Whether you want to wind back the clock or
simply preserve your youthful energy and looks, we’ll help you love life for
longer What age do you hope to live to? Eighty? 90? How about 120? According to
scientists, that’s the lifespan the human body is built for. If you fancy a
shot at triple figures, our time-defying plan can help. It’s our ultimate guide
to healthy ageing, with top tips foi- balancing your hormones, a menu to keep
you young and amazing yoga moves to turn back time. Your future starts here...
5 ways to live longer
Eat smarter
‘A vitamin and mineral-packed diet will
keep you young.’ says nutritionist Helen Money (helenmoneynutrition.com). Go
for antioxidant-rich foods such as peppers and blueberries, and eat oily fish
two to three times a week. ‘Eaten regularly, watercress can help to reduce fine
lines,’ Helen adds. Cutting back the Cals may help, too. Studies on mice
suggest that slashing food intake by 30 to 40 per cent could boost resistance
to age-related diseases. It will also keep you slim - handy, as belly fat in
middle age almost triples your risk of dementia.
‘A
vitamin and mineral-packed diet will keep you young.’ says nutritionist Helen
Money
Stay strong
Osteoporosis makes your bones brittle and
prone to breaking as you age. Women’s bone health begins to decline in our
mid-thirties and speeds up after menopause. ‘The bones in your spine and lower
body support your weight, so they’re very important,’ explains personal trainer
Oisin Devitt (oisindevittpersonaltraining.co.uk). ‘Aerobics, weight-bearing
exercise and resistance training build bone density in the spine, while walking
improves bone density in the spine and hips.’ Get moving now to keep your bones
stronger for longer.
Osteoporosis
makes your bones brittle and prone to breaking as you age.
Stretch for success
‘Yoga keeps you young because each pose
brings a wealth of benefits,’ says yoga expert Rebekah Fensome (just stop yoga
retreats. corn). Take downward dog: the classic pose sends fresh oxygen and
blood to the spine, rejuvenating the body (turn to p64 to try it). ‘You’ll feel
less stressed, more relaxed and it will boost your core strength,’ says
Rebekah.
Sharpen your mind and eyes
‘Eating plant foods, omega-3 and vitamin D
helps keep cognitive function at its peak,’ says Dr Nyjon Eccles
(thenaturaldoctor.org). Plus hobbies, such as learning a language, can help
stave off dementia. Studies also found those who rate their eyesight as ‘good’
or ‘excellent’ have a 63 per cent lower risk of dementia than those who
consider their vision poor - so don’t neglect your peepers!
Eating
plant foods, omega-3 and vitamin D helps keep cognitive function at its peak,’
says Dr Nyjon Eccles
Kick stress to the kerb
‘Stress affects one in five people in the
working population and is the biggest cause of sickness in the UK,’ says Gordon
Turner, regional lead physiotherapist at Bupa (bupa. co.uk). ‘It can cause
aches and pains, nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, dizziness and chest pains.’
The answer? Get moving! ‘Incorporate exercise into your daily routine,’ Gordon
says. ‘A brisk walk to the shops, cycling to work or gardening can help to
reduce stress.’
