Physical Wellness

These Simple Lifestyle Changes May Be the Best-Kept Secrets to Defy Aging

By Corazon Victorino | Update Date: May 22, 2024 02:23 AM EDT
A Graphical Representation of Biologic and Chronologic Age (IMAGE)

If a woman's biologic age is older than her chronologic age, she has an increased risk of developing breast cancer. | (Photo : NIEHS)

In a society where age often dictates perception, a growing number of women over 40 are challenging the notion that aging is an irreversible process. While the passage of time remains inevitable, experts highlight the transformative potential of adopting certain lifestyle practices to mitigate the effects of aging and promote vitality.

Chris Mirabile, CEO and founder of NOVOS, a leading longevity supplements company in New York, stressed the importance of biological age over chronological age in assessing health outcomes.

"As we age, our abilities to perform certain physical and cognitive tasks decline, while our risks for disease and ultimately death increase," Mirabile explained, according to Fox News. "Although these changes are correlated with chronological age, biological age is a more accurate predictor, because it looks at individuals and how well -- or poorly -- they are aging."

Melanie Avalon, a renowned health influencer and entrepreneur, advocates for a proactive approach to aging, leveraging insights from online bloodwork and genetic platforms to tailor dietary and lifestyle choices to individual needs. Here are five key strategies Avalon recommends for women to slow down their pace of aging:

1. Optimize Sleep

Combatting restless sleep, a common challenge for aging women, necessitates creating a conducive sleep environment. Avalon suggests establishing a 'sleep sanctuary' characterized by consistent bedtime routines, a cool, dark atmosphere, and minimizing exposure to blue light before sleep.

"Good sleep is so underrated," Lil Eskey, 41, a former fitness instructor and participant in a trial of NOVOS Core and Boost supplements, said. "Having a consistent bedtime and wake-up time is so important for overall wellness. Everything works so much better when you're well-rested, including any stressors in your life or anything going on with the mind."

2. Preserve Muscle Mass

Recognizing the critical role of muscle mass in healthy aging, Avalon advocates for prioritizing protein intake and engaging in strength training exercises. Aiming for a gram of protein per pound of body weight can support muscle synthesis and overall vitality.

Amy Hardison, a 64-year-old writer and grandmother of 11, boasts a long history of steadfast commitment to health and exercise.

"I have exercised aerobically an hour a day, six days a week for 50 years and have rarely missed a day," she told Fox News Digital. "I always listen to an audiobook while exercising, making it even more fun."

Hardison's preferred physical activities include swimming and using the elliptical machine.

3. Seek Hormonal Support

Acknowledging the hormonal fluctuations inherent in perimenopausal years, Avalon underscores the importance of nourishing the body with nutrient-rich foods, prioritizing sleep, managing stress, and minimizing toxin exposure. For some, hormone replacement therapy may offer relief.

Julie Gibson Clark, 55, and a recruiter by profession, places a significant emphasis on vegetables in her diet.

"I incorporate a variety of cooked greens and veggies, totaling around 1 pound daily," Clark, who also participated in the NOVOS Core and Boost supplements trial, explained. "I began with a modest amount (approximately 4 ounces) and gradually increased by about 1 ounce per week."

4. Monitor Essential Markers

Empowering women to take control of their health, Avalon advises regular monitoring of key health metrics, including blood pressure, blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and bone density, to detect potential issues early and facilitate informed decision-making.

"Aging women should embrace the agency to take their health into their own hands," Avalon said.

5. Achieve Proper Glycemic Control

Addressing the link between poor glycemic control and degenerative diseases, Avalon recommends adopting a whole-food-based diet low to moderate in carbohydrates. Continuous glucose monitoring can offer insights into blood sugar levels, aiding in disease prevention.

"Aging women can implement an unprocessed, whole-food-based diet, low to moderate in carbs, depending on their tolerance," she said.

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