7 Steps to looking younger and living longer

How much money would you spend to look five years younger? To live 5 years longer? What if you could dramatically increase the quality of your life in your later years? How much would you pay for that? Many people spend hundreds of dollars, some even thousands, with just those thoughts in mind. Most of that money is wasted on products that have no chance of slowing aging or the appearance of it.

Why do people do this? I’m guessing that for a majority of people it has a lot to do with wishful thinking. What if, just by chance, this product actually works? Who am I to pass it up? Well the problem with that is that no one can even guess at what effect it will have in the long run. For instance, when resveratrol was first discovered as a potential anti-aging product do you think the scientists involved started taking resveratrol supplements? Absolutely not. They would much rather be safe, than sorry for it years down the way. I do know however, more than one that started drinking red wine on a regular basis.

It is important to realize that supplements and beauty products are not regulated the same way food is. They are hardly regulated at all. There are many claims, many misconceptions out there, mostly a result of advertising by the cosmetics and supplement industries. They simply do not have your best interest at heart. What follows is a list of 7 things that actually can help you look younger and live longer. Better still, they don’t cost a thing.

1. Drink water more often than other beverages: Think of water as a cleanser for your body – inside and out - and you have the right idea. Not saying you can’t enjoy a nice glass of red wine or a soda every now and then. Just saying that if you’re body is made up mostly of water, that’s mostly what you should be drinking.

2. Get enough sleep: Your body needs a certain amount of sleep to recharge, repair and rebalance itself after a day of activity. Your metabolism, appetite, immune system, cardiovascular health, social relationships, functional capacity, mental alertness, memory and attitude will all benefit from your simply getting enough sleep on a regular basis.

3. Get outside: you will be more active and healthier as a result. It can improve your mood, reduce stress and increase energy. Studies have shown that spending time outside can also enhance your mental focus and help you recover more quickly after an illness and surgery. Vitamin D isn’t the only reason you should get out there. Open the door, step outside and take a look around.

4. Stop complaining: While complaining is a natural way to voice frustrations and relieve stress, it can easily go too far. Chronic complaining can lead to high levels of stress and stress-related problems, as well as a poor social life and decreased healthspan. Try to stop. It will help you to appreciate what you have and develop a more positive attitude, both of which contribute to a longer lifespan.

5. Reduce dependence on technology: walk instead of ride, take the steps over the elevator, watch less tv, meet up with a friend rather than talk on the phone; this will help you avoid a sedentary lifestyle, leading to a more optimum weight, cardiovascular benefits, lower stress levels, and greater social involvement.

6. Selective dieting: Think about what you put in your mouth, before you do it. Is this something you really should be eating? If not, put it down. Eat more fruit, vegetables, fish, nuts, seeds, whole grains. There are quite a number of foods that can help you look and feel younger. Slow down, take the time to digest, take the time to fully appreciate it. Research shows that people who truly enjoy what they are eating tend to eat less. 

7. Join hubpages: For the average person, social networks get smaller as we age. They are dominated more by family and less by friends. This is partly because fewer friends are alive the older you get. Thus, in order to maintain the same number of friends into old age, you have to actively seek out opportunities to obtain more. Hubpages provides this opportunity, as well as the chance to write. Putting your thoughts into writing is an excellent exercise for the mind. Don’t just write though. Get involved, get informed, learn new things and laugh, all of which increase your odds for living a longer, healthier life.

There you have it. Seems simple enough. So simple it is hard to package up and sell for hundreds of dollars. And yet, these are things that will make a difference in your life now and in the future. If you can do these things you are well on your way to living a longer, healthier life. It will show in your attitude and on your face. Each one is easy to do if you make it a priority. It’s really just a matter of establishing good habits to carry you through to your later years.