3 Critical Factors for Healthy Aging (That You Can Control)

You can’t slow the hands of time – but you can slow their impact on your health with these 3 healthy aging habits!

Much as we try to fight it, we’re all getting older… While getting older is inevitable, many of the signs of aging are not – or at least, we do have some control over how quickly we age. The truth is that studies have found that a whopping 70% of the aging process is actually related to our lifestyle and daily habits and choices! This means that a good part of what we consider to be “inevitable” signs of aging are actually in our own hands – which is good news for those of us who are interested in healthy aging!

There are a number of controllable factors that contribute to the aging process, and these areas all work together, so a holistic approach is best. However, here are 3 of the most important aspects that you can control when it comes to healthy aging and slowing the signs and “symptoms” of the aging process:

1. Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is likely the first thing you think about when you think about healthy aging. The key to a healthy diet is consuming food that is nutrient-dense. These are whole foods that are high in nutrients but relatively low in calories, including vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, beans and nuts. Balancing a diet rich in protein, unrefined carbohydrates and healthy fats can often translate to having more energy… Also, make sure you eat five to seven smaller balanced meals per day for optimal health benefits. Avoiding processed foods is paramount, as many ingredients in processed foods – including hydrogenated oils, and sugar and other simple carbohydrates – have been found to accelerate aging in the body and contribute to a number of diseases.

2. Physical Activity 

The earlier in life you begin a regular fitness routine, the easier it is to make it second nature, but it’s never too late to be active. We all need a balance of strength and cardio for healthy aging, and every small contribution counts: walk your pet(s) daily, take stairs instead of elevators, and park further away from your destination. Our body was created for movement. Exercise leads to lower weight, healthy joints, lower cholesterol and a boost in dopamine and serotonin which results in better moods.

3. Mental Activity

The day you don’t learn something is the day you become older. Never stop learning, as curiosity is the most powerful tool to empower your brain and keep it healthy! Learn another language or hobby, visit a new travel destination, read enthusiastically. Even simply choosing new paths to get somewhere keep your brain learning. The mind-body connection is strong, and we all want to keep sharp minds as we enter our silver and golden years to maintain a good quality of life.

Find 3 more factors for healthy aging at PositiveHealthWellness.com…