Unless you have found a way to operate a time machine or defy the laws of reality, you are going to experience aging as we all do. This means fine lines may begin to appear, wrinkles, blemishes, or more serious health-related problems. However, while we may not be able to defy aging, we can certainly combat its effects with some sound advice.

Turn off the tv and get off of the couch. We all need our vices, but if you are spending every evening on the couch then something is wrong. We have to keep our bodies and brains active as we age and watching tv isn’t doing any of those. Limit your tv watching to just one or two evenings a week and do something active or interesting on your nights off.

Your home is your refuge. Fill it with the things that you love. If you love to be around your family, fill it with them. If they cannot be around as often as you would like, fill it with the things that remind you of them. If animals make you happy, adopt a pet that you can love.

Join senior groups, church groups local government groups or hobby clubs. Build a family unit, even if your blood relatives are not near you. It’s important to have a network of people around you as you age. Your friends and family can cheer you up during hard times and be your sounding board or first warning signal during bad times. If your family is far away, look to your community.

For even healthier aging, eat more fish and less red meat. Red meat can muck up your arteries by sticking to the linings. Seafood has the exact opposite effect. Seafood not only does not stick as much to the arteries, it even helps prevent other things from sticking as well! As an additional supplement, consider taking omega-3 oil, the same oil found in seafood, every day.

It may sound depressing but remember you are nearing the end of your life each day. Keeping this in mind will allow you to appreciate even the smallest things in life. It will give you the drive to strive to get the most out of each and every day in your life.

Make sure you’re keeping active. Your body needs exercise to function properly, especially as you age. Adding thirty minutes of exercise into your daily routine can not only keep you looking younger, but it can also extend your life. And don’t wait until you’re already old to exercise, start as early as possible.

To age gracefully, remember to include safety into your life. By putting safety first, you increase your odds of living longer. You will also be a living example to your children and grandchildren that safety matters. Always wear your seat belt when traveling in a car. Wear a helmet when riding your bike. Use smoke detectors in your house and change its batteries regularly. By just using common sense, you can reduce the risk of accidents, which could injure your body or even cause death.

If you can, make sure you’re including a decent amount of fish in your diet. The omega-3 fatty acids that are most commonly found in fish have been shown to aid skin development. This can keep your skin looking smooth and young much longer. If you’re allergic to fish, look into omega-3 supplements.

A great way to keep looking young is to take care of your teeth and keep them white. White teeth are a key to your face and smile looking young. Cut back on the coffee and red wine which will stain the enamel of the teeth, and use some teeth whitening products to help improve their color.

Focus on the things you can do and the things you like to do. Aging can be frustrating because you begin to be unable to do the things that you once did. That can’t be changed, but your attitude can. Keep your focus on the things you are still able to do and then do them!

Despite popular dogma, older folks need as much sleep as younger people, which is at least 7 or 8 hours nightly. If you get that much sleep and still feel sleepy during the day, see your doctor because you may have sleep apnea. People afflicted with sleep apnea repeatedly pause breathing while asleep. Left untreated, this disorder can increase your chances of heart disease and other problems.

These tips may not be the answer to looking like you are twenty while you are really fifty, but they will certainly help you look and feel a good deal younger each day. You should stay on a steady routine and continually repeat these tips on the same schedule to ensure their effects are lasting.

How You Can Grow Older With Grace was originally published on Spring