Get a Kickstart on the Aging Process
A healthy lifestyle isn’t a one-and-done job. It takes years of good habits to establish a routine worth bringing us into old age, which is why we’ve compiled a list of things to start now so you can have the best life later!
1. Get Moving Daily
Sedentary lifestyles are a big drain on our health, especially when we’re older. Curb the habit when you’re younger to establish a good routine you can follow into your 50s. Daily movement like a simple walk or stretching your legs every 30-60 minutes can make all the difference.
2. Eat a Healthy Diet
We all know the importance of a healthy diet but they’re even more important as we age. From greasy fast food to excessive sodium, lots of small habits wreak havoc on our diets—speak with a dietician about what your daily intake should look like. Building a good diet now can last us well into the future.
3. Daily Stretches
Exercise includes more than just weight lifting or cardio routines; don’t forget the benefits of daily stretches! Stretching for a few minutes every day promotes healthier joints and muscles, boosts flexibility, and keeps our bodies healthy as we age.
4. Weed Out Stressors
Not enough people pay attention to the harms of chronic stress. It impacts everything from our behavior to our sleep patterns and can impede physical health by increasing our risk of heart disease. Try to nip big stressors in the bud. You’ll not only improve your everyday routine, you’ll increase your longevity.
5. Get Enough Sleep
Speaking of poor sleep patterns, our minds and bodies suffer without enough Zs. Most adults need anywhere between seven and eight hours of sleep a night—without it, you’re looking at poor energy, low concentration, worse eating habits, and shortened longevity.
6. Make Time for Mental Health
The stigma around mental illness has thankfully dwindled over the years, so it’s never been more important to take care of your brain. Pay attention to symptoms and don’t be afraid to see a therapist. Taking care of your mental health now ensures a longer, happier life in the future.
7. Eat Less Meat
We’re not saying to cut out meat cold turkey (See what we did there?), but you should aim for at least one meatless meal a week. Studies show that a lower meat intake increases life expectancy; swap in plant-based proteins for a healthier gut and a longer life.
8. Wear Sunscreen
We all love getting a good tan, but we should also know about the importance of sunscreen! Harmful UV rays hurt us in ways we don’t always see: higher cancer risks, early signs of aging, and even the risk of cataracts all come from prolonged sun exposure. Wear your shades and always, always wear your sunblock.
9. Pump Some Iron
Strength training is just as vital for our health as cardio and a clean diet. It improves everything from our bone density to our heart health, both of which are especially crucial as we age. Pumping iron also reduces stress and keeps our muscles healthy, so grab those weights at least twice a week.
10. Visit Your Doctor Regularly
It’s easy to ignore our doctors when we’re young—we tell ourselves that problems will clear or that we don’t want to make the trek to their office. That mentality is dangerous enough, but the habit seriously impedes us in old age. Visit your doctor at least annually to ensure you’re in tip-top shape—and don’t forget to go as you age!
11. Try to Kick Your Vices
By now, we all know the dangers of smoking and excessive drinking. Though it’s easier said than done, try to kick those habits now before you carry them with you. Studies show that quitting smoking before 40 can prevent any increased risks of early death. As for alcohol, studies show that a moderate intake over heavy consumption extends life expectancy and reduces the risk of disease.
12. Develop Good Hobbies
Hobbies come in all shapes and forms, but it might behoove you to find one that works your brain too! Gardening, meditation, and reading all keep your mind sharp now, which helps it stay sharp in the future.
13. Socialize With People
Don’t worry, our introverted friends—we’re not suggesting that you make small talk with everyone under the sun. We are, however, vouching for social circles. Loneliness is a leading cause of both physical and mental struggles, so make sure you reach out to your friends for a little recharge.
14. Work on Your Posture
You ought to straighten your back now before it bites you in the butt. Poor posture is a major culprit for headaches, back pain, injury, and even poor digestion. The last thing you want is to deal with those issues later, so practice straightening your posture.
15. Try to Find Happiness
We know that sounds a little vague but stick with us. Happiness means all sorts of things for different people and the most important aspect is finding your own sense of purpose. Whether it’s volunteering or practicing your art, give yourself something to shoot for. Those goals don’t go away when you’re older!
16. Stay Active Outside of the Gym
Proper activity benefits everyone—but exercise happens outside of the gym. Anything from doing laundry to playing with your kids keeps muscles intact and promotes a healthier lifestyle. Make sure you move as often as you can now to help those bones in the future.
17. Lower Your Sugar Intake
A little candy here and there isn’t the end of the world, but too much sugar destroys our bodies. Excessive amounts cause all sorts of problems like weight gain, cavities, heart disease, and diabetes. Try to cut down your intake now so you don’t run into serious problems down the road.
18. Keep a Positive Outlook
We all have days when things look a little bleak. It’s okay to appropriately let out frustration or have a good, cathartic cry—but it’s even better to work on positivity. It won’t come without a little work, but practicing gratitude or repeating self-affirmations seriously boosts our moods, and our outlook can make or break the aging process.
19. Drink More Water
Your water intake is just as important as your food intake. The right amount provides a plethora of benefits such as healthy skin, lubricated joints, hydration, and a healthy elimination of waste. Drinking a glass of water before meals can also curb hunger and prevent overeating.
Boxed Water Is Better on Unsplash
20. Greens, Greens, Greens
We couldn’t end this list without talking about everyone’s favorite food group: vegetables! Leafy greens like kale and spinach are not only good for you, but they’re also considered superfoods chock full of vitamins, fiber, and minerals. They promote heart health, keep blood sugar in check, and are part of a balanced diet.
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