Most people don’t see aging as much more than getting wrinkles and moving a bit slower. However, there is so much more to the process of getting older. In fact, there are three different ways we age. By learning about the various aging processes, you’ll be better equipped to take care of yourself and truly age better. Without it, you may make things harder for yourself in the long run.
The three main ways we age are biologically, psychologically and chronologically. Aging biologically basically describes how we age on the inside. That includes the heart, immune system, and brain. Aging psychologically is all about how old you think you feel. It is possible for an older person to “feel” like they are ten years younger. Chronologically aging has to do with our actual numerical age. That one is pretty self-explanatory.
Being knowledgeable about the different types of aging can greatly help in your efforts to stay healthy and active with each year that passes by. Instead of blindly trying to find anti-aging solutions, following miracle diets or spending money on procedures and products, you can create a more straightforward approach to aging in general.
In order to age better biologically, you’ll have to care about your body, what you put inside of it and how you treat it. This means your eating habits as well as physical fitness. Doing right by your body while young will help make the process easier but if you’re getting a late start, that’s okay, too. Start aging better biologically by eating a balanced daily diet of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, dairy, and whole grains. Make water your main beverage of choice and cut down on caffeinated drinks like coffee, soda, and energy drinks. Take a multivitamin to ensure you receive the right amounts of vitamins and minerals daily and incorporate moderate exercise a few times a week. No one says you have to be a gym rat – taking a brisk walk around your neighborhood or doing aerobics in your home all count towards aging better biologically. Additionally, challenge your brain from time to time. Play crossword puzzles, do word searches or play games involving memorization. Such activities will keep your brain sharp. It is also important to cut out bad habits such as drinking and smoking. It goes without saying that abusing drugs will not contribute positively to the aging process.
To age better psychologically you’ll want to maintain a more positive outlook on life. By looking at getting older in a more optimistic way you automatically develop a better attitude. Good spirits and a good mood equal a more pleasant experience when enjoying time with family, loved ones and doing everyday things. You’ll be surprised by how drastically your life will change for the better once you start looking at the brighter side of things.
Chronological age is perhaps the toughest of all the aging processes due to the simple fact that we are not able (at least not yet anyway) to turn back the clock and reduce our numerical age. No matter what we do, with each birthday we get a year older. However, by treating our bodies right and maintaining a positive outlook on our aging years our numerical age will truly be nothing but a number.