Aging is as much a part of life as the air you breathe. But it seems like some people manage to age like fine wine, maintaining their zest for life well into their golden years while others seem to struggle.
If you’ve wondered about the secret, the providers at Interventional Pain and Regenerative Medicine Specialists (IPRMS) in Arlington, Virginia, have good news: it’s not just about good genes—it’s also about good habits.
As age management specialists, Drs. Huffman and Ghazal have seen firsthand how the right practices can help you navigate getting older gracefully, avoiding the common pitfalls that can come with aging.
Keep reading for our favorite tips for aging gracefully and the ways we can help you stay feeling like yourself longer.
Chronic inflammation is a silent adversary that contributes to many age-related diseases, including culprits like arthritis, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s. Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your diet can help counteract this.
To do this, reach for more fruits and vegetables, especially berries and leafy greens, whole grains, lean protein, nuts, and seeds. You’ll also want to avoid processed foods, red meats, and dairy and focus on whole foods for optimal benefits.
Regular physical activity keeps your body strong, improves mobility, and enhances your mood. It's not just about preventing weight gain but also about maintaining muscle strength, flexibility, and bone density.
However, doing the same motions over and over can increase the wear-and-tear on your bones and joints. Instead, try to do a mix of cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and flexibility exercises.
Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, yoga, and tai chi are excellent for all ages, improving your physical and emotional health without taking a toll on your body the way high-impact activities, like running, do.
Quality sleep is key for your body to repair itself. It helps in memory consolidation, keeping you sharp, regulates hormones that manage appetite, and supports a healthy immune system so you don’t get sick, something especially important as we age.
As we get older, it can be more difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep, however. You can prioritize your zzz’s by creating a soothing bedtime routine, keeping your bedroom cool and dark, and going to bed at the same time each night.
Overall, try for 7-9 hours of sleep each night. If you struggle with sleep issues, like insomnia or sleep apnea, be sure to talk to your provider about your symptoms.
Staying hydrated is important for almost every aspect of your health as you get older. It helps maintain kidney function, bowel health, promotes a healthy immune system, and boosts skin elasticity.
Make sure your body gets the water it needs by drinking at least eight glasses of water a day. You can also “eat” your water by reaching for fruits and vegetables with high water content, like cucumbers and watermelon.
Did you know loneliness can be as harmful to your health as smoking? Strong social ties as you age, on the other hand, can boost your mood, improve your mental health, and contribute to a longer, happier life.
Be sure to keep in touch with family and friends, join clubs or groups that share your interests, or volunteer in your community. Staying connected will help boost your mood and physical health.
Chronic stress can accelerate the aging process, affecting everything from your brain health to your heart. Managing stress, especially associated with the changes related to aging, is key to maintaining your overall well-being.
To keep stress in check, engage in practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness. These are great tools to use when you feel overwhelmed.
Each person’s aging journey is unique. Consulting with an age management specialist at IPRMS provides you with personalized strategies to protect and optimize your health well into your golden years.
Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, our team considers your medical history and current health status to develop a tailored plan that suits your unique needs and goals.
Your age management plan may involve nutritional advice for longevity, IV therapy to correct nutritional deficiencies and enhance your immune system, custom physical activity recommendations, and help overcoming harmful habits.
Additionally, we offer regenerative medicine options for bone and joint issues, guidance in managing existing health conditions, and hormone therapy to address many age-related concerns.
Enjoy good health as you get older by scheduling an age management appointment online or over the phone at Interventional Pain and Regenerative Medicine Specialists in Northern Virginia.
