You can take steps to slow the aging process.
Despite the reality we see reflected in the mirror, this is a bit of good news.
Although everyone ages, some of us seem to age faster than others.
Some people look older physically, some decline mentally at a rapid pace, and others wear out physically and mentally.
Against this backdrop, getting older is a part of life, but reaching the "golden years" is not even guaranteed.
According to a recent Money Talks News article titled “5 Secrets of Seniors Who Keep Their Minds ‘Young’,” you cannot stop time, but you can slow the aging process.
Certain habits and behaviors can slow the aging process.
Some people have high mental functioning well into their 80s and 90s.
Researchers call these individuals “super agers.”
Although genetics certainly play a role (after all, "you can't fool the gene pool), you can also take steps to slow the aging process and keep your brain sharp.
What can you do?
Stay positive.
How people view the world influences how they respond to the challenges in life.
A pessimistic outlook often leads to feeling overwhelmed.
Stress can have negative effects on the body.
In fact, anxiety can cause cell damage and speed up the aging process.
Surround yourself with positive people.
Relationships are life-giving.
Spending time with friends and family fosters connection.
This is important because isolation and loneliness can exacerbate emotional and physical stress.
We are seeing this reality playing out in the lock downs imposed by governments at various levels this year, yes?
Take care of your body.
Spoiler alert: exercise, diet, and sleep are important to both physical and mental health at any age.
UCSF researchers found a Mediterranean-style diet and higher levels of exercise can actually slow the aging process.
These are correlated to clearer and faster thinking
Fresh vegetables and whole berries are great "brain food" for sustaining brain health as you age.
Use meditation and relaxation techniques.
Telomeres are the caps at the ends of chromosomes.
As people age, these shorten.
There has been a correlation between shorter telomeres than average in mid life and the early onset of dementia, heart disease, and some cancers.
A group of researchers conducted a study of 24 people at a mediation retreat for a month.
These individuals had longer telomeres than they did at the start of the meditation retreat.
Not into "meditation"?
Me neither.
I am a proponent and practitioner when it comes to prayer, however.
I do, however, like what the Apostle Paul had to offer on this subject in Philipians 4:4-9, when he wrote:
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all people. The Lord is [a]near. 6 Do not [b]be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all [c]comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is [d]lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 As for the things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Try something new.
Learning something new helps your brain make new connections.
Reading a good book, starting a new hobby, playing video games, or tackling number or word puzzles can help you preserve your memory and cognitive functioning.
Investing in yourself and your health now can slow the aging process so you can enjoy more time doing what you love with the people you love.
Reference: Money Talks News (Nov. 11, 2020) “5 Secrets of Seniors Who Keep Their Minds ‘Young’”
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