Spring/Summer 2015
I N OUR YOUTH - OB S E S S ED
society, it can be easy to
question yourself as you age.
How can I improve my skin? Is
that a gray hair? Are my knees supposed to feel this way?
At PeaceHealth we understand that healthy aging is not
just about the way you look, but also about being at your
best, no matter your age. Whether you are in your 20s and
preparing for parenthood or in your 60s and gearing up
for retirement, there are steps you can take to feel your
best, inside and out.
Breathe deeply.
Stress speeds the aging process at the
cellular level and, over time, can contribute to insomnia,
weight gain, and increased risk for a variety of diseases.
Meditation can help you calm your mind. Vigorous exercise,
such as running or cycling, can also help jettison stress.
Or just do something fun—like singing and dancing. It is
difficult to feel stressed when you are smiling.
Stay strong.
Staying fit and strong can help everyone
age in a healthy way. Weight-bearing exercise, like walking,
can help keep your bones strong, reducing the risk of
breaks as you age. When done correctly, lifting heavy
things—whether it is your children at the playground or
free weights at the gym—can help increase muscle mass
and lower your blood pressure.
Stretch yourself.
As we age, we often trade flexibility
for stability. This can cause us to become stuck, rigid in
both our bodies and our minds. Staying flexible is key for
navigating life’s ups and downs with grace. Enroll in a yoga
class to keep your body strong and nimble. For your gray
matter, challenge yourself with puzzles or take a class.
Learning something new is a great way to stretch your mind.
Aging well is easy to do with the right attitude. Look
inside for more tips on staying healthy no matter your age.
Healthy aging
“
Today
is the oldest you’ve
ever been, and the
youngest you’ll
ever be again.”
—Eleanor Roosevelt
Interested in receiving monthly tips
on aging well? Sign up for our
Healthy You e-newsletter today at
www.peacehealth.org/healthy-you.
St. John Medical Center
PeaceHealth Medical Group
St. John Medical Center Foundation
House
P e a c e H e a l t h