Tips for Aging Gracefully

Stock Up on Whole Foods: What are whole foods, you ask? A simple answer is that they are food products that have either not undergone processing, or have only been processed minimally. Some popular whole foods you can find at the supermarket include whole grains, legumes, fresh fruits and vegetables.

Walk Every Day: When it comes to exercising, it doesn’t get much easier than walking. A good rule of thumb is to walk for a half hour each day. If you don’t have much in the way of free time, try to break that 30 minutes into smaller chunks. Aside from burning off some calories, some evidence indicates that walking (along with other aerobic activity) could potentially hold off the onset of Alzheimer’s symptoms.

Cut Back on the Bad Stuff: The risks of tobacco are almost too numerous to count; those who frequently smoke cigarettes are far more at risk of gum disease, lung disease, heart disease and cancer, among other serious health problems. If you smoke, try to quit immediately. While not as dangerous as tobacco, excessive alcohol consumption can likewise lead to major health issues, such as cirrhosis and certain types of cancer. At most, men should have two alcoholic drinks daily; for women, the number is one.

Don’t Lose Touch: It’s not good to be lonely. Research has found that those without strong social connections are at a greater risk of developing both depression and dementia. Most alarmingly, those who lack social interactions tend to lead shorter lives. Given this data, it’s important to stay in touch with friends and family as you age.

Related Stories