Anti-Aging Strategy That Really Works

Looking for that anti-aging edge in your battle against the accumulating years? Worried about the decline and disability you think may await you? Want to emphasize quality-of-Life in your older years?

Control over these concerns is all within your grasp!

Our human bodies possess natural mechanisms by which we can lead active and fulfilling lives even as we age. There is no need for extreme decline in later years if your follow this strategy.

While much of the anti-aging community pursues western medical solutions to a model of aging as though it is a disease process, there are useful alternatives.

We have heard of the studies in recent years about certain European cultures that enjoy greater longevity and less disability. While their diets factor largely in their improved Health picture, they all also have something in common. Physical activity.

Our biology dictates more of what happens to our bodies than our minds. So understanding our bodies provides us with the information to act and age smarter.

Step One: Get Your Body Moving

Discover the difference between physical activity and exercise. Physical activity is movement that moves our limbs, and raises our breathing and heart rates. Simple, right?

You’re probably doing many of these already. Like getting outside to walk the dog, putter in the garden, or just parking away from the store and walking in, they all count as physical activity!

Ready to take it to the next level?

Start getting physically active a little more vigorously. Pick up the pace of the walking so you are not strolling but you can still hold a conversation.

Try structured exercise like pool exercises at the local gym or Tai Chi classes through a community center. It is all exercise, though probably without the negative experiences you may have associated with it in the past.

Why Get Moving At All?

According to our biology, getting older does not need to be a prolonged period of decline and doing less due to disability.

The human body is this amazing and complex system that responds to challenges from its environment by getting stronger.

So getting moving, even at an older age, does not increase the risks to the body. Physical exercise actually reduces the risks commonly associated with getting older like falls and broken bones. The philosopher was right when he said “That which does not kill us, makes us stronger.”

One really cool side effect of exercising for fitness is that it improves our brain function. So if avoiding mental decline as well as physical is on your list of important things to do, then put fitness to the top.

Getting Serious

So you really want to pursue physical fitness as a constructive response to aging? Welcome aboard!

First off, check with your physician to make sure you’re ready to take this step. He/she may also be able to suggest modifications to make this a safe and enjoyable set of activities for your circumstances.

Here’s the basic framework that current scientific study shows to be the most effective in counteracting many of the declines, both physical and mental, that come with age.

Every week:

• 2 ½ hours (150 minutes) of vigorous exercise
• 2 days of muscle strengthening exercises that include all major muscle groups of the body

That’s it!

You find the activities you enjoy most that fit these categories and just go out and do them! Nothing too extreme – unless you want to.

If you want to trade some higher intensity exercise (i.e. jogging, running, cycling) for the vigorous type, all the better. You can accomplish your fitness goals in even less time that way!

Side Effects

Keeping you informed of the possible outcomes of such a program, here are some of the known side effects associated with this type of program.

• Weight loss
• Increased muscle tone
• Stress relief
• Improved sleep
• Sense of well-being
• Surprised reactions when friends find out how old you really are!

So get out, get moving, and enjoy your adult years in Health. The best anti-aging strategy is the one that comes from within all of us.

While we cannot put off the eventual outcome of death someday, we can sure try to enjoy the journey.

 

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
― Dylan Thomas