by Anna Hodges

Created on: February 02, 2010

Aging Gracefully Can be a Choice

Women today have much more knowledge than our mothers and grandmothers did regarding the aging process. Because of their lack of knowledge, they aged much earlier than women in the 21st century do. They attempted to hide the extra ten pounds they would gain, in their early thirties, by changing their fashions. They laughed off the wrinkles that began to show up by age 35 and called them laugh-lines. They joked, "A storm must be brewing; Ole Art's back" around age 45, when it took a little longer to go from sitting to standing.

High cholesterol made its appearance about age 50. Heart disease showed up at 55, memory loss at 57, and osteoporosis around 60.

We are much wiser today about healthy habits and activities that aid in keeping us younger longer. We know that a low-fat diet, along with a sensible exercise routine can prevent weight gain and high cholesterol.

If we limit our time in the sun and use sunscreens with uv/av protection, we will keep our youthful complexion well into our fifties. Including appropriate amounts of fruits and milk in our diet gives us alpha-hydroxy acids to fight off dry, itchy, saggy skin and age spots.

Water aerobics work wonders to delay the early stages of arthritis. If we add calcium and vitamin C supplements as well as weight-bearing exercises, we maintain muscle and bone mass. Therefore, we lessen the risk of contracting osteoporosis.

Heart disease in women can become a thing of the past with proper eating habits and consistent work out routines. Research has shown that by taking a baby aspirin once a day also helps to stave off heart attacks. Many physicians are advising that little addition for those who have a family history of heart disease. We have all heard that "stress is a killer", and in this hectic world we live in it is important to also include relaxation techniques such as meditation. And, who does not enjoy a candle-lit aromatherapy bubble bath with soothing music in the background?

Our brains need exercise just as our bodies do. Sudoku and crossword puzzles are great activities for keeping a sharp memory. Simply reading the letters to the editor in the newspaper will do the same. Alzheimer's and dementia has become far too common in our society today, and these simple little memory games can help tremendously.

People are living longer now than they did in the last century. It is not unusual to see a woman in her fifties trim and fit, and looking 'hot' in a two-piece swimsuit. If we continue to educate ourselves and make healthy lifestyle choices early on, we can look forward to aging gracefully. Our sixties and seventies may become the new forties and fifties, making our Golden Years much more enjoyable.

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