{"id":8694,"date":"2024-09-13T10:36:26","date_gmt":"2024-09-13T14:36:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.naturalwellness.com\/nwupdate\/?p=8694"},"modified":"2025-02-06T17:48:34","modified_gmt":"2025-02-06T22:48:34","slug":"whats-the-key-to-healthy-aging","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.naturalwellness.com\/nwupdate\/whats-the-key-to-healthy-aging\/","title":{"rendered":"What\u2019s the Key to Healthy Aging?"},"content":{"rendered":"

We are all aging; every day we\u2019re alive, we\u2019re older than the day before. But the real question is: Are you aging as healthfully as you could be?<\/p>\n

Why Healthy Aging Is Important<\/h2>\n

The National Library of Medicine<\/a> reports that healthy aging is important for a few different reasons. (1<\/a>) One is that it enables us to better deal with the physical and mental changes that occur as we grow older.<\/p>\n

Physically, our cells and organs don\u2019t function as effectively as they once did, we experience an increase in the buildup of waste products and fatty substances in our bodies, and our connective tissue becomes stiffer. (2<\/a>) Mentally, we may find it harder to find the right words, pay attention, or multitask. (3<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Another reason healthy aging is important is that it helps protect us from disease. Aging increases our risk of diseases involving our cardiovascular, metabolic, musculoskeletal, nervous, and immune systems. (4<\/a>) By taking action to prevent health issues, we can age in a way that enables us to live our lives more fully.<\/p>\n

5 Ways to Protect Your Health as You Age<\/h1>\n

Although aging is unavoidable, there are still actions you can take to grow older as healthfully as possible. They include:<\/p>\n

#1: Get Regular Health Screenings<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The sooner a potential health issue is identified, the easier it is to treat. Go to your doctor every year for a physical exam to monitor any changes in your blood pressure, weight, cholesterol, and nutritional levels.<\/p>\n

\"Seeing<\/p>\n

Also, get any additional preventive health screenings recommended for your age. For instance, women between the ages of 40 and 75 should have a mammogram every 1 to 2 years to screen for breast cancer while men should have a PSA blood test to screen for prostate cancer as often as their healthcare provider suggests based on their personal risk factors. (5<\/a>)<\/p>\n

#2: Look for Ways to Move More<\/h3>\n

Staying active helps keep our joints moving with greater ease, also improving the strength of our muscles and bones. Although daily exercise is good, also find ways to simply be less sedentary.<\/p>\n

Go for walks versus camping out in front of the TV for hours. Walk around the house when talking on the phone and use a standing desk when working on the computer.<\/p>\n

\"Moving<\/p>\n

#3: Play Brain Games<\/h3>\n

While you don\u2019t want to spend all day on a computer, smartphone, or tablet, setting aside a few minutes daily to play brain games can help you retain your cognitive abilities with age.<\/p>\n

Download an app that helps improve your memory or speeds up your ability to process information.<\/p>\n

\"Brain<\/p>\n

If you still get a newspaper, do the crossword puzzle inside. Buy puzzle books and do one or two a day.<\/p>\n

#4: Be Social<\/h3>\n

Humans are designed to be social. Plus, aging increases our risk of certain mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. (6<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Keeping in touch with family and friends can help reduce feelings of isolation, especially if you live alone.<\/p>\n

Joining support groups or other groups of interest (such as a book club if you like to read or a pickleball group if you enjoy this activity) can also be great for forging social connections with others.<\/p>\n

\"Being<\/p>\n

#5: Avoid Things That Can Make You Age Quicker<\/h3>\n

Just as it\u2019s important to know what actions you can take to promote healthy aging, it\u2019s also critical to know which actions to avoid because they can cause you to age faster than you\u2019d like.<\/p>\n

Habits that can make you age quicker include: (7<\/a>)<\/p>\n