A research conducted on centenarians threw up interesting observations. The common attribute among them was a healthy lifestyle accompanied by a very positive attitude towards life. Some had even survived a life threatening disease like cancer.
Aging for them was a part of natural process; instead of adopting a negative stance, they aged gracefully and lived their life to their full potential. The most significant aspect was that they kept the aging factor at bay by following simple and healthy living habits.
Healthy Habits To Delay Aging
No one is above aging. Biologically, humans age when – combined with other factors, the levels of human growth hormones reduce. At the most an individual can control the rate at which he/she ages, but cannot completely stop the process. It is a part of the natural order of things. By accepting this and adapting positive changes in the way you live will ensure that you delay the signs of aging.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/62472560@N00/4288283182/Daniela Vladimirova
- Exercise Regularly - Exercise promotes overall well being of a person. Certain exercises help to tone even the facial muscles thus reducing the chances of wrinkles. Exercising promotes circulation and removes harmful toxins from the body via sweat, which also help boost collagen production for maintaining elasticity of the skin. Some exercises help in building strong bones which become brittle as we age.
- Drink Plenty of Water – Water is considered life giving as it transports the nutrients within the body to different organs and removes the harmful toxins from the body. Therefore it becomes imperative to drink minimum 8 glasses of water on an average to maintain body functions at normal levels.
- Avoid Alcohol- Alcohol dehydrates and saps your body of essential minerals and vitamins. It interferes with sleep patterns and in higher quantities leads to diseases such as cirrhosis. If you must drink, opt for wines.
- Smokers Beware – Smoking, as per a research cuts as much as a decade off of your life time. It contributes to wrinkles and fine lines on the facial skin apart from causing lung cancer. It elevates cholesterol levels making you prone to cardio vascular diseases.
- Avoid Overexposure To Sun – The sun in excess damages the skin leading to premature aging. Going out in the sun without adequate protective gear leads to appearance of wrinkles on exposed skin and even skin cancers. To avoid overexposure to the sun, wear clothes that cover the neck, arms and legs. To protect your head and face wear a cap or hat and apply a sunscreen with SPF 15 or above.
- Lead A Stress Free Life - Stress contributes to a great extent in aging. It interferes with the sleep patterns, hormonal levels and in some extreme cases leads to depression. Some research even suggests that stress aggravates aging in some individuals i.e. it leads to premature aging.
- Eat Nutritious Food – Eat healthy food that contains more antioxidants such as fruits and vegetables and stay away from things that comprise of higher quantities of sugar and salt. Include calcium to keep bones healthy.
- Adequate Amount of Sleep- In order to stay healthy it is imperative to clock in a minimum 7 hours of sleep. By compromising on quality sleep, you might end up with sleep related disorders. In the long run it leads to an increase in blood pressure and ultimately cardiovascular diseases. Inadequate sleep also contributes to dark circles, puffy eyes and formation of wrinkles.
- Positive Attitude – A person is as old as he thinks goes a proverb. It is an adage that provides food for thought. A person who has a positive self image will ensure that he/she adopts healthy habits. The research on centenarians also concluded that being surrounded by family and friends who act as a support system – physically as well as mentally, helped in their overall well being, thus allowing them to lead a longer and fulfilling life.
“Aging is not restricted to the physical appearance of a person. It is how you adapt your physical and mental being to an inevitable fact in life that makes the ultimate difference”
The author has authored a couple of articles/blog posts that cover topics such as acne treatment , hair care, growth hormones and yoga to name a few.
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