Thrive As You Age:
Five habits that will keep you healthy into the future
Nancy Haines, Gentle Yoga - Spring 2013
1. Movement = Strong Bones
Our bones are constantly changing. They are living tissue that can grow stronger if we exercise and eat healthy. Weight bearing exercise and strength training help to increase bone density by triggering growth.
2. Exercise = Healthy Brain
A long-term study has shown that depression can lead to dementia. Exercise can help to combat depression.
3. Optimism = Healthy Heart
Being optimistic can reduce our chances of health attack or stroke. "Spend time doing activities that bring you happiness, such as cultivating social relationships, expressing gratitude, and doing kind things for others," says Julia Boehm, researcher at Harvard School of Public Health.
4. Eating Good Fats = Good Memory
According to a study done by the Harvard medical School, monounsaturated fats, like those found in nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil, can protect our memory and cognitive skills as we age.
5. Eating Colors = Healthy Skin
Eating orange-red produce - tomatoes, squash, bell peppers, papaya, and carrots - lead to higher skin concentrations of carotenoids or antioxidants. These antioxidants act as a natural sunscreen. People with higher skin concentrations of carotenoids have fewer wrinkles.
If I Knew Then What I Know Now...
I have often heard - and said myself - "If I knew then what I know now..." This article had some great information that I had not heard before -- like people with high concentrations of carotenoids in their skin have fewer wrinkles. Knowing things like this empowers me to want to do better with my eating and exercise program so that I can thrive as I age!
"It is never too early or too late to start on the path to successful aging." Dilip Jeste
Work Cited:
Wroth, Carmel and Marshall, Lisa. “Five habits that will help you feel great today and in the future.” Yogajournal.com. Cruz Bay Publishing, Inc, 2013. Web. 30 Jan 2013.