Top 10 Anti Aging Tips for Seniors
Here are tips from some senior experts on how you, too, can enjoy healthy golden years:
“As a man thinketh so he shall be”
Dr. Joseph Maroon, the world-renowned neurosurgeon, turned his life around after suffering major depression to become a world class Ironman competitor. “A positive, grateful attitude — along with diet and exercise — permeates everything we do, reduces stress and contributes not only to longevity but also contentment.”
Take a daily walk with a friend
Dr. Gary Small, director of Geriatric Psychiatry at the UCLA Longevity Center, and author “The Mind Health Report,”says that this simple prescription is a “triple threat” against Alzheimer’s disease, which is associated with aging. “The aerobic exercise of walking will pump nutrients that feed your brain, the conversation will strengthen your neural circuits and talking about your worries will reduce stress to further boost brain health,” he says.
Get a good night’s sleep
Almost all anti-aging experts polled point out that a good night’s sleep helps rest your brain and body and cleans out toxins that accumulate during the day.
Use sun protection.
“You can’t stop aging but you CAN slow it down,” says Dr. Yoav Kaufman, M.D., Plastic and Hand Surgeon at the Kelsey-Seybold Clinic in Texas. “The sun’s UV rays, outside of genetics, are the main culprits aging us all. Technically an SPF or sun protection factor of 35 is sufficient. With existing damage, the best way to reverse it is using retinoic acid. The treatment has been shown to help new blood flow in the face and even remove some of the ‘sun spots.’”
Restrict calories
Dr. Joel Fuhrman M.D., national bestselling author of “The End of Heart Disease” says, “The most critical factor affecting lifespan and slowing the aging process is moderate caloric restriction in an environment of micronutrient excellence.” Fuhrman is a proponent of the Nutritarian diet that focuses on plant-based foods high in micronutrients and phytochemicals that act as antioxidants. “The reality is there is no simple magic elixir or fountain of youth except for eating very healthfully with lots of vegetables, and not eating fried foods, junk food, sweeteners, and too many animal products.”
Avoid or severely restrict red and processed meat, sugared drinks, and sugary foods
Dr. Gabe Mirkin, M.D., who in his eighties still competes in tandem bicycle racing with his wife, says that eating these foods increases inflammation in the body and raises your risk of heart attack, diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers.
Avoid recreational drugs, smoking and restrict alcohol
Mirkin, author of “The Healthy Heart Miracle,” adds that these factors put you at risk for premature death.
Take your vitamins
TV’s Dr. Mehmet Oz says that part of your anti-aging regimen should include vitamin D (1,000 units a day), calcium (600 mg. twice a day along with magnesium (200 mg twice a day), DHA Omega-3 (600 mg. a day), baby aspirin (2 daily), and a good multivitamin (take half in the morning and half in the evening).
Use bioidentical hormones
Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D. author or “Real Cause, Real Cure,” says that taking bioidentical hormone replacement for both men and women has eliminated much of our biological planned obsolescence.
Exercise
Aerobic fitness is the single most important predictor of longevity, says Silverman. “Study after study shows that the fitter you are, the longer you’re likely to live. Don’t let health issues stop you unless your doctor tells you to avoid exercise,” he says. “Work with a sports chiropractor or experienced personal trainer. But keep moving! Even if you can barely walk, you can still do chair exercises.”