These days, we all want to be healthy and age well into our golden years. Unfortunately, with the onset of age, we may begin to experience many problems, such as body aches and pains, and even dementia and other mental issues. The good news is that you can take steps to avoid these issues by eating the right food, exercising regularly, keeping your weight under control, and avoiding unhealthy habits like smoking or drinking too much alcohol. These steps will help you get through your retirement years in better shape than ever before!
Use Sunscreen
The skin is one of our body’s largest organs, and it’s also highly sensitive to UV damage. Protecting it is an important step in aging well, so make sure you use sunscreen every day to block out dangerous UV rays — not just when you know you’ll be spending time outside. And take care not to skip moisturizer; while your skin may produce less oil as you age, that doesn’t mean it isn’t still prone to dryness. Remember: Wrinkles don’t happen overnight; they develop over time because of consistent sun exposure and other environmental factors like pollution or smoke, which can interfere with collagen production. Prevention is key — so start protecting your skin early on in life!
Use Retinoid to Manage Wrinkles
If you’re concerned about your skin as you age, consider using a retinoid cream. These creams work to increase collagen production and reduce wrinkles by stimulating cell turnover, and getting rid of debris and fatty acids that make skin look dull. Follow a daily regimen for a smoother complexion in as little as two weeks. However, it’s important to select an over-the-counter product with no more than 0.1% tretinoin or retinol; anything higher can cause damage to your skin — as well as possible redness, flaking, and peeling. It’s also vital that you carefully follow all other directions on your product’s packaging for maximum results.
Exercise and Practice Good Posture
Regular exercise helps to keep your bones strong and your joints limber, while practicing good posture can help prevent back pain. Find physical activities you enjoy, so you’ll be more likely to stick with them — whether it’s dancing or walking. You might even meet some new friends along the way! And remember that just because someone else is doing something different doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with what you are doing.
Watch Your Diet
The American Dietetic Association recommends that older adults eat at least 2.5 cups of vegetables, 1 cup of fruit, 3 cups of dairy, 2 ounces of nuts or seeds, 6 ounces of grains, and 5-7 ounces of protein daily to maintain proper nutrition. Vitamin D is an important supplement for senior citizens to take to strengthen bones and protect against osteoporosis. Seniors should also watch their salt intake since they are more likely to have high blood pressure compared to younger people. Moreover, since seniors are often on multiple medications including antidepressants, they should watch out for interactions with various prescriptions.
Avoid Cigarettes
Smoking is just one of many factors that can contribute to a decreased quality of life in your golden years. Smoking has been linked to serious lung ailments, including cancer, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. Cigarette smoke can also have adverse effects on cholesterol levels and this is often an issue for seniors due to aging-related declines in metabolism. If you’re looking for ways to age well, cutting out cigarettes should be one of your top priorities. Quitting smoking isn’t easy. As with any addiction, there are physical factors at play. But if you set small goals and stay motivated by associating tobacco with how it makes you feel rather than with your identity as a smoker, you’ll find success more easily.
