Optimum health at any age

Each one of us is unique, and the ageing process will touch us in different ways.
In general, to be the healthiest you can be at any age, you will need to understand the ways your body may change. You also need to keep up with a few routine preventive health screenings and integrate beneficial habits into your life. Try thinking that our day-to-day health is like the weather…. sunny days or passing storms come and go and so too do colds, sniffles, aches and pains, pimples or blisters. Our overall health, though, is more like the climate. It's an accumulation of lots of different factors - genetics, chance, and the lifestyle choices we make - which ultimately has more impact on our lives. Time passes, so make the most of the time you have, no matter what your age by embracing each stage. Here are some tips for the time in your life.

IN YOUR 20S - You’ll be drinking from the fountain of youth but what you may not realise is that this is the best time to plan your anti-ageing regime. Start practicing good habits so that they become long term habits. The first step is by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which will protect you against ageing caused by the sun's UV rays. Makeup can cover up a lot of imperfections, but a healthy glow comes from a diet packed with antioxidants such as berries, fresh fruit, vegetables and dark chocolate. Avoid smoking at all costs. It restricts the blood supply to the skin, making ageing more obvious, and each time you inhale, you're causing wrinkles around your lips. Remember to stay active. Exercise increases the blood supply to your skin, making it healthier.

IN YOUR 30S - This is a busy decade so it’s important to maintain good health habits through preventive health care. Many women begin to gain a few pounds as their metabolism slows. It's important to have an exercise program that includes aerobic activities such as walking, jogging, or swimming and eat a well-balanced diet, low in saturated fats, full of fruit and vegetables and light on processed and junk foods. You may lose more bone than you produce which may heighten your risk of osteoporosis so balance bone loss by doing weight-bearing exercises and a diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, magnesium and folic acid. It’s also the time when your career might take off, you might be having kids and a marriage so striking a work-home life balance is critical in your life.

IN YOUR 40S - This is the decade of the dreaded hormonal shift when you start to see the changes in your skin as well as your body. Skin may start to thin out, lose its elasticity and retain less moisture. Ageing skin benefits greatly from primers because the primer fills in the fine lines and wrinkles, which in turn fills in the area and plumps the skin, leaving fewer wrinkles and crevices for makeup to last longer. Drink plenty of water to help hydrate your skin and body. Combat slowing metabolism with weight bearing exercise: boost calcium and vitamin D for muscle, bone density and menopausal symptoms: Maintain mental health with brain exercises and social inter-action and enhance your changing dietary habits with good quality vitamins and supplements.

IN YOUR 50S - Many women enjoy this special time of life and feel renewed. Your children are probably grown and now you have more time to devote to your own interests. Consider adjusting your caloric intake as your metabolism continues to slow. Make an effort to get essential fatty acids to keep your brain sharp. Eat colourful fruits and vegetables; the carotenoids and other pigments help to fight oxidative stress and may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Try anti-inflammatory supplements such as fish oil, turmeric, glucosamine. Thinning or damaged hair, brittle nails or poor skin conditions may be an indication of poor nutritional status - supplements can provide nutrients to support hair, skin and nail health.

IN YOUR 60S - Don’t even think about retiring from the skin care game, it’s as important to take care of your skin now as it ever was. Serums and facials oils help brighten the skin on the outside while fish oil capsules help nourish from the inside. Being 60 or over should be a time when you find your second wind as older people are more engaged than ever. Staying active is a way to help maintain brain health and overall physical function. Compensate for decreased digestive function and absorption by supplementing with digestive enzymes and multi vitamins. Some people in their 60s find that their appetite declines so try packing more nutrients into smaller meals. Stay strong with weight bearing exercises to maintain bone density and incorporate social activities into daily life with community and friends.

Resource: healthylife.net.au