age is really just a number

None of us are immune to apprehension about what the future holds. I’m navigating my 50’s, slightly concerned about some of my poor habits from my 20’s and 30’s, wreaking havoc on my body as I age. There are also the effects of our genetics, environment, downright stupidity, and even plain lousy luck to ponder. All of that aside, there are some things that we can do habitually that will improve the odds of a long prosperous and healthy life.

1. Eating Clean and Exercising: Daily exercise and a mindful diet full of whole foods and proper hydration set you up for success. Increased heart rate from daily exercise improves the blood flow to your brain. You don’t have to train to run a marathon, but walking, yoga, even golf will help. It’s all about moving your body. Physical activity improves your long-term and short-term memory. You can improve your physical and cognitive health with good nutrition. Put down the donut and snack on carrots and hummus. Think about what you’re eating. Make your plate at least 50% fruits and vegetables and make it as colorful as you can. I’m not saying you can never eat a burger, but let’s make that an occasional treat, not an everyday staple. If you need some ideas to clean up your diet, check out my previous blog on what does clean eating mean?
2. Be a Lifelong Student: Learning keeps the brain cells working at optimal levels, limiting cognitive and memory decline as we age. Be a student of life! Seek out exciting adult education classes. Education will not only broaden your horizons, but it will allow you to meet new people and connect with different ideas. Learning helps us open our minds to new ideas and keeps us up to date with the changing times. None of us want to become forgetful dinosaurs!
3. Grab a Good Book: Reading reduces stress and can lower your heart rate and blood pressure. Reading also improves memory and enhances your empathetic skills. Readers are more approachable and social due to increased awareness and compassion. There is a link between longevity and lifelong reading.
4. Embrace Mindfulness and Meditation: Meditation improves focus and concentration. Mindfulness reduces depression, anxiety, and stress. Together, these practices improve long and short-term memory and physical health. Need help with a beginner meditation practice? Check out my short book on stress relief meditation.
5. Proper Sleep: I have written many blogs on the physical and mental health improvements with good sleep. Sleep helps the brain to function properly. A well-rested brain allows you to express yourself creatively. Sound sleep improves mood and keeps depression at bay. Need help sleeping, visit my previous blog on the power of better sleep habits.

Some debris from our past will affect our rate of physical and mental aging, but we can keep that to a minimum by improving our current habits. Immune boosting supplements can also help. Check out my previous blog on immune boosting supplements. Take these tips and run with them (literally and figuratively)! Make age just a number and thrive in the later seasons of life.