Why does aging always get a bad rap? A lot of things actually get better with age; an increase in happiness,wisdom, compassion and acceptance of one’s self. What’s more, physical ailments don’t necessarily get worse with age.Studies from the American Headache Society have shown that headaches become less frequent and severe as we get older. Either way, we should start being proactive about our health and wellbeing now to ensure a healthy future.
Preventative vs. Reactive
Currently, the main focus of health care and aging is treating disabilities and illnesses. However, we should be focusing on prevention—which should start well before the age of 65. Many of the systems that help us appear young and youthful start to slow down at age 30. For example, did you know that men lose 1%-3% of their testosterone every year,beginning at age 30? We see this manifest with symptoms such as low sex drive, fatigue, reduced lean muscle mass, weight gain, irritability, erectile dysfunction, depression, sleep issues, mental fog as well as many other symptoms.
Three Domains of Aging
So what determines being successful with aging? Well, there are three domains of aging to keep in mind; the physical, the cognitive and the psychosocial.
- Physical: This is themost thought of domain and typically has a negative perception with people worrying about being worn down and being prone to injuries and illnesses.
- Cognitive: This is the second most commonly thought of domain, and also has a negative connotation associated with it., as it is most seen with short-term memory loss and dementia.
- Psychosocial: This domain encompasses things that matter most to people and result in successful aging, including wellbeing, happiness, quality of life, control of emotions and socialization.
So, how can we be successful in all three domains of aging? We have some tips that you can apply to your everyday life.
Quick Tips
Sun Avoidance: Our skin is the largest organ of our body and the most visible, too. Overtime the sun can drastically impact the age of our skin, creating cracks and wrinkles. Make sure you are wearing broad spectrum sunscreen and avoiding the sun with proper clothing to maintain your youthful glow.
Physical Exercise: Listen, not all of us are going to look like Arnold Schwarzenegger or David Hasselhoff. But,having an exercise routine will keep you feeling energized, protected against age-related illnesses and help cognitive function.
Diet: Is your partner trying to make you go vegan or get on another disturbingly green “juice cleanse?” Don’t worry, eating doesn’t have to be the worst part of aging but you should be mindful of what you are putting into your body. When in doubt, ask your Revibe Men’s Health specialist for some nutritional tips that you can stay on top of!
The Mind: As we age, it is crucial that we keep our brains stimulated to fend off cognitive decline. While physical exercise is a great way to do this, mental exercises are just as important. Find and complete tasks that are challenging to you, and don’t forget to switch things up to keep your brain working in different ways.
Socialization: Staying in touch with old friends, participating in bowling leagues or simply volunteering, there are plenty ways to keep socially engaged with peers. Socialization is a key element to overall happiness and can be a great way to stay on top of the tips mentioned above.
The Inevitable
Aging is inevitable. That’s why it is important to focus on the positive aspects of getting older, like wisdom and self-discovery. Revibe encourages all men—young and old—to maintain a healthy lifestyle so they can continue to grow in positive ways. We’re here for you on your journey!