For some people, the thought of getting older is terrifying. Maybe it’s the thought of your appearance changing that has you so unsettled. You’re dreading every greying hair and wrinkle that has the audacity to appear. Maybe you worry about how your physical health will be affected as you age. Surely you’ve seen the way that some people seem to slow down as they age, and you can’t imagine that happening to you. Or maybe you’re worried most about your mental well-being. No one wants to end up being the grandparent at the end of the dinner table with a zoned-out look and drool running down their chin. Thankfully, there are things you can do to age more gracefully, both inside and out.

Looking Ten Years Younger by Staying One Step Ahead

While genetics is the main cause to blame for signs of aging like greying hair or wrinkles, there are still other factors that can either help slow down or speed up the aging process. The most important thing for you to do to refrain from speeding up the aging process is to avoid things like excessive smoking and drinking, or prolonged exposure to sunlight. All of these can cause premature greying and wrinkles. Another thing to avoid in an effort to prevent greying hair is any harsh chemicals in hair products. Excessive use of bleach and certain hair dyes can decrease melanin and eventually cause your hair to turn white.

To be proactive in preventing signs of aging, you should prioritize your health and make sure that you are properly nourishing your body. Greying hair can be caused by vitamin deficiencies, so make sure that you are eating plenty of nutrient-rich foods and taking a daily multivitamin or supplement to make up for the essential nutrients that your diet might be lacking.

Another thing that affects both your hair and skin is stress. The more stress you deal with on a regular basis, the more likely you are to experience signs of premature aging. Try to find ways to minimize your stress. Expressing your artistic creativity has been shown to help reduce stress. Consider taking up a hobby like painting or journaling. If you’d prefer something a little more active, then think about joining a yoga class or taking a daily walk.

If wrinkles are what really concerns you, then you might want to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. Your dermatologist can help you come up with the best skincare routine to prevent wrinkles, and can even offer suggestions on how you might be able to blur or reverse any current wrinkles you might have.

Maintaining Physicality as You Age

There’s a saying among health and fitness experts regarding muscle function that goes, “move it or lose it.” The main reason why so many older people struggle with basic mobility is that, as they age, their lives become more sedentary. Thankfully, this makes this issue easier to prevent, since you can maintain your muscle strength and mobility by staying physical. An easy way to do this is to join a gym. Consider finding one close to your workplace so you can make a routine of going on your way home. If joining a gym doesn’t sound appealing to you, then alternative ways to get a full-body workout include taking yoga classes or swimming laps in a pool.

Cardio is essential in preventing serious health issues as you age. Health professionals recommend getting at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each day. You can achieve this by going for a jog or a brisk walk. If you’re looking for a fun way to get your daily cardio, then you should consider taking Jazzercise classes at the Champaign Fitness Center. 

Maintaining a Healthy Mind

The saying “move it or lose it” can also apply to brain function. This is why it’s so important that you maintain regular social interactions and don’t become isolated as you age. You should look for local groups and activities in your area that interest you. It could be anything from a book club, to a quilting circle, to cooking classes, so long as it keeps your mind engaged, your brain will stay sharper for longer.

Many people worry that if they end up in a nursing home, their mental and physical well-being will deteriorate, but most nursing homes offer plenty of activities to keep residents active and engaged. If you or a loved one experiences any kind of isolation or neglect while in an elderly care facility, it is important that you hire an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer to help you get the financial compensation that you are entitled to.