How to Beat the Effects of Aging

It's often a shock when you look in the mirror and see the first hint of a line on your face. No one likes to think about getting older, and they certainly don't want to look like it either. Since the Fountain of Youth remains undiscovered, you will have to rely on other strategies for beating the effects of aging. No one can stop the process, but you can slow it down a bit.

Don't be a sun worshiper

It's hard to resist allowing the sun to turn your skin into goddess-level bronzing. But working on that gorgeous tan to show off your new sundress may not seem so inconsequential 10 years down the road. The same goes for tanning beds. Sun damage is real and can cause skin cancer, age spots, spider veins, wrinkles and leathery and sagging skin. Your aging-well plan will pick up points if you apply a daily sunscreen with a minimum SPF 15 to your face.

Kick the habit

Not only is smoking bad for your general health, but doing it will accelerate your aging process. Small lines form around your mouth due to inhaling, and puffy eyes with brown circles under that thin layer of skin are unattractive. One of the healthiest solutions for beating the effects of aging is to stop smoking.

You are what you eat and drink

Maintaining a consistent, healthy weight for your body size isn't easy, but doing so will help in your goal of aging well. Eating plenty of green and colorful vegetables and fruit replenishes your body with antioxidants needed to fight disease. Foods to eat in moderation include sugar and items with high fat content. While an occasional glass of red wine has healthy benefits, hard alcohol doesn't work the same way; over-imbibing can cause dehydration and liver spots.

Burn, baby, burn

No, not in the sun! At the gym, on your treadmill at home or jogging around your neighborhood, burning calories through aerobic exercise offers aging-well benefits. Your skin becomes hydrated and cleansed through perspiration, your heart and lungs are strengthened, and you will feel rejuvenated not long after you begin a regular exercise program. Be sure to include weight-bearing routines to strengthen your bones and prevent sagging skin and muscles. Regular exercise also helps prevent insomnia.

You are getting sleepy

Getting a good night's sleep is an easy way to beat the effects of aging. However, avoid sleeping on your face, as this habit promotes wrinkles. Try to sleep most of the night on your back (let gravity do its work) and limit side-sleeping time. Few things make you feeling more positive than waking up after a good night's sleep.

Sex and aging well

Not only will you burn calories during a satisfying sexual interlude, but regular sex puts an extra skip in your gait and a permanent smile on your face. You won't care as much about those fine lines peeping out around your eyes when you are happy, in love and fulfilled in your life.