As sunny San Diego natives, we follow only one rule when it comes to aging gracefully: lots of sun! However, as much as sunshine can improve your mood and give you a beautiful tan, it is not the best way to stay ageless throughout life. In fact, sun damage is one of the main factors in unhealthy skin and expedited aging.
We would never suggest you stay out of the gorgeous sun, but there are steps you can take to prevent signs of aging at any age. These include diet habits, exercise routines and different procedures that can help you stay ageless and enjoy the lifestyle Southern California blesses us with year after year.
20s-30s
Diet
Solidifying a diet in your 20s and 30s means creating habits that will influence your health for a lifetime. Creating stability in a healthy diet will ensure you remain in good health long after your youthful days are past. We recommend beginning to integrate a lot of leafy greens into your diet, with a healthy mix of grains and protein for balanced meals. The theme of these decades is truly finding balance between indulgence and wellness, so allow yourself a sweet treat from time to time, maybe even learning to substitute ingredients for healthier cheats.
Exercise
Because your body is still resilient through your 30s, be sure to train not only vigorously, but also smartly. Choose a workout routine that will keep you in shape, improve your cardiovascular health and help you avoid injury. We recommend:
- Running or swimming will help you achieve high-intensity cardio benefits, maintain a strong lung capacity as you age, keep your metabolism in top shape and strengthen your entire body. If you can, run on the beach to reduce impact on your joints.
- Lifting weights is important for everyone of this age as well. It keeps your body lean, muscles strong and will reduce your risk of osteoporosis (as long as you keep up a healthy diet). Resistance to your muscles builds strength that lasts.
- Choose either yoga or pilates to supplement whatever workout routine you choose to help your body recover, build flexibility and avoid injury.
Procedures
You may think 20s and 30s are too soon to begin anti-aging regiments, but this is the best time to start! By the time you start noticing signs of aging, it may be too late. We recommend these treatments to keep your skin in tip-top shape:
- Botox has become popular amongst the younger population for avoiding fine lines and wrinkles and keeping your skin tight.
- Laser resurfacing can help remove acne scars, give you even skin tone and begin to improve your collagen production as it starts to deplete.
40s-50s
Diet
As you begin to notice more significant signs of aging, you may need to modify your diet to specifically address those symptoms. Increasing the omega 3 fatty acids in your diet by eating more fish like salmon will improve your skin’s health dramatically while beginning to limit the number of breads and starches you eat will improve both your body’s shape and your skin’s health.
Exercise
Begin to be gentler on your muscles and bones, but keep up a regular exercise routine. Cardiovascular health is always important, so keep up your running if you can, but switching to long-distance walks is just as good for your body. Trading heavy weights for resistance bands is a great way to modify intense workouts so that less stress is put on your joints.
We also recommend that at this point you incorporate yoga into your exercise routine on a more regular basis. It is so important to keep your body flexible and strong as you age to avoid injury, relieve stress and maintain efficient circulation.
Procedures
The jump from your 30s to 40s may take a more significant toll on your appearance than you would like, so now might be the time to consider procedures that are both preventative and proactive. Body contouring, facial rejuvenation and injectable treatments are our favorites for this age group. Whether a breast augmentation is what you need to feel young again or you are seeking a bit less volume in the rear, we have a procedure perfect for your level of aging and your aesthetic goals.
60+
Diet
Following these tips through your 60s will ensure your 60 looks more like 45, but it is still important to listen to your body as you age and adjust accordingly. As your metabolism begins to change, the most important diet modifier at this age is portion control and slowing the pace of your eating. If you have already trained yourself to eat healthy, the only step you need to take here is giving your body a chance to digest at its own pace. Of course, it never hurts to eat more greens and fruits but also be sure to add healthy grains like rice for a maintained balanced diet.
Exercise
If you have been following an exercise routine that works for you, stick to it. Swimming is always a great low-resistance exercise to continue throughout your life, as is walking long distances. Keeping a regular yoga practice will only benefit you as well. Be sure to truly listen to your body, give yourself rest when you need it and remain active only as it benefits you and your overall health.
Procedures
Body contouring and facial plastic surgery are very popular as signs of aging develop into sagging skin in all areas of the body. Tummy tuck, breast lift and arm lift are the most common procedures in these decades, and they do wonders for men and women’s self esteem as they approach a rewarding time in their life, hopefully full of rest and travel.
If you have any questions about keeping yourself healthy as you age or would like to learn more about any of the procedures discussed in this post, contact Coastal Plastic Surgeons today. We are San Diego’s most trusted plastic surgery clinic, with the best surgeons in the industry. Call us to schedule your consultation: (858) 365-3558.