The keys to a more youthful you.
Ask most people what they believe is the first sign of aging and they will most-often describe something they have observed about their skin. Wrinkles, sagging, and general appearance occupy much of their focus. A close second place goes to answers including memory loss and one's thought processes in general.
In my experience, the results people seek when they wish to slow the aging process depends on their relative age. In the younger crowd the focus is more on appearance. Older groups tend to focus on retaining function. Loss of independence is the driving fear with most people as they age.
We are all constantly bombarded with information and products promising help with various aging topics. As a pharmacist I am often asked whether various 'anti-aging' products really work. Even the 'experts' I consult seem to agree that the "answer" is "yes and no."
On the YES side of the ledger there are successes in physical appearance. For example, moisture enhancers can (temporarily) produce a more hydrated and youthful-appearing skin surface. My experts agree that even the really cheap moisture adding products work every bit as well as do the very costly brands.
Unrealistic product claims have long gained many followers. Promoters target the huge percentage of us that have a strong desire to believe sometimes outrageous claims. To avoid disappointment as well as wasting your time and money remember: If the claims for a product's results seem to be unbelievable DO NOT believe the claims!
Improved skin appearance is nice and comes with some psychological rewards in addition. Logic says, however, that It should be much more important to people that they control aging issues that affect health and function, activity level, mental acuity, wellness, and general well-being.
On this front, there are many exciting changes. For example, studies have shown repeatedly that people who maintain a favorable body weight reduce the risk of heart disease by a very significant percentage. Diabetes risks are modulated, as well. Prevention of many other diseases is seen in groups that eat well and exercise.
Preventive medicine:
Amazingly, clinical trials have actually shown that people with NORMAL cholesterol levels can benefit from taking cholesterol-lowering treatment. Studies have shown a reduced incidence of cardiovascular events (heart attack and stroke) by 37% when patients started taking a statin (cholesterol reducing) medication! This group of medications are available in generic (cheap) formulations. They are also very well tolerated and safe for most groups of people.
Mental acuity also goes hand-in-hand with exercise and challenging one's brain with games and learning new skills. Remember, even a tiny bit of exercise has a huge effect compared with doing nothing!
Every day in my pharmacy practice, people relate to me how aging is affecting the quality of their lives. They believe this is how it's supposed to be. Low energy, loss of muscle tone, loss of memory, loss of concentration, difficulty with excess weight and mood changes.
The good news is that though it is normal to have some function decline, your quality of life does not have to diminish. In fact you CAN remain healthy, with vitality, stamina and energy for a longer time by aging successfully.
Good practices:
Pay ongoing attention to nutrition including key supplements such as vitamin-D, Omega-3 oils and others. It has also been shown that health benefits exist for those who eat 5-6 small meals daily rather than 1-3 meals that mom always stressed as being important.
Also maintain adequate hydration. In many ways the aging process is one of 'drying out'.
Quality sleep:
Sleep specialist physicians with whom I have discussed the importance of sleep have shared surprising information. More than once they have told me that healthy sleep has been credited with being the single most important determinant of longevity. That is very surprising and powerful medicine as well as being enjoyable.
To your good health,
K.C. Moore, RPh
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