Daily Tribune (Philippines)

IS AGE REALLY JUST A NUMBER?

The habits we developed in our youth will become our lifestyle in the future.

- BEYOND WELLNESS CORY QUIRINO

If your chronologi­cal age does not show on your face or body, this is a clear message to you to continue what you are doing.

That’s what the saying is all about. But according to anti-aging experts, there are numbers worth considerin­g. While it is true that no two people age the same way, eventually, the path of life will lead to the realizatio­n and manifestat­ion of aging. And yet, some will age more gracefully than others.

Class reunions

Some dread attending their high school reunions simply because it would be evident that the years have taken their toll

— whether it is a balding head, bulging tummy or a frailness to one’s gait. And yet others may be looking younger than their peers. Anti-aging researcher­s agree that the rate by which people age depends on the following:

Genetics — What you have inherited from your ancestors — 25 percent.

Lifestyle — How you live your life whether healthily or unhealthil­y — 75 percent.

School chums who seem younger than the rest are obviously in control of their lifestyle factor.

The numbers

Can you choose your number? Why not? There are two numbers to consider first.

Chronologi­cal — This is the number of candles on one’s birthday cake.

Biological — Based on how well we look after ourselves, this number should be younger than your chronologi­cal age.

Starting young

It’s the same piece of advice we have heard from our grandparen­ts and parents — “Start while you are young.” The habits we developed in our youth will become our lifestyle in the future. Therefore, when you look in the mirror and are pleased with what you see, this is the result of years, maybe decades, of looking after yourself. At age 65, your reflection in the mirror will tell you just how well you lived a healthy life from your early 20s. If you are happy, then you can say with great satisfacti­on, “I did something right.”

Delaying time

The clock cannot be stopped. While the clock will continue to tick, you can still delay it in the way you carry it. So, if your chronologi­cal age does not show on your face or body, this is a clear message to you to continue what you are doing. Longevity may not be such an impossible dream if we follow the golden rules:

• Exercise

• Quality sleep

• Eating in moderation

• Good nutrition

• Hydration

• Stress-management

• Sunshine and fresh air

• Cheerful dispositio­n

Affirmatio­n: “I defy time.”

Love and light!

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 ?? PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF TASTE OF HOME ?? GOOD nutrition is key to ageing gracefully.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF TASTE OF HOME GOOD nutrition is key to ageing gracefully.
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 ?? PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF ORWIGSBURG­HC.COM ?? SOME people age more gracefully than others.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF ORWIGSBURG­HC.COM SOME people age more gracefully than others.

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