Tips To Help You Age With Style

Many people are desperate to fight the signs of aging and some go to extreme lengths to turn back the clock. But, like a fine wine or mature cheese, I think we get better with age! Yes, it might not be a common viewpoint but I’m happy to be aging. I feel happier, more fit and much wiser now than when I was in my twenties.

I might not be ‘old’ but I’m getting older and so are you! Let’s embrace the coming years with style and prepare for the future by looking after ourselves at every age.

Here are three common facts about aging together with tips to help you slow the aging process. We can’t stop the clock but we can slow the process by embracing a healthy, active life!

3 tips to help you slow the aging process

 Aging concern 1:  loss of bone density

As we age, our bones naturally lose mass – this is especially true for women after menopause. As bones lose calcium and other minerals they can become brittle and more susceptible to breaking. Loss of bone density can also cause postural changes because the spine is less able to support the body.

Active aging solution

Exercise is a great way to maintain healthy bone density, especially exercise that is high impact in nature such as walking, running or jumping. If you keep your joints moving, you’re less likely to experience loss of mobility and joint soreness commonly caused by inactivity.

Aging concern 2:  loss of muscle mass

The medical community refers to the loss of muscle mass that accompanies aging as ‘sarcopenia’ and it’s believed to be caused by a number of factors including hormone, nerve and dietary issues. Over the years, strength starts to decline and muscle tone fades.

Active aging solution

You can help to slow down muscle loss by including a variety of weight and resistance exercises in your fitness routine. Lifting weights or performing weight-bearing exercises will help you to build lean muscle and retain your strength as you age.

Aging concern 3:  hormonal changes

Hormonal changes are a fact of life for both men and women; these changes may be accompanied by weight gain, especially in the mid section.

Active aging solution

Hormonal changes can be very stressful so it is important to find balance in your life and perform stress-relieving activities. Yoga, meditation or simply engaging in a new activity may help you to deal with the effects of hormonal change.

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As we age, we start to better understand our abilities – and our limitations. That helps us make better decisions. We understand that nutrition and exercise play a vital role in how we feel and that looking after ourselves on a daily basisnow can help us feel younger than our years later.

Of course, all my anti-aging advice circles back to exercise.  You know I’m a fitness enthusiast and I believe in exercising at every age, but I can assure you that these are not just my own ideas. There has been a lot of medical research on aging and how to grow old without succumbing to the ‘little old grandma or granddad’ persona. Exercise seems to be listed on every paper I have read. I think consistent, challenging and fun exercise throughout your life is one of the best ways to fight the signs of aging.

If you ever experience a sudden change in you body or exercise levels then make sure to check in with your doctor. But what are you waiting for? Your journey to the fountain of youth starts with you reaching for your tennis shoes and getting active today.

Written by Samantha Clayton, AFAA, ISSA. Samantha is Director of Fitness Education at Herbalife.