The more science learns about aging, the more we realize how much our lifestyle and mindset can affect the quality of life as we get older. One of the most significant discoveries has been how stress can take a premature toll on our minds and bodies. When there is a lot of stress, adrenalin and cortisol flood our bodies and stress the heart, and raise our blood pressure. Let’s take a look at how some simple changes can help you to age gracefully. Here are some keys to staying young in the most healthy way possible.

Take a Break: Research conducted by Massachusetts General Hospital revealed that meditation helps seniors to avoid age-related brain changes. Try sitting with your eyes closed in a quiet place. Concentrate on relaxing your jaw and shoulders, think about your breathing, and clear your mind – for approximately 15 minutes per day.
Take a Walk: Regular exercise will maintain muscle tone, encourage overall health, and elevate your mood. The UCLA Longevity Center has found that walking just 10 minutes a day lowers the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by 40%. Exercises reduce anxiety, which can adversely affect your memory. The type of exercise doesn’t seem to matter if it is appropriate for your health level. Walk, dance, swim, or take yoga classes – find something you love.
Eat More Fat: A lot of processed food products provide us with unhealthy fat – you should avoid those. But Omega-3 is a healthy fat that we all need. It can stabilize an individual’s mood, sustain bone strength and density, and minimize inflammation in the body. They can also cause the skin to have a more radiant glow, which helps people look younger. Omega-3 is found in salmon, walnuts, and seeds – but if you aren’t getting enough, your doctor will be able to suggest a supplement.
Create More Relationship: Some choose to find love later in life, but you can also make new friends, reconnect with family, or even adopt a pet from the animal shelter! Feelings of love and connection are powerful and allow people to embrace all aspects of their lives more fully. The key to staying young is to find ways to spend time with people, start a new hobby, or volunteer.
Try a New Fruit: The goji berry – little known to many Americans – is thought to stimulate the release of human growth hormones. These hormones help us sleep, reduce body fat, help with memory, increase libido, and boost the immune system. In fact, the strong antioxidants help us look younger overall! The berry can be eaten dried (available at health food stores or online) or can be found in serums.
Play a Brain Game: According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), games like crossword puzzles and sudoku can assist in the prevention of cognitive decline, as they strengthen your brain and support memory function. Online site Lumosity provides many games to help train your brain. Read more here.
Schedule a Play Date: One of the best ways to feel young is to hang out with those who are. If you have grandchildren, schedule time with them to play. Whether building towers with blocks or coloring with crayons, let them guide the activity and see the world through their eyes. Studies show that children benefit from having an active grandparent in their life – and it’s great for the grandparents as well.
Get Outside: Living in Florida, we have a wonderful opportunity to be outside year-round. Fresh air and sunshine rejuvenate the mind and body, triggering the release of serotonin, which encourages sleep, appetite, and digestion.

Last but not least, be good to yourself. Give yourself a treat now and again, and find ways to truly enjoy your time. You’ll soon discover that you feel better emotionally and physically – and that staying young is, in many ways, in your grasp.

A Banyan Residence is an assisted living residence and memory care center located in Thr Villages. Come speak to us today about beginning your new, engaged life at one of our facilities.