How to turn back time!
What accounts for the difference in the way people age? Good genes help, of course. But according to Dr Michael Roizen, author of “Real Age: Are You As Young As You Can Be?” we have a surprising amount of control over how quickly we age – and that we can even reverse the aging process. By making some simple lifestyle modifications, Roizen believes, anyone can tap the fountain of youth. Here are six easy ways to start slowing down the clock today.
Take an aspirin. This wonder drug does more than just relieve headaches and fever; it can also decrease your risk of stroke, heart disease, memory loss, wrinkles and even some cancers. “These diseases all correlate with aging of the arteries, and aspirin reduces inflation of these [vessels],” explains Roizen. He recommends that postmenopausal women who do not have preexisting conditions that prevent them from taking aspirin – including ulcers, diabetes and kidney problems – take 325 milligrams of aspirin a day.
Reverse the clock by as much as 1.9 years (the benefit increases the older you are).
Have sex. Spending time between the sheets at least twice a week can make you healthier, provided you practise safe sex, of course. Roizen says that scientists have yet to pinpoint exactly why sex makes you younger, but it could be a simple matter of stress reduction or the beneficial biochemical boost that an orgasm triggers. “We do know that if you are satisfied with your sex life, you decrease your risk of accidents, cancer and arterial aging,” he says.
Reverse the clock by up to 1.6 years.
Floss often. If your dentist were to tell you that flossing could make you younger, you would heed her advice to help prevent gum disease. Roizen says that daily flossing prevents stroke, memory loss and heart disease, because it inhibits harmful artery-attacking bacteria from growing in your gums.
Reverse the clock by up to 6.4 years.
Eat blueberries. We’re not knocking apples and oranges – all fruits are good for you. But ounce for ounce, berries offer the most nutrients per calorie. “Berries are virtual antioxidant pills,” says Roizen. “Just a half cup of blueberries gives you as much antioxidant power as five servings of any other fruit or vegetable.” Plus, blueberries are loaded with vitamin C, fiber and ellagic acid, which is believed to prevent some cancers.
Reverse the clock by 1.6 years.
Pump iron. Many women shy away from lifting weights for (false) fear of looking like Mr Universe. But Roizen insists that just 30 minutes a week of weight lifting can turn the tide of aging. “Keeping your body strong and flexible helps fend off the wear and tear that makes us older,” he explains. If weights aren’t your thing, strength-building yoga postures will also do the trick.
Reverse the clock by 1.7 years.
Have a glass of merlot with the girls. You might think that curling up at home with a good book will keep you younger than going out on the town. But as long as your social life doesn’t involve excessive drinking, smoking or sleep deprivation, acting the butterfly can actually make you younger. “Socializing is a stress blocker,” Roizen says. “The more social contacts you have, the less you’ll age.”
Reverse the clock by up to 2.3 years with a glass of wine a day. (Caution: Three or more glasses of alcohol daily will cause you to age faster.)
