Four Behaviors to Age Gracefully
Guess what you and fine wine have in common? That’s right, you both get better with age! Getting older doesn’t have to be something you dread. Here are some simple tips for aging gracefully that consider both your oral and overall health, promoting a healthy lifestyle as you become an older adult.
1. Brush, Floss, and Visit the Dentist
Brush and floss twice a day for a healthier smile! Brushing and flossing helps to remove plaque and leftover food from your mouth and between your teeth. Not sticking to the routine could lead to yellow teeth and cavities. Combine flossing and twice-daily brushing with regular dentist visits for a comprehensive check-up that goes beyond your teeth. Dentists screen for oral cancer and other health issues like diabetes and heart disease during your exam.
2. Slow Down on Sugar
You’ve probably heard it before, but it’s true—you are what you eat. Ariel Ostad, a doctor of dermatology, says a poor diet can speed up the aging process in our skin and teeth. One of the biggest culprits is sugar. When you eat more sugar than your cells can process, the leftover sugar molecules are exposed to proteins, creating advanced glycation end products, or AGEs. In time, AGEs can ruin your skin’s collagen, which is the protein that helps keep skin youthful and firm. A high-sugar diet can also ruin your smile. It sticks to your teeth and sits between them and along the gum line, encouraging plaque and bacteria that can lead to decay.
3. Move More
Another tip to age gracefully is regular exercise. Researchers at McMaster University found that people over the age of 40 who exercise regularly have healthier skin.
Exercise doesn’t have to be limited to going to the gym. There are several forms of cardio that you can do at home to help keep your heart and lungs healthy – for example, jumping jacks, mountain climbers, and jogging in place. Stretching is another form of exercise that helps us age gracefully. Flexibility exercises help to reduce our chances of muscle cramps and joint pain, and help increase our range of motion and maintain our flexibility for everyday things like tying shoes.
4. Stress Less
We can’t always control what happens to us in life, but we can control our reaction. One study says excessively worrying about things like your job, finances, or relationships can lead to those issues showing on our faces.
Stress can take a toll on your skin through wrinkles, bags under the eyes, flaky skin, and acne. Manage stress by learning how to say “no” and not taking on too much in your professional or personal life. If you can’t change the situation, consider changing how you react by adjusting your standards and practicing gratitude.
Looking for more on healthy practices for older adults? Check out:
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