Dos and don'ts of aging gracefully
December 11, 2012

Aging - it happens to all of us. As we grow older, it's natural for our bodies to change, though some of these changes may be less than desirable. If you want to age with grace, you'll need to make sure your lifestyle meshes with that goal. Here are some dos and don'ts for those looking to make their golden years as elegant as possible.
Do treat your body right
A big part of aging with grace means keeping your body in shape. Middle-aged adults who aren't active are more likely to develop health problems, which can make them seem older than they are. But if you've ever met a person and thought, "Wow, she looks so young for her age!" you can bet it's because she keeps her body in motion. This doesn't mean you have to hit the gym for three hours every day. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Development, for those over 65, two hours and 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity every week coupled with muscle training two times a week is sufficient. You'll also need to make sure that you're eating well, so pile up on those leafy greens and delicious fruits.
Maintain your skincare regimen
Even with a workout routine and a healthy diet, there are some parts of aging that may still develop. The skin on the face is often troublesome for middle-aged and older adults, but you should adopt or maintain a steady skincare regimen. Using lotions, anti-aging creams and face washes can help, along with professional treatments like chemical peels, microdermabrasion and laser skin rejuvenation.
Do reveal your real age
If you're looking and feeling great, what's the point of hiding your true age? Some people may balk at letting others know how long they've been alive, but those who age gracefully should be proud of their years. If you refuse to reveal your age, people may assume you're older than you actually are.
Don't fear the future
Getting older can be anxiety-inducing, especially if you aren't certain what the future holds. But now more than ever, people are using their golden years as a chance to travel, go on adventures, start a new career or return to school. It's not the end of the road, it's the beginning of a new chapter.
Match your outside to your inside
Aging could catch many by surprise. One day you look in the mirror and you don’t feel like your appearance matches your energy levels. Subtle, nonsurgical procedures like Botox injections, dermal fillers and skin rejuvenation could help you look your best. However, a facelift, neck lift and eye surgery can create a long-lasting youthful look that can help you maintain your identity.
The mission of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) includes medical education, public education and patient advocacy. Plastic Surgery News Briefs are summaries of current stories found through various news and magazine outlets that relate to or mention plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures. The views expressed in these news articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions of ASAPS, but are merely published as an educational service to our members and the general public. For additional information on these subjects and other plastic surgery related topics, please go to www.surgery.org
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The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), is recognized as the world's leading organization devoted entirely to aesthetic plastic surgery and cosmetic medicine of the face and body. ASAPS is comprised of over 2,600 Plastic Surgeons; Active Members are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (USA) or by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and have extensive training in the complete spectrum of surgical and nonsurgical aesthetic procedures. International Active Members are certified by equivalent boards of their respective countries. All members worldwide adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and must meet stringent membership requirements.
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