Top 5 Helpful Anti-Aging Tools that Promote Longevity

Aging: something everyone does, but nobody asks for. Luckily, there are some great and simple anti-aging solutions. But first, let’s talk more about what aging really is.

The aging process is defined by changes in biological, physiological, environmental, psychological, behavioral, and social pressures that affect the human body. Our cells also experience aging. They become larger and are less able to divide and multiply. Cell division is vital to muscle and tissue repair as well as bodily development.

Some parts of the aging process are benign, meaning they aren’t serious or life threatening. Growing grey hairs is a sign of benign aging. Others cause more debilitating side effects such as decreased cognitive function and becoming more prone to chronic conditions.

Effects of Aging

The effects of aging vary throughout our lifespan. Most of us will experience what is known as ‘discrete diseases’ earlier on in the aging process. Frequent discrete diseases we experience are:

• Hearing loss
• Vision impairment
• Osteoarthritis
• High blood pressure
• Depression

But as we climb the aging ladder, we begin to experience what is known as geriatric syndromes. Geriatric syndromes are characterized by the emergence of several complex health states that tend to occur only later in life and that do not fall into discrete disease categories. Some examples of geriatric syndromes include (but aren’t limited to):

• Delirium
• Vertigo
• Dementia
• Proneness to falling

Optimal Aging Tools

Though aging does affect us all in one way or another, there are methods we can use to help slow and even reverse the signs and causes of aging.

Adjust your diet

Your diet is directly linked to your health. Think of your body as a car, if we give it the wrong type of oil, it won’t perform as well as it could. Try experimenting with a Mediterranean Diet. The Mediterranean diet is considered to be the gold standard for longer and healthier living.

This diet is defined by high fruit and vegetable intake, as well as nuts, herbs, a moderate consumption of dairy, eggs, and wine; and a limited intake of meat and sweets.

Stay Active!

We cannot stress enough how important staying active is to your health. You don’t need to train to be the next Iron Man — just over 15 minutes of exercise per day is plenty enough for your body to benefit. 

So try going for a short walk around the block or taking a bike ride. Exercise doesn’t just benefit you physically, but it also helps with reducing anxiety, depression, and negative mood by improving self-esteem and cognitive function.

Avoid Chronic Stress and Anxiety

As we mentioned before, aging is directly related to changes in psychological, behavioral, and social pressures. Studies show that pessimistic individuals have a 42% higher risk of early death than more optimistic people.

So find ways to reduce your anxiety. This could be as simple as picking up a new hobby or making sure to save time for self care. Remember, the only person who’ll help you live longer is you.

Sleep good, live good.

Sleep is vital for cell reproduction as it acts time for your body to repair itself. Getting adequate rest may also help prevent excess weight gain, heart disease, and increased illness duration. Good sleep can also lead to productivity boosts which limits the amount of chronic stress and anxiety your body endures.

A good rule of thumb is to stick to a sleep schedule that allows for 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. This will give your body plenty of time to heal and recuperate, setting you up for a productive next morning.

Consider Supplements

Researchers have uncovered a wide variety of substances that can help promote optimal aging, most of which can be taken to help minimize the effects of aging on the body.

For example, NAD+ is an extremely important self produced chemical responsible for promoting healthy brain function, regulating our metabolism, repairing damaged DNA, and strengthening our cell defenses. This chemical is abundant in our body throughout our early teens and early adulthood, but levels begin to dwindle by middle age, leading to a decline in function of cells and organs. Increasing NAD+ helps promote cognitive function, sensory function, and overall health.

The Bottom Line

There are many variables when it comes to how the aging process effects each of us individually. Some people age faster than others — it really depends on your biological makeup. But there are ways we can slow the adverse effects of aging. Simple changes like expanding your diet and improving sleep quality can go a long way.

However, it is important to always consult your doctor or health care provider before making any changes that could impact your health. Safety is priority.