![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.iamwithoutlimits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Lady-Running-100.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nSo how does one cope with aging?\u00a0 Why is it that some people are active, vivacious and happy as they reach their golden years while others are the exact opposite?\u00a0 What\u2019s the magic?\u00a0 Well, the magic is, there is no magic.\u00a0 It\u2019s a matter of making the right choices. There are preventative measures and attitudes that can be taken to slow the effects of aging and in many cases avoid the above issues.<\/p>\n
What can you do to live longer, heathier and productive as the years go by?<\/strong><\/p>\n Here are a few tips:<\/b><\/p>\n Lifelong Motion\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n People that remain in motion as they age live longer, healthier and happier lives.\u00a0 It\u2019s incredible to believe how many adults live sedentary lifestyles; more than 50%, according to the World Health Organization\u2019s Study of Physical Inactivity. A sedentary lifestyle is the kiss of death.\u00a0 Active people live an average of 7 years longer and avoid many age related diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, obesity and diabetes as a result of staying in motion.<\/p>\n Maintaining a heart healthy lifestyle is the key. \u201cThe ultimate goal is to maintain long term cardiovascular health over decades, staying on a weekly schedule of exercise is the number one priority\u201d according to cardiologist, Matt Janik, MD, FACC.\u00a0 Aging slows the body\u2019s metabolism and physical exertion becomes more difficult, but regular exercise that increases the heart rate for extended periods is healthy and beneficial no matter what age. Maintaining a body weight with a BMI less than 25 is another important factor.<\/p>\n \u00a0Flexibility and the importance of Stretching<\/strong><\/p>\n Ever wondered why your coaches are always reminding (and begging) you to stretch?\u00a0 Well, there\u2019s good reason and you should listen to them! Stretching is the deliberate lengthening of muscles in order to increase flexibility and joint range of motion.\u00a0 Stretching activities are an important part of any type of<\/p>\n exercise (before and after). They help warm the body up prior to activity thus reducing the risk of injury as well as muscle soreness.<\/p>\n \u201cStretching is the key to maintaining flexibility as you age.\u00a0 Being flexible as you grow older can slow down the aging process by increasing your range of motion and helps prevent your risk of muscle and joint injury,\u201d according to physical therapist, Jeremy Snodgrass, DPT.\u00a0 Stretching also boosts energy levels by increasing blood flow and helping maintain strength. There are two types of stretching techniques, static and dynamic.\u00a0 Static stretching is a holding stretch devoid of motion. Dynamic stretching is a low intensity form of stretching utilizing motion and movement.\u00a0 Both techniques should be incorporated in your daily routine. You\u2019ll be amazed at the difference it makes.<\/p>\n Nutrition<\/strong><\/p>\n We\u2019ve all heard the expression \u201cyou are what you eat.\u201d Good eating habits and practices are essential to living healthy as we age.\u00a0 Older adults do not need the same number of calories as they did when they were young, but they do need just as high or higher levels of nutrients. A diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, fish and lean meats should be the focus for eating the nutrients that are needed at increased levels as we age. Older adults should try to incorporate more of the following nutrients into their healthy eating plans: Fiber, Water, Beta Carotene, Vitamin D, Calcium, Vitamin B12, Folate, VitaminB6, Iron and Zinc.<\/p>\n According to registered dietitian Dianna Davis, these nutrients serve the body most effectively when coming from food sources. Because many older Americans don\u2019t eat enough of the foods that contain them, they can be taken through supplementary means, such as vitamins, if necessary.<\/p>\n Hydration<\/strong><\/p>\n Seniors are at a greater risk for dehydration because the thirst trigger diminishes with age.\u00a0 Since an older adult has less water in their bodies than when they were younger, dehydration comes quicker.\u00a0 Even after a hard workout, the thirst sensation is not present at the same degree as in a younger body.\u00a0 The \u201c8 glasses of water a day\u201d rule is a good start.\u00a0 When exercising, you need even more than that. It\u2019s a conscious effort to stay hydrated and should be a part of your daily routine.<\/p>\n Keeping a positive mental attitude<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cWe don\u2019t stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing\u201d \u2013 George Bernard Shaw.<\/p>\n According to Mark Stibich, PhD, \u201cResearch shows how you perceive aging affects how long you will live. People that look forward to aging while they are young rather than dreading growing old have a greater chance of living longer. That\u2019s because adjusting your perception of aging while you are still young improves your positive outlook and can have a tremendous effect on your life expectancy.\u00a0 Older people are more in touch with spirituality and prioritize depth in their life.\u00a0 By following a simple healthy lifestyle, you can preserve your health and energy your whole life.\u201d<\/p>\n Here\u2019s an example of what a positive attitude can do.<\/strong><\/p>\n When CTS Ultra Running Coach, Andy Jones-Wilkins turned 50 he said he felt like an old man instantly.\u00a0 While he knew it was just a number, there was something about the big 5-0 and he felt he was on the downhill side of life.\u00a0 So after a short depression he began thinking about what gave him the most pleasure and how to maintain and enhance them in his life. Running was his passion and pleasure so he came up with 5 key things aging runners need to do in their 50s, 60s and beyond to keep running happily.<\/p>\n Here they are: Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n Aging is a process and everyone has choices.\u00a0 It\u2019s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy life\u2019s journey, so why not make the right choices that will affect you and your well-being the rest of your life.<\/p>\n Get More from Your Score \u00a0Matt Janik, MD FACC\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n