Managing Your Age

We successfully manage our bank accounts, stock options, careers and finances so that everything runs efficiently. We plan and organize so that we are able to get the best results for our time and money. But why are we so easily skipping out on managing our age? Getting older doesn’t have to mean letting yourself go. You don’t have to accept every gray hair and wrinkle that you see. And you certainly should not accept common ailments like high blood pressure and weakening heart conditions associated with getting “old.”

If we put half the energy we do managing outside forces on our lives towards managing our age, everyone would look much younger and much healthier, explains Monica Gavin, M.D., of the Azani Medical Spa in Pennsylvania and diplomat of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. Without your health, you have nothing, she says.

Regaining Power: When it comes to the aging process, you don’t have to raise your white flags and surrender. You can fight back, and it won’t take much. All you need is awareness and the determination to say that you are going to become an active part of your aging process.

Staying Active: The best way to stay healthy as your birthdays come and go is with exercise. According to Dr. Gavin, being physically active is your first line of defense. You have to have a plan of action and to think ahead about how you will continue to make exercise enjoyable while catering to the abilities of your body. There is an equal balance between testing your body and pushing it too far.

Eating Right: Being an educated consumer is a large part of the age management process. Reading labels, counting calories and being accountable for what you consume will eliminate unnecessary weight gain and loss of stamina generally blamed on aging.

Reducing Stress: Stress can speed the aging process. It is important to evaluate the biggest stressors in your life and work towards managing them so that they are no longer as big of an issue. This may require the help of a professional to look at your habits from an objective perspective and offer some suggestions on easing your stress. For some, this means meditating or practicing yoga. For others, taking up a hobby like fishing or joining a book club can help separate them from stressful situations.

Replacing Lost Hormones: As men and women get older, they lose some hormones associated with their younger, more energetic former selves. For men, this is a loss in the levels of testosterone, and for women, it is the loss of estrogen. Unfortunately, your body will never naturally resume creating these hormones and levels will continue to decrease over time. However, many advances have been made in replacing lost hormones in both genders safely and effectively.

Getting Results: Taking the time to realize that you should be your first concern can bring major changes to your life. Not only are you actively managing how you age, but you will see an increase in your self-esteem and confidence as well because you know that you are doing your best to look your best. With lower levels of stress, you can also focus on more enjoyable aspects of your life. Soon eating right and exercising will not seem like chores but part of your daily routine.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.