Aging – How to Fight Back!

You might think that the aging process is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be. The aging process cannot be stopped but you can fight back with a few simple adjustments to your daily routine. If you want to slow down the aging process and feel younger for longer, you need to make these adjustments.

Those annoying little aches and pains

It is only natural that as we age niggling little arches and pains annoyingly become more apparent. These could be as a result of an old sports injury that suddenly flares up or it could be natural bone wear and tear giving rise to the start of arthritis or even gout. The key to any of these ailments is a balanced healthy diet and movement. Low impact exercise routines like swimming, yoga, cycling or simply taking a daily walk can be hugely beneficial. If in any doubt always consult your doctor to get advice some aches and pain need medical attention.

Wrinkles and Dry Skin

Wrinkles and dry skin are two common signs of aging. As we age our skin loses its moisture, dries out and becomes thinner and less elastic. Winkles appear where once there was smooth, wrinkle free skin. Keeping hydrated (drink lots of water) is important. Free radicals are a major cause of skin aging. This includes sun exposure, smoking, alcohol and a poor diet. Antioxidants help fight free radicals and may help slow down the aging process.

Muscle Loss

As we age, it is not unusual that our strength and ability to exercise for longer periods of time diminishes. It may not always be due to the aging process but perhaps our mental attitude toward physical exercise using age as an excuse. The natural aging process can affect our body, mind, and soul. So, don’t stop purely because of your age. Keeping fit is essential to good mental and physical health. Daily exercise taking simple steps forward at a pace that suits you can have a tremendous effect helping to maintain body strength and healthy muscles. Walking is always a good starting point. Aim for 20 - 30 minutes per day. Mix up your workout routine by alternating between walking and swimming, for example.

Memory

The brain is just like any other muscle in our body and like our muscles, it slows down with age. Forgetting the odd thing here and there may be irritating but like with our muscles some simple steps can help to keep your memory fit and healthy. It is possible to maintain your memory by learning new things, such as new hobbies, reading and keeping your mind active. It can be as simple as regular contact with friends and family and just chatting. Good nutrition and eating healthily are equally a key element to compliment overall bodily health and function.

Weight Gain

As we age, our metabolism slows and we burn off less calories, which means we are storing more fat in our bodies. It's not just a case of more exercise alone. You need to watch what you eat. Limit or avoid sugar and concentrate more on fruit, vegetables and portion sizes. If you need help in this you may find speaking with a nutritionist helpful to get you started and on the right track to help maintain a balanced, less sluggish, healthier and leaner body fit for your age.

Changes in Your Sex Life

High blood pressure, high cholesterol, slower metabolism, all are contributing factors to erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness, and other conditions that become more likely with age. A difficult subject but talking with your partner can help to share anxieties that perhaps you are both feeling but not admitting to each other. Controlling your weight, eating healthy, exercising, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help you lower your blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, and boost blood flow and sex sex hormones. It will help you feel good about yourself and enjoy sex into old age.

Changes in Sleep Patterns

There are many reasons why our sleep patterns change as we age. Side effect of medication, loss of mobility and independence can lead to depression and/or boredom that can lead to long-term bouts of sleepiness. Try to avoid eating late at night or stimulants such as caffeine found in coffee, tea, sugary drinks and chocolate ideally at least 3-4 hours before going to bed. There are some natural remedies that research has shown can help. Regular daily exercise can also help along with a balanced diet. Should the symptoms persist, you should consult your doctor.

Peeing More Often

Your bladder and pelvic muscles get weaker with age. Other health problems, like an enlarged prostate, can make the issue worse. Strengthen the area with Kegel exercises -- squeeze your muscles as if you’re trying to hold in urine -- 10 to 15 times, three times a day. Your diet makes a difference, too. Get plenty of fibre, and limit sugary, carbonated drinks and caffeine. If you’re having trouble with holding urine, leaking, a sudden, urgent need to pee, or pain when you go, see your doctor.

Loneliness

Most people will feel lonely at some point in their lives. It is a deeply personal experience that in most cases does pass in time. However, in today’s society there are a growing number of people, particularly in later life, where loneliness has a significant impact on their general wellbeing.

To avoid feeling isolated, make it part of your daily routine to talk with friends, family, and neighbours. Nowadays, staying in touch with friends and family can be done via social media so no matter how far away they have moved from the family home, village or town it is still possible to keep connected. The key is to keep active and get involved with the local community in any way that feels comfortable for you. Daily exercise and a good healthy diet can also help with your general wellbeing.

Staying in touch with Your Health

As we age it is inevitable to expect to develop at least one health problem, like heart disease or diabetes. Knowing this emphasises even more the importance of daily exercise and keeping to a healthy diet to get all the necessary vitamins your body requires. Research shows that a healthy diet of fruit and vegetables coupled with strict potion sizes can help to reduce heart disease, control diabetes, reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. it’s important to go for regular check-ups, keep your prescriptions filled, and follow all your doctor’s instructions. Having regular check-ups is important to your health, even if you don’t have any health issues.