Nothing can stop time from going forward. However, there are simple things we can do to prevent premature aging. Many of us have picked up habits during young adulthood that contribute to us feeling and looking older than our actual age. Luckily, many of these unhealthy habits can be fixed.
For this reason, we’ve gathered a list of six habits contributing to premature aging that can be corrected in time. Let’s dive right in.
Neglecting Your Skin
The skin is the largest organ and it’s visible on the outside. That’s why people can easily tell if you look older or younger from just your skin. Fortunately, we can use certain things to promote better-looking skin.
Dermatologists approve the use of retinoids every night. Some of the known benefits include treating skin discoloration, acne, wrinkles, and even sun damage. Retinoids encourage skin cell turnover and the effects can be evident between six and eight weeks after use.
Too Little Sleep
How many times have you felt miserable after a sleepless night? That’s because regular sleep is critical to mental and physical health. As we age, our sleeping patterns change, with many older people finding it more difficult to fall asleep. But if that happens, older folks are more likely to suffer a fall, feel confused, and get into a car accident.
Sleep deprivation also causes people to age faster. If you’re over 50 and not getting enough sleep, you’ll want to avoid stimulants before going to bed. These include not just tea and coffee but also stress and heavy dinners. Alternatively, you can consult a healthcare professional for a sleep aid.
Lack of Exercise
We already know that regular exercise is crucial to staying healthy. Premature aging is a consequence of not getting enough exercise. Once you lose the ability to do something on your own, inactivity is to blame rather than age. The less active you are, the more likely you are to go to the doctor, be on medications, or become hospitalized.
Studies show that a sedentary lifestyle also results in biological aging. One study found that women who exercise for less than 40 minutes and are inactive for more than 10 hours each day have biologically “older” cells than those who exercise more.
Bad Eating Habits
A proper diet is extremely important to healthy aging. Those over 50 will want to get enough of the following foods:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Seafood
- Poultry
- Eggs
- Lean meats
- Beans, seeds, and nuts
- Cheese
The more you eat nutrient-packed foods that have lower calories, the better you’ll feel. Also, you may want to avoid empty calories such as soda, alcohol, and processed carbs. Stick with foods that are low in fat and cholesterol.
It’s important to note that our skin is going to look as healthy as the foods we eat. What you eat will show on the outside, so eating processed foods can only make you look older.
Forgetting Sunscreen
The sun’s ultraviolet rays cause skin spotting, wrinkling, and lower elasticity. As you age, it’s essential to protect your skin from photoaging with appropriate products. A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine showed that you can actually rejuvenate your skin by using sunscreen regularly.
Lack of Socialization
Loneliness contributes to poor mental health, in addition to making people feel older. A recent study showed that older adults who keep up with people outside of their closest family and friends circle are also more physically active and experience more positive feelings and less negative ones than those who are often isolated.
Even though it’s harder to socialize than before, you can always take a walk, go hiking, or hang out in outdoor areas with your friends.
Stop Premature Aging Starting Today
While it’s true that we can’t stop time, we can tweak our habits to prevent premature aging. It’s never too late to start caring for your skin, be mindful of your eating habits and sleeping patterns, and socialize more.
Remember – you’re in control over how old you look and feel, regardless of your actual age.
