M.D.’S top tips for aging in reverse

Wouldn’t it be great to celebrate your next birthday feeling thinner, less tired and more focused than ever? You can! Integrative physician Frank Lipman, M.D., co-author of The New Rules of Aging Well, shares four powerful—and simple!— steps you can take to feel happy and strong for decades to come

Switch up your shoes

Healthy feet are a must for staying active and pain-free, says Dr. Lipman. And it’s as easy as changing your shoes! “Feet need to walk in different shoes to remain nimble,” he explains. That’s because each pair of shoes gives the small muscles in your feet a different “workout.” “I recommend rotating between at least three pairs of comfortable shoes.” Also smart: going barefoot at home. “This engages tiny muscles usually constricted by footwear.”

Power your shower

Borrowing a spa-inspired secret helps rewind time. The trick? Finishing a warm shower with a blast of cold water. “It’s invigorating!” promises Dr. Lipman. “Plus, it activates the body’s internal self-cleaning system, improving cellular repair.” Indeed, a study in Cell shows a 45-second cold blast boosts pep by 50%. The strategy has been shown to reduce even chronic pain by 62% for hours.

Practice ‘active kindness’

“Staying positive can have a profound impact on health,” says Dr. Lipman. In fact, Georgetown researchers found that engaging in a small kindness each day reduces premature aging by 60%. “Make a point of practicing active kindness: Let someone into your lane on the highway, return your shopping cart, hold the door.” Helping others spurs the release of compounds that encourage the brain, heart and immune system to function at their peak.

Get big fat benefits

“Healthy fats play a key role in optimal health and longevity,” Dr. Lipman asserts. “Among the benefits fat brings to the table are lasting energy, strengthened immunity and fewer cravings.” Proof: Studies show ditching unhealthy vegetable oils in favor of healthy fats like avocado oil and virgin coconut oil ups energy 88%, improves memory 62% and thickens thinning hair by 45%.