Top 5 Tips for Staying Young

There is no denying that today men and women are living longer, healthier lives. I know so many people that are psychically fit and have a youthful look, who are by definition in their golden years. Some have elective plastic surgery, some do not. But what makes and keeps us young?

Nutrition is so important. When I reached age 40, I started to gain weight. Over the next three years slowly I gained around 50 pounds. My metabolism had slowed down considerably. But I was most worried about diabetes because it is prevalent in my family. I realized people my age, (due to an unhealthy lifestyle) were more susceptible to things like heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and certain cancers. It was time to make changes in my diet that included more vitamins, calcium and other changes like incorporating more fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. When you are young it seems you can eat anything and not be affected. When I was age 44 I realized I would have to start eating healthier, and take my age into consideration when choosing what to eat.

I was in the hospital a few years back for surgery. I was there for five days and the whole time I was on an IV. When I was released and got home, I looked in the mirror and noticed that half my wrinkles were gone. I asked my doctor at my follow up appointment, why that happened?. He told me it was because I was not keeping myself properly hydrated. I have always heard the six to eight glasses of water rule, but I never thought that it worked that good. I have always been a soda pop drinker but I must admit that after seeing that, it persuaded me to start drinking water. Water is not only good for my appearance but it is healthy too. Since every system in your body depends on water.

I have always loved being out in the sun. I used to lay out all day, with oil smeared all over me. I loved the way I look with a tan and tried to get as dark as I could every year. But over the last three or four years in the fall when my tan starts to fade, I noticed more and more lines and wrinkles where there were none before. As well as brand new age spots on my arms. I still do love to be in the sun but I wear sunscreen now. I also do not lay out anymore. I can get a fairly decent little tan on my face, arms and legs by simply doing yard work. If I want to be a bit darker, I opt to use the cremes they have available for a quick tan.

When I was around age 25, I could party all night and go to work the next day. I rarely had hangovers or felt badly afterwards. Now at age 45, I have to accept the fact that I just cannot do that anymore. Now when I drink a bit too much I suffer greatly for it. Not to mention the fact, that it depletes all vitamins and minerals while dehydrating the body. I still do however socially drink in moderation occasionally. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a glass of red wine or one mixed drink.

The last tip would have to be having a good, youthful attitude. Never be too old to learn new things. Along with exercise for your body, your mind needs to stay sharp and open to new ideas. This is the most important tip for staying young. Without this, everything else you try will not work.