Evidence-based ways to hold back the hands of time

You can’t stop the clock, so the saying goes, but humanity has spent a long time trying to slow down or even reverse the effects of aging. Unfortunately, many of the measures taken actually shortened, rather than lengthened the life spans of those trying them.

Even today it can be hard to distinguish those measures that work from those that may not work and avoid those that may be downright dangerous. Fortunately, science-based public health research has some of the answers, so for some medically backed ways to stay healthy as you age, read on.

Anti-aging practices included the Egyptian queen Cleopatra bathing in donkey’s milk, 16th century French courtesans drinking suspended particles of gold, and the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon’s infamous quest for the legendary fountain of youth.

Today the quest continues…

The quest for the fountain of youth has not ceased – it’s just taken other forms in today’s society. The anti-ageing market is ever expanding and expected to be more than $119.6 billion globally.ⁱ

The truth is, aging is natural. Our bodies aren’t meant to stop aging entirely. But the good news is that there are some tried and true, medically proven ways to stave off many of the problems associated with aging and, in some cases, slow down the aging process.

Tips for living well and living long

MOVE IT!

That treadmill at the gym may not be a time machine but it can play a part in slowing down the clock. Research showed that those who ran a minimum of 30–40 minutes, five days a week, had an almost nine-year biological aging advantage over those who lived a more sedentary lifestyle.ⁱⁱ Even a daily walk can do wonders.

STRESS LESS

Exposure to stress can cause inflammation and damage to DNA in cells, accelerating aging.ⁱⁱⁱ Stress-busting techniques such as mindfulness meditation, breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation can reverse these effects.

NOURISH YOURSELF

There is no one food that will significantly impact the aging process. However, research from the world’s “Blue Zones” shows benefits of a largely plant-focused diet consisting of vegetables, fruits, grains and legumes.^iv

MAINTAIN A POSITIVE MINDSET AND EMBRACE AGING

A positive view of growing older has been linked to living seven years longer than those with a negative outlook.^v

All in all, life is to be lived to the fullest and it’s precious because it’s finite. Do what makes you feel healthy and gives you joy now and that will also help you enjoy life in the future.

Note: You should always consult with a licensed physician before starting an exercise program, or changing your diet.

i https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2022/03/29/2412093/0/en/

Anti-aging-Market-Size-to-Worth-Around-US-119-6-Bn-by-2030.html

ii https://news.byu.edu/news/high-levels-exercise-linked-nine-years-less-agingcellular-level

iii https://www.healthline.com/health-news/stress-can-increase-your-biologicalage#How-stress-ages-the-body

iv https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/the-blue-zone-diet-a-completescientific-guide/

v https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12150226/#:~:text=This%20research%20

found%20that%20older,positive%20self%2Dperceptions%20of%20aging.