How to stay young and fit

HOW can some people remain youthful long after middle age? Here are some tips:

1) As we age, we lose muscle mass which causes a loss in cardiac function. A physical routine that increases the heart rate and works up a sweat will help slow down the loss of muscle mass.

2) Posture change is a common symptom of age; the torso bends forward. As we spend a lot of time sitting, muscles that support the upper body weaken and we sag forward at the hips.

So, concentrate on walking with your pelvis out and shoulders back. That will make you look and feel younger.

3) Restore range of motion. If you have to stand on tiptoe to reach something in a cupboard that used to be easier to grab, work on stretching upward to restore your ability to reach into that cupboard.

4) Keep a sense of humour. Many boomers stop laughing as they age. Continue to see the funny side of life to enjoy a good joke or a comedy. Don’t let the years make you too serious.

5) Stay away from fast food. Do your own cooking and enjoy the taste of homecooked food. Sit down and eat your meals rather than gulping them down so you’re not just putting calories in your body.

If you don’t have regular relaxed and nutritious meals, your hormonal system never gets to stabilise, so digestion becomes less than optimal. — Tribune News Service