It does not have to be hard work to slow down the ageing process. These simple ideas can help, says Helen Foster
We all get old-what differs is how fast we do it. While genetics do play a role in this, the number one factor that determines whether you age faster or slower than your friends, neighbours, or even your siblings, seems to be lifestyle. What you eat, how you move and even how you think can all play a role. Here’s the latest advice for turning back time.
Joints – Drink fewer gassy drinks
Hips, hands and knees are all more prone to aches and pains caused by arthritis as we get older, but new US research has found this might occur more rapidly in people who drink greater quantities of gassy drinks. Precisely why isn’t known, but Dr Bing Lu from Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital suggests it might be related to certain ingredients in the drinks, or just because people drinking sugary versions of the drinks weigh more and excess weight is commonly linked to an increased risk of arthritis. Exercise and the consumption of fish oils are linked to better joint health as you age.
Slow down ageing by worrying less
Bones – Get on a power plate
These vibrating machines are now all over Australia but they aren’t just good for toning muscles. According to studies published in the journal Bone, they also boost skeletal health. Researchers found using them actually triggered a decrease in bone breakdown in ageing in mice. And while we know you’re not a mouse, other studies on women have shown their bones didn’t degrade as quickly when they were using the machines. It’s believed the vibration changes the way stem cells behave, triggering greater numbers of cells to turn into bone.
DNA- Stop worrying
You can’t see it, but when it comes to how fast, or well, you age overall, your DNA, or rather little bits of it called telomeres, are one of the most important parts of your body. The longer your telomeres are, the younger your body behaves. And new research has shown that people suffering anxiety, particularly that related to fears and phobias, have telomeres up to six years older than their true age.
While overcoming anxiety may involve therapy, psychologist Heather Richards has given us an exercise that can help lower anxiety if you feel it start to build. “It aims to bring your thoughts back into the present moment, stopping feelings escalating,” she says.
TRY THIS METHOD:
“Stop right where you are now, snap your fingers in front of your face, then look around and notice five things that are say, red, then five that are blue. Now notice five things you smell, five you can hear and keep going with five things of different types until the anxiety eases,” says Richards.
Muscles – Have a cup of coffee
Muscles generally weaken as we get older, increasing the risk of falls. Strength training is the best way to anti-age your muscles, but researchers at the UK’s Coventry University say it might also help to drink coffee.
It’s well known that caffeine helps the muscles produce more force as they contract. The new study found that even though caffeine’s impact is lessened as we age, this extra power boost does still occur, potentially negating some of the age-related weaknesses. In fact, caffeine could prove beneficial in the ageing population, Says lead author Jason Tallis.
Slow down ageing by simply enjoying a cup of coffee? Who said fighting ageing had to be hard?!
Also read: How do I slim down, naturally? – Part 2
