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We can try and fight it, we can work to find ways around it, and we can (and often do) spend lots of time complaining about it. It’s not grocery cost inflation or highway traffic we’re talking about today; it’s aging. Like it or not, aging is inevitable. And even though we’re all doomed to the fate of getting older, why do some people seem to age so much better than others? September brings us Healthy Aging Month, so we wanted to bring you five things you can start doing today to help increase your chances of aging gracefully and beautifully.

1. Keep moving

   You probably guessed this would be top of the list. Regular exercise reduces your risk for developing diseases such as some cancers and heart disease. Exercise also helps improve skin, hair, and mental health. Plus, exercising with weights strengthens your bones and helps prevent osteoporosis.

2. Stay on top of your health

   Now’s not the time to stick your head in the sand when it comes to recommended check-ups and procedures. While you may have gotten away with procrastinating colonoscopies, cholesterol checks, or bone density scans when you were younger, healthy aging means getting these things done. At Fountain Hills Medical Center, we’re your source for medical screenings in Fountain Hills. We make it easy for you to schedule, and complete, all recommended tests and procedures.

3. Let out your inner social butterfly

   Being lonely or isolated doesn’t just affect your emotions; it turns out that those feeling alone are more likely to experience dementia or depression. Studies have found that senior citizens who feel isolated have a higher level of a stress hormone that causes inflammation, which in turn is linked to diabetes or arthritis. Unsure where to start? Clubs centered around your interests, volunteering, or organized gatherings like church are all great ways to connect with others.

4. Strive for dietary balance

   Forget the fad diets. Healthy eating for healthy aging means subbing out some bad-for-you foods, such as butter, sugar, high-fat meats, and processed foods for healthier choices. Working to add more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and lean protein into your diet will pay off. Not only will this way of eating help you keep off unwanted weight, and help prevent heart disease and cancer, but you’ll find you have more energy.

5. Curb the bad habits

   It truly is never too late to stop smoking. At Fountain Hills Medical Center we have some tips and ways to help you with smoking cessation. Stopping smoking now can improve your immune system, lower your blood pressure, and lower your risk for developing cancer.

   Ditto with the excessive drinking. Recent studies find that the mortality rate associated with drinking increases as people drink more than one drink per day. Cutting back or quitting drinking could help you lose weight, get better sleep, experience fewer headaches, stay more hydrated, reduce acid reflux, and not to mention save you money.

Healthy aging comes down to adopting a few better habits into your daily routine. Let us know how we can help you to make health-friendly choices. As your source for medical care, close to home, we look forward to seeing you through many happy, productive, and healthy years to come.

Sources:

• Healthline.com
• Health.harvard.edu
• Webmd.com
• Everyday Health
• Priorygroup.com