Ageing gracefully – things to consider
WOMEN over 50 usually begin to fuss about their skin getting too loose or their hair getting too thin, causing many of them to seek expensive surgical procedures to get rid of wrinkles and the like. But ageing doesn’t need to scare you, and anti-ageing specialist Dr Sandra Knight said the sooner you start maintenance work, the less you will need to worry about how you look and feel.
“It is interesting to note that humans start to age the moment that we complete the maturing process. For boys, that’s around 21 years old, and for girls around 18 years old. That means that ageing healthily needs to begin at a young age,” Dr Knight said.
She pointed out that ageing can be very stressful, especially since we become accustomed to a lifestyle of looking and feeling youthful, and also because of the associated negatives highlighted.
However, regardless of how old you are, Dr Knight says there is still hope of ageing with grace by making a few lifestyle changes.
“Food is an important part of our culture, a focal point of celebrations, but introduce healthy options as early as childhood,” she said.
“Think of healthy ways to sneak veggies and fruits into juices, sauces, bakes, soups, smoothies etc. We are what we eat. As adults, maintain a similar lifestyle and ensure that you do not overindulge in fatty, oily, and unhealthy foods such as sodas, because they not only contribute to health conditions such as heart conditions, high cholesterol and diabetes, but overall a poor diet could also increase free radicals in your body, which can damage your DNA and age you.”
Dr Knight said that fruits and vegetables including cucumber, turmeric, broccoli, and apples are effective natural skin-care foods that are good for detoxing the body and exfoliating the skin, thereby assisting not only in shedding dead cells, but giving the skin a rich, natural glow.
She said that another area of concern is lifestyle choices and habits.
“Weekly I see several clients with a myriad of viral illnesses, many contracted through contact. Many of these germs that you get from contaminated food, air, liquids and from insects could be controlled if you keep the areas around you clean. Many of these germs can age the body quite a bit, and not only if you think about things like Chik V which can leave complications such as joint pains that can prevent us from participating in regular activities,” Dr Knight said.
She pointed out that other habits such as drinking and smoking excessively as well as not sleeping well should also be avoided since they could increase signs of ageing.
On the other hand, exercise could work for you. Dr Knight said that the benefits are numerous because not only is the body active and fit, but it could also aid in the prevention of heart disease and diabetes, the maintenance of a healthy weight, and relieve stress.
She added that an area many people often leap over is mental health.
“Anxiety and depression, for example, can age you by leaps and bounds. If you have an issue, seek help. If needs be, get a second opinion, and another if necessary. A negative mental health outcome is strongly correlated with heart disease and premature death. The good thing is, eating healthy and keeping your body moving can help and of course, don’t forget a good supplement.”
She listed other general care ideas to include:
1. Avoid exposure to excessive sun rays, as this intensifies ageing.
2. Control your blood pressure by controlling your salt intake.
3. Keep friends close and do things that make you happy.
4. Remain focused, and try to learn something new every day.
