Embrace Ageing

Eat Well

As we age, our dietary requirements shift. Our bodies gradually need fewer calories, and by the age of 80, most of us will require about 20 percent fewer calories compared to when we were 30. ^[1]  Apart from reduced calorie intake, there are other nutritional factors to consider as we grow older. It is common to experience a decline in metabolism, changes in taste and smell, and slower digestion, all of which can influence our appetite and how much we should eat.

Besides changes in dietary needs, the levels of NAD+ in our body begin to decrease with age. NAD+ is a chemical compound which plays a critical role in cell renewal and energy metabolism. When NAD+ levels drop, it will impact our cognitive function and energy levels, leading to symptoms such as low stamina, feeling weak and fatigue. ^[2]

Therefore, it is important to maintain proper nutrition at every stage of life to ensure our bodies remain healthy and our energy levels stay high throughout the day. As we age, it becomes increasingly important to limit our consumption of sugary foods and refined carbohydrates. Instead, focusing on a well-balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables, lean meats, fish, poultry, dairy products, and plenty of water plays a key role in supporting healthy aging. You can aim to eat more food such as dairy milk, mushrooms, salmon, peas and asparagus if you want to increase NAD+ levels in the body. ^[3] Alternatively, you may try supplementing with NAD+ as an extra booster to reduce age-related conditions.

Exercise

Staying active through regular exercise significantly contributes to maintaining good health, muscle strength, mobility and mental well-being at every stage of life. A study found that exercise is the leading factor in promoting longevity. ^[4]

It's important to note that exercise doesn't have to be intense to be beneficial. Activities such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, yoga, and Tai Chi are good for managing body weight, supporting healthy blood pressure, preserving bone and joint health, strengthening muscles, and improving balance. It is recommended to take a supplement if you wish to further strengthen bone health and maintain bone density. If you have osteoarthritis, it is advisable to engage in low-impact exercises such as walking and cycling. You may consider a supplement to reduce symptoms of arthritis such as joint pain, stiffness or swelling.

Keep The Mind Active & Engaged

Apart from keeping the body active, it is also important not to neglect our mental health. Keeping our brain active and engaged helps to promote cognitive well-being as we move into our golden years.

Stay curious and explore new interests. Pick up a new hobby or learn a new language. If you enjoy cooking, experiment with new recipes. Connect with others by greeting your neighbors or consider volunteering for a cause you care about. There are countless opportunities to stay engaged. Maintaining an active social life and embracing new experiences will help keep your mind sharp and stimulated. By making an effort to learn or try something new each day, you can keep life exciting and enriching. For added nourishment to keep our brain in tip top condition, consider a supplement that contains plasmalogen. Studies reveal that Plasmalogen supplementation promotes optimal brain functions, curbs mental fatigue and protects brain cells from premature degeneration by reducing free radical damage and suppressing the formation of damaging protein plaques in the brain. ^[5]

Pay Attention To Your Heart

Our heart is the “power supply” that provides blood and oxygen throughout the body. Our organs and all parts of our body are depending on this crucial power supply to keep us going. It is all the reason we need to give our heart tender loving care to keep it healthy and strong. Maintaining good cardiovascular health to lower our risks of heart diseases involves making wise decisions on a healthy diet, get sufficient rest, being active, keep a positive mind and have a good mood balance. To further support your heart health, you may consider taking a supplement consisting of pine bark. Pine bark has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may benefit heart health and support the cardiovascular system in various ways. ^[6]

Besides having a heart-healthy lifestyle changes, it is also important to be disciplined when it comes to an annual wellness check. Many potential health conditions may not have early symptoms – as such, it is important to screen for common conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetic risks, etc. Early diagnosis and treatment can make all the difference when it comes to nipping any health concerns in the bud.

Stay Connected

Spending quality time with family and friends through meals and activities is deeply rewarding. Social interactions help us stay connected, enhance our mood, and maintain engagement.

Studies have shown loneliness is harmful to health. Seniors who feel isolated or excluded often struggle with daily tasks and tend to have elevated stress hormones, which in turn weaken their immune system.^[7]

Whether it's spending time with loved ones, volunteering in the community, or joining support groups, nurturing social connections can make life more fulfilling and contribute to better health.

Always Look On The Bright Side

Even on rainy days, we can choose to appreciate the cool weather that the rain brings instead of focusing on the inconvenience due to the rain. Making a conscious choice to stay cheerful while looking out for the silver lining in whatever life brings will keep us happy and positive even as we move into our golden years.

Aging is part and parcel of life. Instead of fearing aging and what it brings, let us instead embrace the process of graceful and healthy aging. After all, we've worked hard all our lives and we deserve to enjoy our best years looking back at how far we have come, the family and friendships that we have nurtured and the person that we have become. Here's to good health and happiness for years to come.

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[1] https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/nutrition-for-the-golden-years

[2] https://www.springfieldwellnesscenter.com/nad-blog/how-to-increase-nad-levels-naturally/#:~:text=Recently%2C%20it%20has%20come%20to,RN%2C %20the%20precursor%20for%20NAD.

[3] https://www.springfieldwellnesscenter.com/nad-blog/how-to-increase-nad-levels-naturally/#:~:text=Recently%2C%20it%20has%20come%20to,RN%2C %20the%20precursor%20for%20NAD.

[4] https://www.helpguide.org/articles/alzheimers-dementia-aging/staying-healthy-as-you-age.htm

[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6466717/

[6] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/pine-bark-extract#benefits

[7] https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/healthy-aging-secret#1