Maintaining a positive mindset
Those who tend to look young beyond their 60s tend to have one thing in common, they have a positive attitude towards life. They generally have a positive mindset, are happy, and embrace aging as a natural part of life rather than fear it or fight against it.
Additionally, as part of a positive outlook, they prefer to put their focus on the joys, experiences, and happenstances that each new day brings rather than dwell on the past or worry about the future and things they can’t control. This positive outlook has a profound influence on mental health as well as physical appearance.
When we are happy and content it shows on our faces, we smile more, our eyes sparkle and our skin looks healthier. It could be that a positive mindset is more potent than any cream or youth-preserving potion that you can find on the market.
Mindful dietary choices
Are you aware that what you put into your body can influence how quickly you age? Well, you do now. Those youthful-looking older adults tend to be mindful of what and how much they put onto their plates and glasses.
They limit the intake of added sugars, unhealthy fats, and processed foods, which is smart as they have been shown to accelerate aging. They opt for a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains that are loaded with essential nutrients to keep their skin glowing and bodies healthy. To partner with a healthy diet, they keep an eye on portion sizes to avoid overeating.
The next time you are doing grocery shopping your future self may thank you for taking tips from these amazing-looking people and skip the snack and junk food aisle in favor of the fresh produce section.
Staying hydrated
Another common habit among seemingly age-defying people is to drink a lot of water. Most of the time you will see them carrying a bottle of water around wherever they go, and it will likely get re-filled several times throughout the day. Drinking enough water is more important than most people realize, in fact, staying hydrated is key to promoting healthy skin and overall health.
Self-care
Even the most positive mindset can still experience occasional ups and downs. Life can be tough, busy, and stressful. While it can be easy to put the needs of other people first, it is just as important to remember that practicing some self-care is not being selfish, it is necessary. Those ever-young people understand this, they stop to smell the roses, take time out for themselves, do the things they love, and simply relax.
It might be reading a book, meditating, cuddling with a pet, or sitting in the park, but these little moments of calm to unwind can work wonders on stress and mental health, and yes, our appearance too.
Stress can age you well before your time on the inside and out. Everything is interconnected, taking care of your emotional well-being with moments like these can directly and indirectly contribute to a more youthful appearance.
Respect the sun, don’t hide from it
Sunshine feels great to most people, basking in the sunshine on a gorgeous day just checks off all the feel-good boxes. But too much can really do a number on the skin if you’re not careful, and it can make your skin prematurely age.
Those youthful-looking seniors have a good relationship with the sun, enjoying it but being mindful of it. Most will never step outside without some form of sun protection, which could be sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, or an umbrella.
They seem to have figured out the right balance to enjoy the sun without letting it speed up their aging process, and this includes doing their best to avoid exposure to direct sunlight during peak hours when UV rays are the strongest to protect their skin. Simple, but incredibly smart.
Maintaining an active lifestyle
There are no sedentary couch potatoes among these youthful people. This group of healthy agers are usually those folks who can’t sit still for long periods of time. These are the ones who prefer to take the stairs, they walk to as many places as they can or ride a bike, they like to spend time hiking in nature, and they are always down for a game of pickleball, swimming, or a dance class.
There’s a really strong chance that this group of people will stay looking younger than their age as they grow older because physical activity works wonders for our body on the inside and out. Exercise and physical activity not only help to control weight, but it also keeps our hearts healthy and contributes to a younger appearance. For example, it increases blood flow which helps to nourish skin cells and keep them vital.
Exercise and physical activity are an important part of an anti-aging lifestyle, helping to flush out cellular debris and free radicals that can cause premature aging. That’s just some of the reasons that these youthful-looking active people tend to have glowing skin and sparkling eyes.
Sleep hygiene
Adequate sleep is definitely overlooked when it comes to health and wellness. However, sleep is crucial for overall health, well-being, and appearance. It’s called beauty sleep for a reason when it comes to energy levels and well, everything.
In the hours we sleep, our body works on repairing and rejuvenating itself. Those who look young well into their 60s and beyond tend to prioritize getting a good night of restful sleep because they understand the importance of getting enough of it.
If you’re burning both ends of the candle and cutting your sleep duration, it might be time to rethink that habit. Your skin and future self will undoubtedly thank you.
Takeaway
Are you unknowingly making choices that can age you early or have you identified a few habits that may resonate with you? Perhaps you are already practicing some of these healthful habits. The goal isn’t eternal youth but rather embracing healthy habits that can contribute to overall health, happiness, and well-being which might extend our health and lifespan. Isn’t it just a wonderful happenstance that these healthful lifestyle habits could possibly help us to look a little younger in the process?
All of the above anti-aging tips represent a small piece of the lifestyle puzzle that centers around health, self-care, and positivity. These choices are not magic solutions, they are no quick fixes. But they can help to move towards a rewarding way of living that could help you to feel vibrant and youthful regardless of age. When it comes down to it, the most beautiful things we can wear are happiness and contentment, they are age-defying. Live, laugh, love, and be well.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
Content may be edited for style and length.
References/Sources/Materials provided by:
This article was written by Tamsyn Webber at WHN.
https://www.worldhealth.net/news/centenarian-blue-zone-longevity-warriors/
https://www.worldhealth.net/news/healthful-longevity-promoting-secrets-superagers/
https://www.worldhealth.net/news/art-aging-gracefully-embracing-positive-mindset-and-aging/
https://www.worldhealth.net/news/staying-hydrated-important-your-body-and-mind/
