How to Support Healthy Aging- Tina M. Rose, MSN, NP
September is a month with many national “themes”. Some of these themes are food related: National Food Safety Month, National Biscuit Month and National Rice Month. Isn’t it ironic that National Food Safety Month is the same Month as National Rice Month and National Biscuit Month? Thank goodness, it’s also National Apple Month, because you know what an apple a day does! Then we have other “health” related themes such as National Yoga Month, National Gum Care Month, and my personal favorite, Healthy Aging Month!
Healthy Aging (also known as Anti-Aging, Reverse Aging, Aging Backwards etc.) is certainly a hot topic these days and one I’ve become passionate about as an “older” person. I became a grandma almost 3 years ago and I turned 60 this year, yet I certainly don’t feel “older”, and I’m often told I look much younger.
How do I embrace getting older, which is inevitable without feeling or looking like I am aging? I’m talking about having the physical energy to chase after my grandkids, enjoy intimacy with my husband and play a mean game of pickleball with my friends. I’m also talking about having the mental energy to run a household, two businesses and to maintain lasting, loving relationships. Basically, how can I continue to live life to the fullest as I continue to get older?
Although genetics can play a role in how we age, we have no control over our genetics—they are what they are. My tips, therefore, for healthy aging involve a healthy lifestyle to optimize my longevity genes.
- Sleep: Practice good sleep hygiene by having a consistent bedtime routine (including meditation) to get 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night
- Physical activity: Move your mass daily; engage in some form of fitness activity that includes both cardio and weight bearing exercise several times a week
- Nutrition: Make sure to eat a balanced diet with a low glycemic impact, that includes fiber, protein, and lots of colors
- Stress management: The only way to eliminate stress is to stop living, but we can minimize the effect stress has on the body (see the first 3 bullets).
- Supplementation: Even with a healthy lifestyle, quality supplementation is needed to address nutrient insufficiencies and support physiological functions. Additional targeted supplementation can support individual areas of concern. Here are a few of my favorites:
- nutraMetrix Isotonix Essentials Anti-Aging: This individual vitamin packet features a dynamic, custom blend of antioxidants, botanicals and minerals designed to provide the vitamins and minerals you need as your body ages. Helps support brain and cognitive health, while providing a strong antioxidant defense. Also supports skeletal and muscular health.
- nutraMetrix GlutaQ: Unique mix of antioxidant-supporting ingredients that work together to promote cell health, glutathione synthesis (the human body’s production of glutathione decreases with age) and support the immune system. Helps support healthy mitochondrial activity which can impact our cognitive and neurological health.
- nutraMetrix Prime Cognitin Memory Support Formula: Specially designed to help maintain proper blood flow to the brain for optimal brain health to help support memory and mental activities. A select ingredient combination to inhibit free radical activity and oxidative stress in the brain.
Although getting older is necessary, by living a purposeful lifestyle and taking appropriate supplements as needed, aging can be optional, and this grandma has opted out!
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.