Aging and Longevity – transforming fears into foundations

Isn’t how funny how the word ‘aging’ conjures up negative thoughts, while the word ‘longevity’ has a much more positive ring? None of us like the thought of getting old. But we all hope to lead a good long life. The plain truth is, you don’t get one without the other. Aging and longevity go hand in hand.

Start with these seven tips and see how you can transform fears about aging into strong foundations for a long, healthy life.

Eat for brain and body strength

No startling news here. Trans fats are no good for you. Not only do they contribute to ‘bad’ (LDL) cholesterol levels, they strip your body of ‘good’ (HDL) cholesterols. So while you may enjoy the sensation of munching on hot fries, or biting into buttery pastries, you need to try and limit these fats.

The best strategy is to replace them with delicious omega 3 fatty acids – that can substitute that ‘fatty’ hit and have the added benefits of being great brain food. Think avocadoes, walnuts, almonds, salmon, tuna, mackerel, flaxseed, canola and olive oil.

And for food that is fun: berries dark chocolate, green tea and red wine all get the tick of approval (in moderation of course) as part of your aging and longevity plan!

Find your equivalent of outdoor play time

Most of remember looking forward to outdoor play time as kids. Bike riding, going to the park, swimming, or games of chasey and hide and seek.

You are most likely to engage in exercise if there is an element or play or joy. Team sports or classes are good for those who like to combine socialising with exercise. If you’re more of a solo type, walking is one of the best habits you can cultivate.

Seasonal variety and adapting to lifestyle and environment help keep exercise interesting. Getting out to the playground with grandchildren, nieces or nephews is a legitimate way to get back into play!

Don’t let stress control your life

We all face stress. It has its benefits in motivating us and keeping us safe. But too much stress will shorten your life. It is important that you begin to assert control over how you respond to stress as early as possible in life.

How do you know when you are stressed? Learn to read your own mind and body. Some people slip into insomnia, others want to sleep all the time. You may become irritable, over or under eat or indulge more than usual in negative thoughts and activities.

Develop a tool kit for yourself. This should include minor things you can do on your own at home (meditation, music, gardening) as well as bigger picture strategies (such as holidays and hobbies).

Nourish your mind

What refreshes and invigorates your mind? Reading is wonderful. Try to broaden your horizons. Read a science journal, or a classic novel, research the latest in contemporary short stories, or learn as much as you can about Shakespeare. Not everyone is a reader. How many movies, plays or live concerts do you see each year? What is your favourite type of music and how much have you collected?

If you’re curious about meditation there are many courses available or you can start practising by yourself at home. Ten minutes a day, sitting in a relaxed, upright position (on the floor or a chair if that is more comfortable) where you focus on your breathing and body and let thoughts move through your mind, rather than take hold.

Schedule regular check ups and tune ups

Genetics may play a significant role in your aging and longevity journey. Find a doctor who you trust and get the recommended tests and check ups at the recommended ages. That way if things do need attention you will be one step ahead, rather than reacting to pain or illness.

As you age you may need dietary supplements and other medications. Consider natural alternatives as much as possible but don’t risk your health by shying away from crucial treatment if you need it.

Break your routine

This is another thing that we do naturally when young. We see a film and get curious about something. A friend starts a new sport and we want to try it. We get bored with one of travelling and try another.

It is easy to get stuck in routine as we move into adulthood because life gradually places more demands (which can curb spontaneity).

Don’t let it slip though. Sure, you may not be able to switch jobs on a whim, but you can switch what you eat for breakfast, how you spend your weekends and your annual holiday destination.

The longer you’re here the more you can learn

More is still unknown than known about the human brain. But one thing that has been proved is that we are all capable of learning new skills and forming new ‘patterns’ in our brain – regardless of age.

Keep learning as a regular habit. Whether it is keeping up to date with news and politics, learning new cooking skills, a sport, a language or a hobby. Once your brain becomes accustomed to the buzz that comes with learning it (and you) will seek out new and constant ways to learn.