When it comes to aging there are facts and then there is fiction. Anti aging is an ever increasing area of research for scientists. Why? People want to look and feel young. They wan to avoid suffering many of the less than ideal side effects of aging (including sagging skin, wrinkles and increased risk for disease). Fortunately with aging come many positive changes as well. As you age you do generally become wiser to the ways of the world. There are however some myths that persist among people even as they age. Let's debunk some of these myths now so you can sort fact from fiction with regard to aging.
Myth #1 - There is a magical potion that will help prevent aging.
Reality Check - There is no real life fountain of youth. Obviously this statement is metaphorical. The basic sentiment however is that there is no one product or procedure that can stop or even reverse aging. There are many treatments that can reduce the signs of aging. However even when you do zap off your wrinkles, new ones will form. While there have been recent advances in the field of aging research, scientists have not yet discovered a cure for aging.
Myth #2 - As you age you will get sick.
Reality Check - With aging comes an increased risk of various diseases including heart disease and Alzheimer's. However, there are many steps you can take to make sure your body functions optimally for as long as possible. Many people enjoy health and vitality through their 80s. Some are even healthier as they age then when they were younger. Keep in mind also that age is largely a matter of mind. If you feel young you will exude a younger energy.
Myth #3 - Alzheimer's and other mental problems are the result of genetic factors only.
Reality Check - While genetics does play a small role in the number of people that will get Alzheimer's genetics is only partly to blame. Studies suggest that many environmental and lifestyle factors can affect the way your brain works as you age. Other studies suggest tat continual lifelong learning and active engagement of the brain forces the brain to continue to grow and develop instead of 'retire'. This may help slow or prevent age related mental problems.
Myth #4 - Getting older is miserable.
Reality Check - There are a lot of older people who would just laugh at this comment. For many aging is one of the most rewarding experiences of their life. As we age we mature ever so gracefully. We come to understand life better than we ever have before. Many people find they are happier, more secure and live life more freely as they age. It's much easier to leave your troubles behind once you realize how small they are in the grand scheme of things. Consider aging a blessed and exciting time in your life, where you have the chance to perfect the beautiful person you already are.
Myth #5 - As you age your body will look worse than it ever has before.
Reality Check - Our bodies can be in their best shape ever as we age. In fact, plenty of people comment that their bodies in their 50s are much healthier and appealing than their bodies in their 20s. With proper diet and exercise your body can last you years and years.
Myth #6 - As you age you have nothing to look forward to.
Reality Check - For many as they age they enter their golden years. Retirement is one benefit of aging. Most people look forward to a time when they can settle in and relax for a bit. Aging is also a time when you can explore new career options, choices, ideas and hobbies. There is nothing stopping you from trying new things as you age. You may have setbacks, but that would happen regardless of your age.
Now that you know some of the more common myths about aging, here are some truths about aging you should know about.
- Free radicals cause aging. They also accelerate the process. Thus you should work hard to reduce your exposure to free radicals, and use substances that help fight off attacks from free radicals. This includes living a life without smoke or excess alcohol, and eating a diet that includes plenty of vegetables and fruits.
- Eating a well balanced diet and getting plenty of exercise will help keep your body in top shape and slow the aging process. You should plan to exercise 30 minutes several days every week to keep your body in tip top shape.
- Getting adequate sleep will help reduce the pace of aging. There is no benefit to staying up late and getting up early, especially as you age. Getting enough sleep will help combat the pace of aging.
Remember that aging is a natural process that can be fun filled and exciting. Embrace your body and the changes it goes through as you age. You'll be older and wiser for it.
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