At some point in our lives, we all reach the point of paying closer attention to our health. If we don’t, life may be shorter than planned. My personal wake-up call came with a bit of a health scare. Since then, I’ve tried to eat a healthier diet and exercise on a regular basis, knowing that maintaining good health is the key to my longevity. In three months, I lowered my A1c score from 9 to 6.5 and lost 14 lbs. This made my doctor very happy and gave me hope that I can actually enjoy my golden years the way I should.
We all want to look our best but let’s face it, after menopause, some days it feels like we are fighting a useless battle. That may be because we’ve been looking in the mirror instead of what’s beneath our skin. Dr. Mehmet Oz of television fame said, “Beauty isn’t some vapid and superficial pursuit that exists solely to sell products…beauty is actually perceived, purposeful and rooted in hard science.” He adds, “Beauty is an instant message to others that transmits your health.”
And that is why it is so important for us to maintain good health in order to look our best. That advice actually goes for any age but is most important as we get older.
Exercise is Key to Good Health & Beauty
Certainly, regular exercise is a major key to good health. Along with strengthening joints, regular exercise boosts oxygen levels in the body. Add a daily walk to your activities and you could see a 15% increase in your oxygen level. That daily walk could also lower your risk of developing colon and lung cancer, sharpen your memory, reduce your cardiovascular risk, and control your blood sugar. If you feel better, you will look better, simple as that!
The Skin Talks!
At any age, the condition of one’s skin tells a huge story about a person’s beauty and health. If you want beautiful skin, even as a senior, eat a diet full of foods that enhance skin health. Those foods would be high in Vitamin C, such as tomatoes or strawberries; vegetables like broccoli or spinach are beneficial. Lycopene is a carotenoid that helps keep skin smooth and is found in pink grapefruit, pumpkin and other vegetables. Egg yolks are especially helpful with preserving skin because they contain lutein. Lutein also helps ward off macular degeneration. Caffeine, in small doses, is good for skin and is thought to kill precancerous skin cells. A healthy diet should also be rich in omega-3 fish, like tuna or salmon.
Other suggestions for improving your overall health include taking vitamin supplements, especially Vitamin B-12, which lowers the risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease. A low B-12 count can increase the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and breast and colon cancers. Eat foods rich in fiber to prevent constipation.
You’re Only As Old As You Feel!
Your outlook on life has a lot to do with how youthful you feel and look. Stay physically and mentally engaged in life and challenged. Don’t spend all your time with older people. Get to know your adult grandchildren or young adults in your neighborhood. Know their music, what television shows they enjoy, what books they read. Being able to relate to younger people will make you appear and feel younger.
All of the plastic surgery in the world won’t make you younger. Some procedures may make your eyes appear brighter and bigger, but most people today recognize when someone has undergone major work.
Makeup is a good tool, if it is used correctly. Ladies over a certain age should use less makeup. Otherwise, our skin will look older than we wish. There are creams on the market to wipe away many of the lines around the eyes or mouth, but they are pricey. Plan to spend $75 – $100 a month for those
If you want a less pricey product that really does help your skin, look at these lotions and creams. I love the Neutrogena products but not everyone can use them. Be aware of skin sensitivities, whatever you use and seek medical help if any problems persist. I have sensitive skin and have been able to use the Neutrogena lotions without any problems.
(I should add that sales through the above link would generate a small commission to me and any funds earned by me will be donated to animal welfare.)
Keep your body in the best possible condition for optimum good health, find ways to truly enjoy life, and embrace your age and life experience. Someone who can do those things knows true beauty.
