Healthy Aging

Aging can't really be defined as one specific age, but is more accurately defined by how quickly we can recover and our ability to rejuvenate from tissue damage. 

A younger person can make more lifestyle and training mistakes (inadequate sleep, less recovery between workouts, poor nutrition choices, etc.) with fewer negative consequences on their performance.

However, an older athlete pays more dearly if they disregard the basics in day to day health maintenance. The journey towards healthy aging isn't a passive one; it's an active engagement with lifestyle choices and mindful habits. Here are some basic ways to slow the aging process, prevent age-related diseases, and maintain youthful vitality.

1. The Fountain of Youth in Nutrition:

Embrace a colorful plate: A diet rich in fruits and vegetables provides essential antioxidants, combating oxidative stress and inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts upport brain health and may reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

In addition to natural physiologic aging, exposure to the elements and environmental pollutants increase the free radical burden, or the need for antioxidants in our bodies. Free radicals accelerate the aging process, quite simply. Supplementing with specific nutrients can offset the negative effects that free radicals have on our health.

To combat free radicals, a diet rich in colorful foods (fruits and vegetables) along with an antioxidant supplement will supply abundant amounts of antioxidants to dampen your body’s production of age-accelerating free radicals.

2. Move It or Lose It

Regular exercise is key to overall health and slowing the aging process. Exercise needs to be consistent over a long period of time to have a beneficial effect. Aim for a mix of cardio and strength training - split your time working out between these two types of exercise and explore other types and forms of movement like yoga, HIIT workouts, etc - anything really to keep the heart pumping and the muscles strong! Prioritize activities you enjoy, making exercise a pleasure rather than a chore.

3. Stress Management

Similar to daily exercise, a regular stress management regimen is almost, if not just as important as regular fitness. We all have stress and it needs to be managed, simply put. Excess/unmanaged stress has physical effects - in short, poorly managed stress creates pain, inflammation, immune dysfunction and a host of other physical maladies. There will always be stress so it’s important to know how to manage it and reduce its effects on the physical body.

4. Mind Matters

Keep the brain in top shape with puzzles, reading, and learning new skills to maintain cognitive function. Practice mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation and yoga, to support mental well-being. We don’t necessarily get “old” from aging, we get old when we stop using our brains and bodies!

5. Sleep's Role in Aging

Prioritize quality sleep; it's a time when the body repairs itself and consolidates memories. Sleep is always important, and even more so as we age.

Create a sleep-conducive environment by minimizing screen time before bed and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule. Do everything you can to get a good night’s sleep, every night. Here are our best tips for healthy sleep.

6. Maintain a Youthful Outlook
Engaging in youthful activities can slow the aging process. Here are a few reminders that support youthful vitality going:

• Keep a positive outlook by cultivating optimism and resilience in the face of life's challenges.
  
• Engage in activities that bring joy and fulfillment, fostering a positive mindset.
• Cultivate meaningful relationships; social engagement is linked to a longer, healthier life.
• Volunteer, join clubs, or participate in group activities to foster a sense of community and purpose.
• Keep the mind agile by pursuing new interests and hobbies.
• Attend workshops, take classes, or engage in online learning to stay intellectually stimulated.

Here are some more aging-specific supportive nutrients:

Aging leads to tight, shortened ligaments. These structures also become drier and less elastic (think of an old rubber band). Joint & Cartilage Revive helps keep the tendons, ligaments and cartilage in great shape. 

DHEA is a pro-hormone that helps the body make testosterone, among other functions. DHEA levels are highest in our early 20’s and slowly decline thereafter. Low levels play a role in the aging process. Supplementing with DHEA can restore a bit of vigor and give testosterone levels a small boost (Both men and women need DHEA and testosterone to support healthy aging).

Memory Formula contains several botanicals and nutrients that slow the effects of oxidation on the brain. Helps with memory too!

Ocular Formula contains antioxidants for the eye, protecting against macular degeneration and other age-related eye disorders.

Longevity Formula contains the top 5 most clinically relevant anti-aging nutrients into one capsule.  Coenzyme Q10, resveratrol, alpha-lipoic acid, serrapeptase and acetyl-L-carnitine will help you feel more energized and combat the small, subtle changes that accompany aging.

CoEnzyme Q10 increases energy production inside of the cells. Athletes of ALL ages can benefit from CoEnzyme Q10 supplementation.

Check out our information on men’s hormonal support and women’s hormonal balance for more information.

Aging isn’t just an uncontrollable aspect of life. It can be influence by how we live on a daily basis. Everyone will age, but you can control how fast or slowly it occurs.

Here's to the art of growing older, beautifully and healthily!