age at the same rate.  Some people look and feel old at 60, while others are still going strong in their 90's and beyond.  Genetics plays a role in aging, but lifestyle plays and even greater role in whether you will become a super ager.  Here are a few of the lifestyle choices that lead to slower aging.

1.  Challenge your brain.  Push your brain by reading challenging material and learning something hard.  I have a saying, and I think of it every day.  "I want to learn something new everyday."  

2.  Build strength.  Walking is great, but you've got to do more.  Do some resistance training 2-3 times a week.  Just 10 minutes will make a difference.  Work on balance and mobility.  Perform short bursts of energy for a great cardio workout.  We used to call this interval training.

3.  Sleep 7-8 hours per night.  Sleep deprivation accelerates age-related decline.

4.  Eat a wholesome diet, with a few ultra processed foods as possible.  A Mediterrenean diet works well.

5.  Prevent health flare ups by visiting your primary doctor, opthomologist and audiologist regularly.  

6.  Stay socially connected.  This may be more important than we think.  Stay active in church, book clubs, hobbies, bridge, mah jongg, etc.  It keeps  you engaged in the world around.

7.  Stress management.  I think this is one of the keys to longevity, although I am not a doctor and have no research to support my thoughts.  Deep breathing, short walks, meditation, creative hobbies, and a good friend to share thoughts and concerns with, will go a long way in reducing stress.  I always remember what a therapist said to me many years ago when I was going through a difficult time.  "Most of your anxiety over negative events will never come to pass.  It's unlikely that you're going to get hit by lightening, unlikely that your plane will crash, unlikely that your house will burn down.  Focus on the things you CAN change instead of speculating about the "what ifs."

I plan to live a long and healthy life by remembering the above choices that seem to lead to a longer life.