5 Simple Ways to Age Better

Time doesn’t stop for anyone. Everyone ages. All the money in the world can’t buy another second of time. But that doesn’t mean you can’t control how well you age.  Here are five simple ways to age better.

 Grip Strength

Grip strength might not be an exciting topic but it’s related to multiple health and happiness markers, believe it or not. A strong grip improves cognitive ability, fine motor skills, strength and emotional health.

Use these exercises to improve your grip strength:

1. Grab a tennis ball and squeeze it with your whole hand 5 to 10 times

2. Next, repeat using your thumb and index finger.

3. Lastly, squeeze the tennis ball 5-10 times using your thumb and each other finger.

 Weigh-in

Strive to maintain a healthy weight for your age by staying within your daily caloric allowance and eating a diet consisting of:

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Whole Grains
• Lean Protein Sources (fish, poultry, eggs, legumes, and soy products, etc.)
• Low Fat (low in saturated and trans fat and cholesterol)
• Low Sodium
• Little Added Sugars

 Exercise Your Body

Physical activity helps maintain good muscle mass, strength, and bone density. It also helps with good posture, endurance, strength and functional independence. According to research studies, people age 52 and older tend not to get enough physical activity, creating poorer health outcomes. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate physical activity weekly, and two days of strength training.

 Exercise Your Brain

Exercising your brain improves brain function and quality of life while reducing risk of dementia.  Things like jigsaw puzzles, Sudoku, learning new languages, memorizing scripture, taking art classes or learning a new instrument, and taking nature walks are all great activities for strengthening your brain and keeping it young.

 Enjoy Your Friends

According to some reports, one in four adults age 65 and older are socially isolated. Social isolation increases the risk for heart disease, depression, stroke, suicide, dementia, anxiety and premature death.

Improve your aging process by staying socially connected. Some ideas include joining a club, writing letters to loved ones, using technology like video calls to stay in touch, or use email or social media.

By taking charge of the aging process you will improve your quality of life, strengthen your brain and reasoning capabilities, maintain greater functional independence, and build meaningful social connections.

Taking charge of the aging process to unlock your best life for years to come.

Photo by Shashi Chaturvedula on Unsplash