TIPS ON HOW TO AGE GRACEFULLY

Kate Henshaw is one Nollywood actress that can still be described as sweet 16 at over 40. The highly celebrated movie star is not showing any sign of aging.  She always looks radiant from inside, which might be the secret of her youthful look.

TIPS ON HOW TO AGE GRACEFULLY
Aging gracefully isn't rocket science. It just requires energy, stamina and motivation.  Just as important, doctors say, don't wait to start taking care of yourself. The good news is the same regimen that helps your heart also benefits your brain, mood, metabolism, and even skin. When it comes to aging well, most of us already know what we need to do: Exercise, eat right, get a good night’s sleep. Don't smoke or drink heavily. Bebeakinboade.com brings to you tips on how to age gracefully

DEVELOP GOOD SKIN HABITS: 
Follow a skin-care regimen that includes products with active ingredients such as anti-oxidants, peptides and perhaps a retinol to cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize and, of course, protect your skin.

WEAR SUNSCREEN: If you're not into sun protection, don't bother with anti-aging treatments. Sunscreen must be worn 365 days a year—the aging UVA rays are constant all year and the same all day long and cause damage even on cloudy days.

 

DRINK MORE WATER: 

I know we always hear this but it really makes a difference. Drinking water makes the skin look more refreshed, youthful and hydrated. It’s a must. If you need to fake it, use a hydrating mask to instantly refresh the skin.

CULTIVATE  HAPPINESS: 
It shouldn't end with career, marriage and family. Because sadly, as you age, these things may become less present in your life. But happiness boosts the immune system and reduces stress. When you are stressed, your heart rate goes up, your digestion slows, and blood flow is even blocked to certain muscles. If you experience chronic stress, these conditions could lead to actual physical disorders like obesity, diabetes, ulcers and even cancer. Happiness is easier to cultivate than you think. Believe that life still has enjoyable experiences to offer you. Even if you just don't see how you can be happy as you age, force yourself to go to events, to gatherings, to dinner with friends. You'll usually be pleasantly surprised with what you find and positive attitude and optimism are linked to longevity. If you're not sure what makes you happy, learn. Take notes at times when you feel particularly uplifted, and those when you feel anxiety-ridden. Where are you? Who are you with? What are you doing? Adjust your daily activities accordingly.

EAT HEALTHY FATS: 
Simple changes in diet can make a huge difference in reducing the risk of memory loss .Consume 1,000 mg of omega-3 DHA daily through coldwater fatty fish, such as salmon. If you don't like fish, take a fish oil or algal-derived supplement or eat DHA-fortified foods.

STAY CONNECTED SOCIALLY: 

Research shows that those who are more socially connected -- that doesn't just mean going to activities and events but actually cultivating friendships from them -- live longer. This is just another way to ward off depression. As we age and can no longer do the things we used to do, we begin to feel "useless." But something you can always offer is a set of ears, some good advice and if anything, the ability to make someone laugh. Think about how much the friends who do that for you mean to you? You mean just as much to them. You may not be a doctor, actress, or entrepreneur anymore. But through all of those years of work, you also became the unique, entertaining and wise individual you are. That is something you will always have to offer.

EXERCISE: 

Exercising regularly makes you less likely to develop diabetes, heart disease, dementia, osteoarthritis, depression and obesity. One study found that women who walk briskly for just 5 hours a week have a 76% higher chance of aging gracefully and healthfully, with less physical and mental impairment. Of course, if you are aging, you can't exactly run an hour a day or rock climb like you used to (if you used to at all). Look into low impact workouts like walking, resistance training, tai chi and yoga.

TRY SOMETHING NEW: 

The brain loves new experiences and sensations. Have you ever really regretted trying something new? So long as it didn't harm you, what you probably felt most of the time was a rush. It feels good to know you have the guts to put yourself in unfamiliar environments and try things you aren't necessarily skilled at. Sometimes you have to fumble in order to have a new, enjoyable experience. But what you remember more than getting it wrong is how exciting it was to try something new. Contrary to what many people believe, your brain has the ability to continue building neural connections throughout life. So don't be afraid of new phenomena that simply didn't exist when you were younger. Jump head first into social media classes, or trying a new food trend everyone is raving about. Doing so will cultivate curiosity, creativity and an open mind, additional traits linked to longevity.

GET CONSISTENT SLEEP: 

Sleep refreshes you like nothing else does, not only physically, but emotionally as well. Aim for at least 7 hours per night.

LOVE YOURSELF: 

We are always harder on ourselves than others. We'll spend hours cooking a healthy meal for a friend on the weekend; meanwhile we take ourselves through fast-food drive-thru's during the week. We tell our friends how gorgeous they are and make self-deprecating comments about ourselves.  It may be harder than ever to do so now that you're aging, but it's also more important than ever to love yourself. Tell yourself you are fabulous. Make yourself fabulous by dressing up, standing up straight and quitting those self-deprecating thoughts and comments. Do the things that make you happy more often, and remind yourself it's because you deserve to. Why? Because your body becomes stressed when you have thoughts like "I'm not good enough." And we already know stress is bad for the body.

 

LEARN TO LAUGH: 

Laughter aids circulation, increases respiration, lowers blood pressure, stimulates digestion and takes away stress and negativity. A life without stress will last much longer.