How to Slow the Aging Process for Seniors

Thanks to improvements in healthcare and general quality of life, people are living longer now than ever before. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 54 million seniors lived in the United States in 2019, and that number only continues to rise. Of course, just because you’re aging doesn’t mean you have to do so quickly. With so many people living into their 80s and 90s (and beyond!), the desire to slow down aging naturally is a topic that’s relevant now more than ever.

How to Slow Down Aging Naturally

As you get older, your body’s cells, tissues and organs will change. This change is different for each person, but there are ways to age gracefully. So, what helps slow down aging? Below are a few ideas.
• Get Good Sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, older adults need seven to eight hours of good sleep each night. This allows your body to repair itself from the previous day. Research also shows poor quality sleep or sleep deprivation seems to be related to the increase of cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone. This increase can lead to more stress throughout your day as well as imbalanced blood sugar levels. Work on developing a nightly routine to give yourself time to relax and prepare your body for a proper night’s rest.
• Lower Stress Levels. Another way cortisol levels increase is through elevated stress. Excess cortisol can deplete your body’s stored essential minerals and increase the risk for chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes and even more wrinkles in your skin. Reduce stress by spending time outside, doing deep breathing exercises or joining in a yoga or tai chi class.
• Take Time to Exercise. When you take those exercise classes or go on a walk outside, it has other effects in slowing the aging process. It can help improve your mental health, slow cognitive decline, increase flexibility, build muscles, increase metabolism and keep skin looking young and healthy.
• Socialize. Loneliness and isolation can also elevate stress hormones, leading to conditions like hypertension and heart disease. Setting aside time throughout the week to spend with loved ones and neighbors can keep you feeling younger and improve your overall health.
• Drink Plenty of Water. Becoming dehydrated can leave your skin looking dull. Not to mention, it can lead to heart disease, asthma and chronic pain. To keep a youthful glow as well as lubricate your joints, try to drink at least two liters (about a half gallon) of water every day.
• Cut Out Processed Foods. Some ingredients found in processed foods can cause inflammation as well as weaken your immune system over time, not to mention being difficult to digest, which can make it harder to sleep. This can lead to lack of energy which, in turn, results in less mobility. It can also damage your skin’s collagen, leading to more wrinkles. A diet of fresh and nutritious foods can help prevent this.

Live a Full, Healthy Life with Springpoint

At Springpoint, we believe every resident has the right to a full, healthy life for as long as possible. And through LivWell , they can do just that. This award-winning program focuses on each of the seven dimensions of wellness: physical, intellectual, emotional, social, environmental, spiritual and vocational. At each of our communities, you can expect to find opportunities to slow the aging process, including nutritious meals for every diet, fitness classes and social events like weekly happy hours.

Are you ready to feel young again? Contact our team today to find a Springpoint Life Plan Community that’s right for you.