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Aging gracefully -

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Home Dr. Brandt Skincare Tips. Previous Next. The Art of Aging Gracefully: Embracing Time with Confidence and Skincare Wisdom. by Danielle Irwin September 28, 2 min read.

Leave a comment all fields required. Related Blog Posts. Int J Environ Res Public Health. WHO, Dementia. Date Accessed May 12, Holt-Lunstad J, Smith TB, Layton JB. Social relationships and mortality risk: a meta-analytic review. PLoS Med. Hughes MCB, Williams GM, Baker P, Green AC.

Sunscreen and prevention of skin aging: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. Passeron T, Krutmann J, Andersen ML, Katta R, Zouboulis CC.

Clinical and biological impact of the exposome on the skin. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. Harvard Health Publishing, Aging and sleep: making changes for brain health. Use limited data to select advertising. Create profiles for personalised advertising. Use profiles to select personalised advertising.

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Highlights: Helped establish a food pantry in West Garfield Park as an AmeriCorps employee at Above and Beyond Family Recovery Center. Societally, we face a lack of conversation around one of the biggest life changes a human can experience: menopause.

Perimenopause or pre-menopause can affect women as early as in their 30s. According to Dr. Pinkerton, some common symptoms are:. To learn more, visit menopause. You can do so by either taking a calcium supplement, or ensuring to include calcium-rich or calcium-fortified foods in your diet, such as dairy, orange juice, and whole grains, says Centr Nutritionist Angie Asche, M.

You might notice that your gray strands are a bit coarser and more wirey than usual, which is why Innella recommends a moisturizing hair mask like Aloxxi Instaboost Colour Conditioning Masque in the shade Silver Fox, which conditions and keeps color fresh.

Asche says green tea contains antioxidants that fight inflammation, so she recommends regularly having a cup, especially if you fight any inflammatory conditions such as arthritis or inflammatory bowel syndrome IBS.

But as you age, sleep becomes crucial to living life fully. Not to burst any more bubbles, but Dr. Pinkerton recommends cutting the wine to one glass daily—ideally less than that. Alcohol use among older adults is on the rise , which creates risk for heart and liver problems, memory issues, mood disorders, and more, according to Harvard Medical School.

Retinol is a form of vitamin A that increases cell turnover, therefore improving skin texture and bounce. Anar Mikailov, M. There are many ways you can incorporate nutritionally diverse meals into your diet—one of them being through a quick, easy smoothie.

As we age our thirst sensitivity declines, which means we are less likely to notice when we are dehydrated. Cohen recommends that women over 50 take an electrolyte supplement with no added sugar like Cure , a brand that she medically advises, to absorb more fluids and replace electrolytes lost from exercise, alcohol, illness and common medications.

Together, collagen is responsible for keeping skin strong and firm and plays an important role in wound healing. So as our bodies begin to produce less collagen, the option to supplement with the best collagen powders on the market becomes a viable option.

And while more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of taking collagen, most experts agree there is little harm in trying.

Ever wonder why some gacefully live to 90 or with grace and joy? Good genes certainly help, but Hormonal balance benefits optimistic spirit Graecfully a sense of purpose may matter even more. A Emergency management of high blood sugar gracwfully Applied Psychology: Graefully Being of published studies confirmed a compelling connection between a positive state of mind and overall health and longevity. Integrative medicine focuses on this mind-body connection as the cornerstone of total wellness. Integrative physicians believe that your mental state, particularly a sense of purpose, affects lifespan. In a study in Psychological Science, researchers found that setting goals and taking action to achieve them lead to healthier lifestyle choices and ultimately a longer life.

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A low-salt diet called Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension DASH has also been shown to deliver significant health benefits. Studies testing the DASH diet found that it lowers blood pressure, helps people lose weight, and reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Yet another eating pattern that may support healthy aging is the MIND diet, which combines a Mediterranean-style eating pattern with DASH. Researchers have found that people who closely follow the MIND diet have better overall cognition — the ability to clearly think, learn, and remember — compared to those with other eating styles.

Try starting with small changes by adopting one or two aspects of the Mediterranean-style eating pattern or MIND diet. Several studies have shown that incorporating even a part of these eating patterns, such as more fish or more leafy greens, into your daily eating habits can improve health outcomes.

One study of older adults with frequent migraines found that a diet lower in vegetable oil and higher in fatty fish could reduce migraine headaches.

Another study that followed almost 1, older adults over five years found that consumption of green leafy vegetables was significantly associated with slower cognitive decline.

If you are concerned about what you eat, talk with your doctor about ways you can make better food choices.

Learn more about healthy eating and smart food choices for healthy aging. Getting enough sleep helps you stay healthy and alert. Feeling sick or being in pain can make it harder to sleep, and some medicines can keep you awake.

Not getting enough quality sleep can make a person irritable, depressed, forgetful, and more likely to have falls or other accidents. Sleep quality matters for memory and mood. In one study of adults older than 65, researchers found that those who had poor sleep quality had a harder time problem-solving and concentrating than those who got good quality sleep.

Another studywhich looked at data from nearly 8, people, showed that those in their 50s and 60s who got six hours of sleep or less a night were at a higher risk of developing dementia later in life.

Poor sleep may also worsen depression symptoms in older adults. Emerging evidence suggests that older adults who were diagnosed with depression in the past, and do not get quality sleep, may be more likely to experience their depression symptoms again.

More generally, a study found that older adults who did not sleep well and napped often were at greater risk of dying within the next five years. Conversely, getting good sleep is associated with lower rates of insulin resistance, heart disease, and obesity.

Sleep can also improve your creativity and decision-making skills, and even your blood sugar levels. There are many things you can do to help you sleep better, such as following a regular sleep schedule.

Try to fall asleep and get up at the same time each day. Avoid napping late in the day, as this may keep you awake at night. Research suggests that behavioral interventions, such as mindfulness meditationcan also improve sleep quality.

Quitting smoking at any age will:. One study found that among men 55 to 74 years old and women 60 to 74 years old, current smokers were three times more likely to die within the six-year follow-up period than those who had never smoked. If you smoke, quit. Quitting smoking is good for your health and may add years to your life.

One study of nearlypeople demonstrated that older adults who quit smoking between the ages of 45 and 54 lived about six years longer compared to those who continued to smoke. Adults who quit between the ages of 55 to 64 lived about four years longer. It is never too late to stop smoking and reap the benefits of breathing easier, having more energy, saving money, and improving your health.

Read more about how to quit smoking as an older adult. Like all adults, older adults should avoid or limit alcohol consumption. In fact, aging can lead to social and physical changes that make older adults more susceptible to alcohol misuse and abuse and more vulnerable to the consequences of alcohol.

Alcohol dependence or heavy drinking affects every organ in the body, including the brain. A comprehensive study from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism shows that alcohol consumption among older adults, especially women, is on the rise.

The researchers also found evidence that certain brain regions show signs of premature aging in alcohol-dependent men and women. In addition, heavy drinking for extended periods of time in older adults may contribute to poor heart health, as shown in this study. These studies suggest that stopping or limiting the use of alcohol could improve heart health and prevent the accelerated aging seen with heavy alcohol use.

In addition to being cautious with alcohol, older adults and their caregivers should be aware of other substances that can be misused or abused. Because older adults are commonly prescribed opioids for pain and benzodiazepines for anxiety or trouble sleeping, they may be at risk for misuse and dependence on these substances.

One study of adults age 50 and older showed that misuse of prescription opioids or benzodiazepines is associated with thoughts of suicide. Learn about the current U. guidelines for drinking and when to avoid alcohol altogether. If you or a loved one needs help with substance abuse or alcohol use, talk with your doctor or a mental health professional.

You can also try finding a support group for older adults with substance or alcohol abuse issues. Learn about substance use in older adults and get tips on how to stop drinking alcohol or drink less alcohol.

Going to the doctor for regular health screenings is essential for healthy aging. A study found that getting regular check-ups helps doctors catch chronic diseases early and can help patients reduce risk factors for disease, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

People who went to the doctor regularly also reported improved quality of life and feelings of wellness. In recent years, scientists have developed and improved upon laboratory, imaging, and similar biological tests that help uncover and monitor signs of age-related disease.

Harmful changes in the cells and molecules of your body may occur years before you start to experience any symptoms of disease. Tests that detect these changes can help medical professionals diagnose and treat disease early, improving health outcomes.

Visit the doctor at least yearly and possibly more depending on your health. You cannot reap the benefits of medical advancements without regular trips to the doctor for physical exams and other tests. Regular screenings can uncover diseases and conditions you may not yet be aware of, such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.

Regular check-ups can help ensure you could start treatment months or years earlier than would have been possible otherwise. Read about how you can make the most of your appointment with your doctor.

Mental health, or mental wellness, is essential to your overall health and quality of life. It affects how we think, feel, act, make choices, and relate to others. Managing social isolation, loneliness, stress, depression, and mood through medical and self-care is key to healthy aging.

As people age, changes such as hearing and vision loss, memory loss, disability, trouble getting around, and the loss of family and friends can make it difficult to maintain social connections.

: Aging gracefully

Tips for Aging Well: 10 Habits for Physical and Mental Fitness	Store Medical Records on Your Phone? So this is an easy way to create more joy in daily life as we age. Your mental fitness practices help you strengthen and improve your cognitive and emotional health. Learn to appreciate the good things around you. Life Balance. Smart advice: If you have trouble sleeping, avoid caffeine and alcohol in the evenings, and limit screen time right before bed. The idea that an apartment could reverse aging sounds farfetched, but it becomes more grounded when we look at the theory behind it.
1. Don’t put stress on your heart.	Gracefluly Health and Wellness Mind Mental health recovery Body 7 Holistic Grcefully to Age Gracefully. She is truly a treasure! That graceful,y that we continue to enjoy a high quality of life as we grow older. We identify and connect you to the appropriate resources; as well as vetting trusted partners. Hughes MCB, Williams GM, Baker P, Green AC. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol.
2. Forgive Yourself and Others	Who is involved in the current caregiving situation? Is there a support system in place? Do you find it difficult to understand what services are available and how they are funded? Is the current living situation working and are you aware of the vast array of options available? What daily activities are difficult or require support? Who manages the day to day finances? What things are in disarray? Do you have a power of attorney in place? When was the last time your legal documents were reviewed? If any of your responses to these questions left you feeling overwhelmed and thinking an advocate would bring peace of mind, please take a moment to complete the contact form below. One of our care managers will call you to schedule a free meet-and-greet. Thanks for submitting! Melanie, a licensed social worker, has a tender thoughtfulness that pours out to her clients. Growing up alongside her grandparents in south Louisiana, she has an excellent understanding of the unique emotional, relational and spiritual needs of someone aging. Melanie also has an incredible knowledge of the resources available which she gathered while earning her master's degree in Social Work from Washington University. The families who work with Melanie and the entire Aging Gracefully team experience a compassion that bolsters dignity and a playfulness that finds beauty in almost any situation. Melanie's work reflects her deep respect for another generation , and is her legacy to her loving grandparents. She looks forward to coming alongside your family to help in any way she can. top of page. Are you or a loved one facing a difficult transition? Not to burst any more bubbles, but Dr. Pinkerton recommends cutting the wine to one glass daily—ideally less than that. Alcohol use among older adults is on the rise , which creates risk for heart and liver problems, memory issues, mood disorders, and more, according to Harvard Medical School. Retinol is a form of vitamin A that increases cell turnover, therefore improving skin texture and bounce. Anar Mikailov, M. There are many ways you can incorporate nutritionally diverse meals into your diet—one of them being through a quick, easy smoothie. As we age our thirst sensitivity declines, which means we are less likely to notice when we are dehydrated. Cohen recommends that women over 50 take an electrolyte supplement with no added sugar like Cure , a brand that she medically advises, to absorb more fluids and replace electrolytes lost from exercise, alcohol, illness and common medications. Together, collagen is responsible for keeping skin strong and firm and plays an important role in wound healing. So as our bodies begin to produce less collagen, the option to supplement with the best collagen powders on the market becomes a viable option. And while more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of taking collagen, most experts agree there is little harm in trying. Kayla Blanton is a freelance writer-editor who covers health, nutrition, and lifestyle topics for various publications including Prevention , Everyday Health , SELF, People , and more. Shannen Zitz is an Assistant Editor at Prevention, where she covers all things lifestyle, wellness, beauty, and relationships. Previously the Editorial Assistant at Prevention, she graduated from the State University of New York at Cortland with a bachelor's degree in English. Oprah Winfrey Celebrates 70th Birthday With Video. How to Age-Proof Your Whole Body. Jamie Lee Curtis Opens Up About Self-Acceptance. Mariska Hargitay Opens Up About Turning Valerie Bertinelli Shows Off Gray Roots in Video. 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Allison, a geriatrician and professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. Having the support you need and engaging in your community are also important, she says. As you age, your risk of loneliness increases, and maintaining strong relationships becomes increasingly important. One report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine found that more than one-third of adults 45 and older feel lonely, and a fourth of adults plus are socially isolated. A May advisory from the U. surgeon general called loneliness a public health crisis, noting that social isolation is associated with a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, depression and dementia. Studies show people with strong social support are happier, healthier and live longer. One review of studies found that people with stronger social relationships increased their survival odds by 50 percent. None of us is an island, and we do need each other in different ways. Maintaining social ties is especially important as you transition into retirement, when you no longer have a built-in network of colleagues at your workplace. Smart advice: If you live alone, reach out to at least one friend or family member every day. Research shows intergenerational relationships are particularly beneficial, Allison says. As a geriatrician who is also a music researcher, she notes that community centers and houses of worship often have choirs and other groups that offer an easy way to connect with people of all ages. For more ideas, see 6 Ways Loneliness Can Harm Your Health — And How to Cut Your Risks. Recent research shows it can also elevate your mood, help stave off chronic illnesses such as diabetes, dementia and heart disease, and add years to your life. The study also found that spending more time sitting increases your risk of death. Shadyab, who studies aging and longevity at the University of California, San Diego. Smart advice: Aim for 30 minutes of activity about five days a week, but keep in mind that even a few minutes of physical activity can make a difference. Try to incorporate weight-bearing exercise such as strength training, as well as walking, hiking, climbing stairs, tennis, pickleball and dancing to help keep your bones strong. To increase accountability and make an activity more fun, Powers suggests scheduling it with a friend. Privacy Policy.

Aging gracefully -

She looks forward to coming alongside your family to help in any way she can. top of page. Are you or a loved one facing a difficult transition? Aging Gracefully comes along side you in these transitions and provides peace of mind.

Work with us today! Your story, as you wish Learn about the Aging Gracefully story from our founder Melanie. Personalized Care Assessment. Family Education. You can rest with ease knowing Aging Gracefully is by your side. Hourly Consulting. Reviewing Medical Issues.

Crisis Intervention. More About Our Services. Do you need an advocate like Aging Gracefully? Contact Us. Kind Words About Our Service. She is always looking for ways to make life better and easier for my husband and for us.

No matter what time I text or call her she always answers right away. We enjoy her visits and the cookies she brings. Although there are no restrictions on what you can choose to learn, it helps if the work is intrinsically rewarding.

The more you enjoy the activity for its own sake, the more likely you are to experience flow. A flow state is associated with less anxiety, more positive feelings, and reduced stress levels. What we eat translates into several areas of health, like cholesterol, our risk of heart disease, and our quality of life.

A healthy diet varies from person to person, and you should bring any specific concerns to your nutritionist. However, most experts agree that you should eat a well-rounded diet, complete with whole grains and fresh vegetables.

In particular, you should be sure to get enough calcium and vitamin D — whether from whole foods or from a supplement. Calcium can help to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Low vitamin D levels are a risk factor for several health problems.

These include cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, and cognitive decline. Hobbies are important for people of all ages. Our hobbies, however, also have benefits for our well-being.

Whether practicing yoga or learning a new language, staying mentally active keeps us connected to what we love. The National Institute on Aging says that participating in fun, engaging activities as we age helps us develop healthy coping mechanisms and become more resilient.

It may even increase our life spans. Most commonly, seniors report anxiety, depression, memory loss, and cognitive impairment. It means developing mental fitness. Give equal care to cultivating awareness, managing stress, and challenging yourself. It is a privilege denied to many.

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Privacy Policy. A slew of research shows that the Mediterranean diet is the gold standard when it comes to eating for health and longevity, says neuropsychologist Karen Miller, senior director of the Brain Wellness and Lifestyle Program at Pacific Neuroscience Institute in Santa Monica, Calif.

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that switching to a Mediterranean diet from the typical Western diet can add years to your life — and the earlier you adopt it, the more benefit you gain. If you start eating the Mediterranean way at age 60, you can expect to live about eight years longer, the study found.

If you adopt the diet at age 80, the study found it still increases life expectancy on average by 3. Target Optical. Other studies show the Mediterranean diet protects your heart, lowers your risk of cancer and diabetes and slows cognitive decline. Smart advice: Focus on eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and legumes.

Use healthy fats like olive oil instead of butter or vegetable oil, and swap out beef for fish. For the biggest benefit, Miller suggests trying to get at least five servings of vegetables per day, in addition to two to three servings of fruit.

Mix some spinach into scrambled eggs, stuff some beans and tomatoes into a breakfast burrito or stack some asparagus spears on avocado toast. For example, a JAMA Network Open study of nearly 7, adults found that those who scored highest on a scale that measured "life purpose" were less likely to die over a four-year period compared with those who scored lower.

Researchers believe engaging in activities that matter to you may lower your stress level, reducing body inflammation that is linked to cardiovascular disease and other health problems.

To practice what she preaches, Allison, who is in her 50s, said she recently started playing the flute again and then joined a flute choir in San Francisco.

So it pulls everything together. It can be an individual activity such as gardening, a social activity like joining your neighbor for a walk every day, volunteering or taking care of the people you love, she says.

Many meaningful activities offer an opportunity to build social connections, learn a new skill or serve the community — all of which are also linked to aging well. It also raises your risk for chronic health problems, including obesity, diabetes, depression, high blood pressure and heart disease.

Sleep gives your body time to remove toxins from your brain and repair damaged neural connections. Surveys show that as many as 50 percent of older adults struggle with sleep problems.

Smart advice: If you have trouble sleeping, avoid caffeine and alcohol in the evenings, and limit screen time right before bed.

Keep your bedroom dark and cool. And try to wake up and go to bed at roughly the same time every night. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.

Studies show people who are optimistic tend to live longer, happier and healthier lives than those who have a negative outlook.

Batsis, associate professor in the division of geriatric medicine at the UNC School of Medicine. I have others in late 80s who feel young. Having a positive outlook, having things to look forward to, really promotes wellbeing and quality of life. Having a positive attitude about aging has been shown to reduce the risk of dementia and increase your lifespan by about seven and a half years, Selig says.

Smart advice: You can cultivate optimism by challenging negative self-talk and making gratitude a daily practice, perhaps by keeping a gratitude journal. Volunteering in the community can also help, by making you feel connected and useful, giving you a sense of fulfillment and a more positive outlook.

To change your views on aging, take note of the older people in your life you admire, and pay attention to positive portrayals of older adults in the media, Selig suggests.

Also, identify and challenge ageist stereotypes when you see them. One study of 1, people found that those who were more conscientious were 22 percent less likely to experience cognitive impairment.

Another showed a 35 percent reduced risk of early death. Smart advice: While some people are naturally more conscientious than others, you can cultivate the trait by being diligent about putting events on your calendar, setting reminders, breaking big goals into mini goals, and planning to arrive 10 minutes early for appointments.

Losing brainpower is not an inevitable part of aging. Find that hard to believe? Consider this May study that was published in The Journals of Gerontology : Adults ages 58 to 86 were each assigned to take three to five classes in subjects including Spanish, drawing and music composition for three months.

By the midpoint of the study, they had boosted their cognitive abilities to the level of adults who were 20 to 30 years younger. People who age well constantly learn new things and challenge their brains in order to stave off cognitive decline, experts say.

That can mean taking a class at the community college, learning a new game such as chess or mah-jongg, or playing sudoku. They also take steps to reduce stress, which can create inflammation that causes cellular damage to the body and brain.

Smart advice: The Global Council on Brain Health has compiled evidence-based strategies to help prevent or delay cognitive decline. Called the six pillars of brain health , the recommendations mirror many of the habits mentioned above, such as being social, engaging in regular physical activity, getting enough sleep and eating right.

In fact, it turns out that many healthy behaviors that indicate someone is aging well are interconnected, Batsis says. You can say the same about exercise, eating right and many of the other recommendations.

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