Aging well our tips for staying in shape

How to stay in shape and cultivate it? Aging yes! But good!

Aging well is completely possible! Indeed, getting older is also synonymous with more time for yourself, and serenity, but also new projects to carry out! According to an INSEE study, the peak of happiness in our lives is between 65 and 70 years old!

We must of course remain aware that aging affects our entire body, once we reach the age of 30. With age, our body can become more fragile and it is therefore necessary to take care of ourselves in advance to maintain a good quality of life for a long time. So, how can you age well and stay in shape for as long as possible? We tell you everything in this article! 

What is aging well? 

“Aging well” involves feeling comfortable in your body and mind while respecting your limits, and ensuring that you are intellectually and physically stimulated. We now know that 80 % of the signs of aging are not linked to genes, but to external influences called the “exposome”. Scientists have been studying this phenomenon for several years and we now know that our environment, the sun, tobacco, and even physical activity are factors that have an impact on our aging. In summary, aging well is linked to the lifestyle you adopt as an adult.  

What can you do to “stay young” and age more slowly?

To stay in shape as long as possible, there are several factors to respect regarding your lifestyle: 

• Avoid tobacco: smoking accelerates aging, 
• Vary your diet: make sure to eat healthily by favoring fresh products and avoid eating industrial dishes, 
• Practicing physical exercise: sport allows you to maintain optimal physical condition, 
• Have social connections: it’s up to you to choose the activity that will allow you to flourish and develop social connections. 

In summary, aging well means knowing how to listen to your body and not hesitating to seek medical advice if you feel a drop in energy or if your body sends signals to tell you that something is wrong. Below we give you all our advice for aging well, point by point. 

How to age better? The action plan to put in place 

Have you just turned 50 and wondering how to age well? Good news, there are simple habits to implement daily to stay in shape: 

Listen to your body 

One of the essential points for aging well is to listen to your body and the signals it sends you. Do not hesitate to have a complete health check-up with your doctor, for example by testing your eyesight, your hearing level, the condition of your teeth, but also blood tests to check that everything is fine. 

Exercise regularly 

This is undoubtedly one of the essential recommendations to put in place to age well. Indeed, we now know that as cells age, they end up accumulating damage which leads to their dysfunction. Also, with age, it is essential to take a global approach to your health and take care of your physical condition to avoid loss of autonomy. 

Exercising regularly will allow you to work on your flexibility, strengthen your muscles, and develop your endurance. As a bonus, sport releases hormones that make you feel relaxed and in a good mood! Do not hesitate to practice in a club to be supervised by a certified coach and avoid any risk of injury. Why not join a walking or tai chi (gentle gymnastics) club for example? 

Aging well means continuing to engage in activities that contribute to physical and mental well-being! 

Eat healthy and balanced 

Diet is a key factor in well-being at all ages. For older people, the normal BMI is considered to be between 21 and 25. So make sure you eat a healthy, balanced diet by eating a sufficient portion of fruits and vegetables at each meal. Do not eat too fatty or too salty to take care of your cardiovascular system. Finally, one of the essential points is to favor dishes that you have cooked yourself rather than industrial dishes that are already ready.

Stay hydrated throughout the day 

Staying hydrated is essential for the proper functioning of the body and helps eliminate toxins through the kidneys. It is recommended to drink an average of 1.5 liters of water per day. To be sure to drink regularly throughout the day, don't hesitate to keep a bottle close to you: you can easily take it everywhere with you! Of course, you can also drink herbal teas or vegetable broths during the day, but keep in mind that natural water ensures good hydration. 

Maintain an active social life 

Social interactions are essential for our well-being. Sharing an activity with other people helps stimulate cognitive functions and has the advantage of giving rhythm to your days! Retirement is also an opportunity to take time for yourself and embark on projects that you have always wanted to do. 

For example, why not get involved in an association whose cause is close to our hearts, learn a foreign language, or take up painting or theater? There are so many possibilities to stimulate social connections! Of course, you can also take the opportunity to spend more time with your family and decide to regularly pick up your grandchildren from school, for example. 

How to age well at 60? Maintain your memory! 

Aging well means being sure to preserve your cognitive faculties and mobilizing your memory regularly. A good way to maintain your memory daily is to play logic or deduction games, such as playing Scrabble or doing sudokus. 

You can also challenge yourself a little and decide to take an interest in new technologies, for example by taking computer courses. 

Reading is also an excellent activity to mobilize your ability to concentrate and imagine.

Ensure the quality of your sleep 

This study conducted in Switzerland shows that the older you get, the more difficult it can be to sleep well. However, sleep has real consequences on the nervous system and the general well-being of seniors. We advise you to favor relaxing herbal teas during the day and to avoid drinks that tend to be arousing, such as coffee or tea.