From diet and exercise to hobbies and cosmetic surgery, there are a number of avenues to explore when it comes to reclaiming your youth as a senior.

Diet

You can reduce the signs of aging starting from the inside and working your way out. The food you use to fuel your body can have a big impact on how your body and skin look. If you don’t want your exterior to show your age, reexamine your diet and try to get back to basics: whole grains, fresh produce, and natural sources of protein and fat.

There’s nothing that makes you feel older than pulling out the vitamins and supplements in a big organizer every morning. Instead of relying on pills to get you the nutrients you need to feel strong, why not take a look at your diet and try to get them straight from the source? 

Cut Sugars

Did you know sugar can make you look and feel older? It can affect your blood pressure, cause inflammation, and promote weight gain. You don’t have to eliminate processed sugars from your diet cold turkey; start by reducing your intake gradually. See how you look and feel as you do so, and continue to explore ways you can limit your sugar intake daily.

Increase Protein

If you’re trying to reduce the amount of snacking you’re doing, try increasing your protein intake. Meals and snacks such as eggs, nuts, lean meats, and Greek yogurt can help you feel fuller longer, and provide your body with essential nutrients for strength and vitality. A bonus is that yogurt not only provides protein, but probiotics to help maintain gut health and keep your digestive system working smoothly.

Eat Natural Anti-Inflammatories

Fruits, veggies, and healthy fats are natural anti-inflammatories, which can help reduce the appearance of puffiness and provide you with energy to tackle your to-do list. You can cook with olive oil to get more healthy fat in your diet and add in more leafy greens and fish. 

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be a lot of work, and the benefits are worth the effort to feel better younger and better about yourself.

Exercise

A study by Harvard Medical School shows that even regular stretching can have positive health benefits to your body. Whether you follow a workout with stretching or simply move your body to increase the range of motion, you’re doing yourself a favor. You can reduce stiffness with regular movement, even if it’s not aerobic! 

If exercise is completely new to you at this point in your life, try starting small and take baby steps. Take a daily walk, play pickleball, or add a round of golf to your week. Using your own body’s resistance in activities such as yoga, pilates, or TRX can put appropriate stress on your bones, encouraging them to grow stronger and protect against injury. You can take classes online, at your local recreation center, or at a senior center near you.

Exercise, or some form of physical activity, is also a great way to meet new people, or strengthen your relationships with those already in your life. Buddy up with a friend if you’re feeling out of your comfort zone.

Socialization and Hobbies

In retirement, it’s important to create a semblance of a schedule so you don’t while away the days aimlessly. It’s all too easy to make excuses to stay home and retreat into ourselves. If you can immerse yourself in things that bring you joy, you can feel vibrant and young again. What would you have done had you been given the time when you were younger? Revisit those talents and hobbies now.

If you’re intimidated by getting out and meeting new people, start with your close family and friends. Schedule time to get together for meals, walks, or activities that you can enjoy together. Surrounding yourself with loved ones, especially those younger than you, can help you reclaim your youth. Revisit stories of your children’s growing years and laugh together about those memories; it’s truly the best medicine for any ailment.

Gardening of all varieties, such as flower gardens, vegetable gardens, or hydroponics, is another hobby to consider. Not only will caring for something give you a sense of purpose, but you then get to enjoy the literal fruits of your labors! 

Cosmetic Procedures

In a survey conducted by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), 77% of people over age 65 are willing to consider cosmetic procedures. Additionally, they’re not afraid to talk about it, either.

The stigma around plastic surgery or non-invasive cosmetic procedures is slowly falling away, allowing more people to feel confident moving forward to the desired procedure. If your lifestyle changes aren’t giving you the physical results you want, you may want to consider cosmetic surgery.

Most Common Procedures Among 65+

If you’re noticing a loss of tightness in your skin, and the appearance of more wrinkles each month, you’re not alone. The following are the most common cosmetic procedures among those aged 65+:

• Facelifts
• Eyelid surgery
• Liposuction

You might be surprised to learn that breast augmentations and lifts are also gaining popularity for this age group. Everyone deserves to look and feel their best, and if you’re in good physical health, why not have your body outwardly reflect that? We can’t stop wrinkles, sagging skin, or hair loss. But we can explore options for revitalization. Studies conducted by the Cleveland Clinic show that the risks to patients 65+ are usually no greater than those for younger clients.

Baby Your Skin

Whether you’re going all-natural or caring for skin after cosmetic surgery, treat it kindly! Baby your skin with regular use of sunscreen and high-quality skincare products. Did you know the order in which you apply your skincare products is just as important as the products themselves?

Skincare Sequence

Morning and night, improve the appearance of your skin by using your products in the following sequence:

• Morning Cleanser
• Toner
• Antioxidant Serum
• Eye Cream
• Spot Treatment
• Moisturizer
• Zinc-Based Sunscreen
• Evening Cleanser
• Toner/Skin Booster
• Eye Cream
• Serum/Peel
• Moisturizer/Night Cream

Feeling younger and actually looking younger are two different things. Hopefully, these suggestions help you find the right balance between the two and bring joy and satisfaction to your life as a senior.