You have always been active. You have worked for forty years. You are about to retire. Everyone asks you: “But what will you do with all your time?” Be assured, this will not be a problem. Here are tips on how to stay active, healthy and contribute to society in your older years.

If you worry about aging skin and wrinkles, stay away from the sun! Of course, we all like a little sun, but too much exposure can cause premature aging of the skin as well as increasing the risk of skin cancer. Tanning beds also pose the same risks, maybe even to a greater extent, as people tend to overuse them.

Did you know that high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes are risk factors for dementia? These risks become more severe due to smoking, lack of exercise and high cholesterol. As we age, it becomes increasingly important to control these disorders in order to maintain good mental health as aging progresses.

Healthy aging encompasses all of your relationships in your life. Being involved with the community can create a healthier, longer life. Focusing on those who you can emotionally depend on is the best part of social interactions.

Most importantly, make sure you eat a balanced diet. You should eat fruits and vegetables, fiber-rich foods, and avoid fats or cholesterol. By doing this, you will have all the nutrients you need.

Quitting smoking is one of the most important health tips at any age but as you get older, you are going to hear it more and more from doctors and friends. Smoking does not only lead to cancer, but it will also accelerate the aging process of your face. You will develop more lines around the eyes and mouth.

One of the hardest things to manage for the person who is aging and for those around him or her is dementia. If someone you love, has dementia be as patient as possible with them. Often, they don’t know the severity of their own condition. To help your own spirits, take their dementia as a mercy, as it must be hard to die having all your memories intact.

Oral health is essential to a long life. Even if you do not have teeth anymore, it is still important to go and have regular exams at the dentist so he can check your gums. You can still develop gum disease, oral cancer and other things that can lead to other health problems.

You must maintain a healthy body weight into your golden years. If you are overweight there are obvious health risks that you face but there are equally dangerous risks involved with being underweight. Talk with your doctor to learn what your ideal weight is and strive to reach that weight.

Make sure you’re having regular checkups with your doctor. As you’re getting older, more and more things can go wrong with your body. If you’re visiting your doctor regularly, they can spot small problems before they turn into big ones. They’ll also be able to recommend changes to your routine to keep you looking younger and living longer.

Eating small amounts of food more often during the day instead of big, heavy meals all at once, will work wonders for your entire system, and help you to control weight gain as you age! Your ability to absorb nutrients is greatly aided by frequent, small portions of food and can also cut down on your heartburn. So plan these mini-meals out in advance and stick to the program. Your body will thank you for it!

Everyone says it is good to remain active in your old age. This is true. It is also true that this is the right time to step back and contemplate life. What was truly valuable? What was a waste of time? What would you advise your grandchildren to do?

Adequate sleep is necessary for everybody, but especially those in the midst of the aging process. When you get enough sleep, you are giving your body a chance to rest and recharge, which helps your brain as well as your immune system. By having a sharp brain as well as a strong immune system, you are bound to stay healthy longer and you will continue to fight the aging process.

There is no magic pill to reverse aging. There is no snake water magic potion for a youthful appearance. Making healthy changes to your lifestyle and diet can give you a zestful approach to living. Remember that issues due to aging takes a lifetime to develop so it will not be reversed overnight when you start giving your body what it needs.

Now you have heard tips on what to do in your later years. Look for what truly suits you. You worked for other people all your life. Now you have a new range of choices. Whether it is as a volunteer helping others or launching a new career, your life experiences qualify you to forge ahead and meet new challenges.

Beat The Clock! Aging Tips To Turn Back Time was originally published on Spring