Statistics indicate that the number of people over the age of 100 is increasing, so we may ask ourselves: what can we do to better reach more advanced ages?
There are several factors that act as keys to answering this question: the genetic inheritance of each individual, the lifestyle we adopt and the social environment in which we live.
- Today we have a much longer longevity than our ancestors.
- According to the World Health Organization (WHO).
- Our life expectancy is increasing.
- Which contributes to this: personal habits.
- Living conditions and advances in medicine and pharmacology.
Having good genes is a decisive factor when we talk about our resistance to disease, if there is no history of inherited diseases in our family and our ancestors died when they were old, genetics will work in our favor.
A good genetic history increases the chances of living longer, having a better bone structure, smoother skin and even greater emotional control that leads us to behave in a certain way.
Biological age does not always coincide with chronological age, for example, in alummonos meetings we can see how much longer care has been with some of our peers.
Aging is a personal experience influenced by external and internal factors that shape our lifestyle and mark our senescence, the result is reflected not only in our physical appearance, but also in our emotional state.
The food should be healthy and balanced. Unless your doctor prohibits some foods, it is best to eat a varied diet, with many fresh fruits and vegetables; carbohydrates, cereals, bread, pasta or rice (best whole grains), dairy and fish. And less fat, sweets and processed foods.
It is never too late to start exercising and avoid sedentary lifestyles, strength, flexibility and balance are the three pillars on which our health is based: taking care of them we increase the likelihood of aging healthier.
The habit of walking, dancing or sports helps us maintain a proper body weight; reduces the risk of diseases such as diabetes or high blood pressure increases self-esteem and increases the sense of well-being.
Good personal hygiene is essential for healthy aging, with cleanliness and hydration being the main objectives. Daily bathing, hair care, oral hygiene and clothing appearance have a direct impact on personal image.
Taking care of physical appearance increases self-esteem and strengthens the attitude of taking care of oneself, we will not forget that the image we show others is our cover letter.
Retirement, abandonment of children from the home, or the deaths of friends or family can lead to a lonely life and, in many cases, social isolation.
Staying active, enrolling in classes or workshops, being part of an association or participating in a group activity brings well-being, improves self-esteem and is one of the recommendations for healthy aging.
Games with numbers, crossword puzzles, memory tests, etc. are simple techniques that help us exercise and tone our brains. The hustle and bustle of continuing to learn, intellectual activities, or encouraging yourself to test new accomplishments means that our mental abilities remain well advanced.
One way or another, to keep our cognitive abilities in shape, we need to exercise them as if they were a muscle.
“Getting old is like climbing a big mountain; as we ascend the forces diminish, but is the gaze freer, the vision broader and more serene?. – Ingmar Bergman-
Did you like these recommendations for healthy aging?Which ones do you apply already in your daily life?