40 is probably the point in your life where you will realize that you are technically getting old, and this is especially true if you have older children right now. Life can really start to speed up from this point on, and what makes it worse is that 20 years went by and by in an instant. Focus on your aging now and work towards enjoying your older years by implementing some of these tips.

Give up smoking – It is never too late to quit smoking to slow down aging. Smoking not only increases the risk of lung cancer and emphysema, it is also associated with other cancers, cardiovascular disease, and lower resistance to disease. Of course, it also has a terrible effect on the skin. By quitting smoking, the aging process can be more comfortable and you can extend your life expectancy.

Exercise daily – To slow down the aging process, get some aerobic exercise every day combined with an occasional light weight workout. Numerous scientific studies have shown that exercise improves muscle strength, endurance, bone density, and balance. As these four things deteriorate with age, regular exercise may help keep your body in good shape well into your 80s and beyond.

Your body needs exercise to function properly, especially as you age. Adding thirty minutes of exercise to your daily routine can not only make you look younger, but it can also prolong your life. And don’t wait until you’re older to exercise, start as soon as possible.

Keep Social – If you have healthy friendships, you will be more energetic and happy. You can never be too old to make new friends. Friendships, both old and new, are a great way to contribute to a long and healthy life.

Moisturize regularly – As you age, to continue having healthy-looking skin, moisturize it every day. The appearance of your skin is directly related to the amount of moisture your skin is receiving. So it’s important to bring moisture back to your skin, so choose a moisturizer that works best for you and use it daily. This is an area related to aging where you can have a significant impact.

Keep your smile looking young – Oral health is essential for a long life. Even if you no longer have teeth, it is important to go to the dentist and have regular exams so that you can check your gums. You can still develop gum disease, oral cancer, and other things that can lead to other health problems.

Reduce stress – Everyone experiences a certain amount of stress in their life, but to keep the aging process slow and graceful, it is important to keep stress at bay. A great way to do this is by practicing relaxation techniques. There are a wide variety of techniques available including meditation, yoga, and tai chi. Choose the method that you are most comfortable with and be sure to practice it several times a week to slow down the aging process.

This may seem a bit strange to consider, but stress can actually speed up the aging process. Studies have shown that stress can lead to things like premature hair loss, which can make you appear much older than you are.

Eat well and healthily – As cliche as it sounds, you really are what you eat. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole wheat can help you fight the signs of aging and keep your body strong and protected. Also, drink lots of water, up to eight glasses a day. Lastly, you should try to keep an eye on the amount of fat you eat. Keep the daily calories you get from fat below 35% and it should help you maintain your body shape.

Keep your mind active – Alright, this doesn’t really help with your outward appearance in the traditional sense, but continuing to learn as you age has its benefits. It’s never been easier to enroll in a community college or take classes online. You are never too old to take up a new hobby, study a foreign language, understand statistics, learn about quantum physics, or learn something that interests you. Lifelong learning will keep your mind sharp and give you goals.

Get regular checkups – Make sure to visit your doctor regularly for a checkup as you age. Problems like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and mobility problems need to be checked more often because it will take longer for your body to recover from health problems. Your doctor can advise you if you need to change any routine to keep your body healthy. They can also help identify any problems that may be causing the symptoms of premature aging.

We all have to grow old. This is how life works. What we do not have to achieve; however, it is run over and beaten by life if we start now and take better care of ourselves. So, be sure to use the tips provided in the previous article to age well and stay vibrant and young.

As a final note, be sure to consult with a doctor before following any of the tips suggested in this article and / or making changes to your daily routine; we want it to remain safe.