31 Habits of People Who Age Gracefully
Including a few things they NEVER do.
They have good dental care
Your mother nagged you to brush your teeth for good reason! Poor dental hygiene when you're young can lead to bacteria growth and eventually infections that can evolve into more serious health problems like gum disease, according to the American Dental Association.
They drink in moderation
There is a fine line between drinking in moderation and drinking excessively. Findings from the American Institute for Cancer Research show that alcohol may increase the risk of cancer and shorten your life by almost two decades.
They give back
Giving back helps others, but it also helps yourself. The Cleveland Clinic found that charitable acts, like philanthropic contributions or even a simple good deed can increase self-esteem, lower blood pressure, and help you live a longer, happier life.
They laugh
There is a good reason why people tout the beloved phrase “Laughter is the best medicine.” According to one study, laughing reduces heart disease and stress, plus benefits the immune system, leading to a longer life. Bring on the laugh lines!
They love openly
Infuse love, both physical and emotional, into your daily life. Findings associate a strong, healthy marriage with a lower risk of disease and regular sex with a longer life span.
They limit stress
Debilitating stress can take a serious toll on your health. Studies show that chronic stress ages you down to the cellular level and suppresses the immune system, thus creating more severe medical problems. Every body copes with stress differently, but we recommend meditation, a mindful exercise such as yoga, and a well-balanced lifestyle to keep stress in-check.
They focus on the positive aspects of life
According to one study, older people who reported being happy were 35 percent less likely to die during a 5-year time period. Inez Pachter of Greenwood, Mississippi, always felt her glass was not just half-full, it overflowed. "She lived 98 fulfilling years," says her daughter Robbie Hollander.
They enjoy working
Sadie Levine of Westlake Village, California, worked in retail until she was 89, says her daughter-in-law, Irene Levine of Westchester, New York: "She swore that being in contact with co-workers and customers half her age kept her alert and buffered her from the losses in her life." Similarly, Eugenia Lollar Elliott of Rutherford, North Carolina, who lived until age 98, didn't get to attend school until she was a teen but caught up quickly. She became a teacher, married a farmer, and canned every apple, pear, and peach on the farm, says her daughter, Millie Sandman.
They practice gratitude
Simple acts like sending a thank-you email and enjoying nature can lower blood pressure and boost your immune system. A daily practice such as keeping a gratitude journal can soften the effects of aging to the brain.
They wear sunscreen
SPF 30 or more, specifically. "Blistering sunburns between age 15 and 20 increase the risk of malignant melanoma by 80 percent and other cancers by 68 percent," says Delphine Lee, M.D., a dermatologist at the John Wayne Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, California. Be sure to reapply every two hours when you're outdoors.
They indulge in moderation
"Ages 30 to 50 are the best time to alter the trajectory of how we age," says Sharon H. Bergquist, M.D., assistant professor of medicine at the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta.
They have a skincare regimen
Lee advises using a topical retinoid therapy to prevent wrinkles and lightening creams to even out your complexion. Use sparingly and with caution, however, as they can cause skin irritation. Products needn't be expensive: Kimberly Cetron of Fairfax, Virginia, says her grandmother Beatrice swore by Ponds cold cream, Dove soap, and daily naps. "Her complexion was lovely until her death at age 90," says Kimberly.
They have social lives
Drs. Baumel and Bergquist agree that the back-and-forth of conversation keeps our brains firing much more efficiently than solitary activities like crossword puzzles or reading. In fact, a 2010 study of 300,000 people by the National Institute of Health found that people without relationships had a 50 percent greater chance of premature death.
They play video games
That's right: The same human-computer interaction that helps train pilots and soldiers, and provides hours of entertainment for kids, can also improve attention span in older adults, according to research from the University of California at San Francisco.
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