Although you may never completely stop the progress of “Father Time,” you can certainly slow him down by making positive and healthy lifestyle choices that will result in real benefits as you enter the second half of life.  Taking the time to create a comprehensive plan that combines healthy eating habits with a non-sedentary approach to daily living can offset some of the negative effects of aging.  Do you want to feel vital and energetic at any age?  Read on.

Age Matters

As you grow older, your wellness depends on several factors: Adopting good eating habits, participating in frequent exercise, and maintaining a positive mental outlook.  All of these things contribute to growing older with grace while keeping your body and mind in good condition.

Act Like a Centenarian

You can learn a lot from those who live past their life expectancies – not only in terms of how long they live but also how well they live.  Studies show that people who live 100 years or more display certain characteristics and behaviors in common that, if emulated, can help increase your chances of living a longer and more fulfilling existence. Researchers have discovered that many Centenarians have in common five main factors that can be attributed to their longevity:

• Heredity and Genetics: Although an area difficult to alter, knowing your family medical history can be helpful in heading-off potential conditions or eliminating diseases entirely by making changes in one’s negative habits sooner rather than later.

• Diet and Weight: Maintaining a healthy weight with a diet rich in antioxidants can help fight Free-Radicals which directly contribute to the aging process.  Eating five servings of vegetables, fruits, and berries a day can significantly reduce the risk of developing many kinds of cancers and heart disease.

• Smoking: Be a non-smoker…that’s a no-brainer.

• A Non-Sedentary Lifestyle: Regular exercise is so important for the physical and mental health of everyone, but especially for older adults.  Move it or lose it!

• Personality and Positive Attitude: Feelings of well-being are produced when an aging person continues to be engaged in pleasurable social activities throughout a lifetime.  Staying connected with family and friends improves mental acuity and impedes physical deterioration as well.

Reaching middle age and beyond doesn’t mean you must stop enjoying all the things you did in our 20s, but you may have to make a few modifications, i.e., continue to play tennis, but be sure to warm up and down before and after a match; don’t start with a senior Marathon – work up to it by jogging first.  Remember, the goal isn’t to live forever; it’s to thrive in the years that you have left.  The pursuit of a healthy lifestyle is ageless.

Image source by medschoolhr.wustl.edu
Author: Jillian Johnson is a professional content marketing writer and blogger with a particular interest in writing about health and fitness. To read more writing by Jillian, follow her @MissWritey.