Moving Beyond Anti-Aging to Healthy Aging

Healthy aging isn’t only skin deep. While it’s important to have a good moisturizer and retinol cream in your arsenal, you’ll find that true well-being starts from within. A good regimen keeps you glowing and feeling good, and the wisdom to love yourself at every age will help you meet the aging process gracefully. The best tool in your bathroom cabinet, after all, is a positive mindset.

There is also serenity in working with the aging process rather than resisting it. Staying optimistic about getting older means that you—and your guests—are more likely to invest in your health, keeping you feeling beautiful at every age.

According to experts, about 75% of healthy aging is determined by lifestyle choices. From nourishing the body’s cells to daily exercise to a strict sleep schedule, there are myriad opportunities for people to commit to aging in the healthiest way possible. It’s not about anti-aging; it’s about looking your best at every age and feeling great in the skin you’re in.

Here are some ways to look and feel good from the inside out as you age, which is great advice for you and your clients.

Stay Positive

There are so many wonderful aspects to aging worth acknowledging. It’s important to remain optimistic and maintain happiness as the years roll past.

You’ll naturally find more perspective as you age, but you can also pursue purpose and joy to stay active, positive and engaged as you face the future. When you search for peace of mind and practice gratitude every day, you’ll feel better about aging.

Put time into your relationships, embrace spirituality and seek joy in daily life to improve your mindset and embody a healthy aging attitude for years to come.

Eat Well

Eating fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products and seafood will help you feel and look better for longer. These foods deliver vitamins, minerals and heart-healthy fats that support good health and help prevent disease.

Bright fruits and veggies, specifically, have prominent levels of disease-fighting antioxidants that also help counteract those free radicals that contribute to inflammation. According to research by the University of Illinois, middle-aged people with higher lutein levels (present in leafy vegetables, eggs and avocados) had neural responses more similar to younger individuals than to people their own age.

In general, it’s a good idea to avoid too much sugary and processed foods, which are unhealthy and potentially promote degenerative diseases like diabetes and Alzheimer’s. Also, limit alcohol consumption, as it can cause oxidative stress and contribute to poor aging.

Related: Holistic Healthy Aging in a Modern World

Exercise Daily

Staying physically active is the key to a longer, healthier life. Consider weight-bearing exercises like walking to strengthen your bones, as well as aerobic exercise for your heart. Make time for at least 30 minutes of activity a day.

Exercise also boosts your mood—an important part of staying optimistic as you age. The National Institute on Aging tells us that exercise and physical activity can reduce feelings of depression and stress, increase energy and lead to better sleep.

Get Enough Sleep

Speaking of which, sleep is vital to good health. It’s when your body repairs itself and the immune system gets a chance to recharge, helping you better fight off disease and illness.

When you get at least seven hours of sleep a night, your stress levels drop, you better preserve your healthy weight and you reenergize your body and mind for the day ahead.

Even power naps help. Napping for only 30 minutes a day could cut your risk of heart disease by up to 30%, according to research from Harvard School of Public Health. Scientists theorize that a daily nap, in conjunction with a healthy nighttime sleep schedule, also reduces stress hormones in the body.

And, not for nothing, sleep keeps you looking well as you age. From supporting collagen production to promoting skin repair and cell renewal, lessening breakouts and keeping skin hydrated and firm, sleep is the best skin care routine you can try.

Strengthen Social Bonds

Just as important to well-being as physical activity? Social connection. Whether you take up a group hobby or class, volunteer or work part time, there are several ways to stay social even as your daily responsibilities slow down.

People with thriving social networks tend to live longer than those who are not as connected. Researchers also believe strong social relationships help reduce the unhealthy impacts of the stress hormone, cortisol.

Care for the Skin

Of course, there are certain realities around aging we can’t ignore. Past 50, the skin becomes less elastic and supple, leading to wrinkles and dryness. You may also begin to lose pigment, which can lead to sun-related skin cancers.

Natural remedies like exfoliation and a nightly retinol will help fight wrinkles, but the most important thing that will help you literally feel better in your skin as you get older is sun protection. Cutting out hot showers (which contribute to dry skin) and smoking will also help skin age more beautifully.

Lastly, indulge and enjoy! That is probably the best part of healthy aging, and something that we as spa professionals are particularly good at facilitating. We help guests practice self-care while enjoying world-class pampering. Both are equally important foundations of a lifetime of wellness, youthfulness and vitality.

Deirdre Strunk is the vice president of Canyon Ranch Spa, Fitness and Beauty, heading up these divisions across the Canyon Ranch brand. A licensed massage therapist, esthetician, yoga instructor and group fitness instructor, she has more than 20 years of experience and serves as a board member of the Las Vegas Spa Association, and as vice chair on the board for the Nevada State Board of Massage Therapy.