Holistic Practices for Aging Gracefully: Supporting Longevity and Vitality

Photo by Mikhail Nilov

More Americans want to live longer. Over 53% of the respondents in an MDVIP and Ipsos survey revealed that they even wanted to reach the age of 100. That reveals a startling phenomenon: most people focus on their lifespan—not their "health span." As you enter your later years, it's important to remember that you'll be more vulnerable to illnesses and injuries. To truly live a longer life and enjoy it, you thus have to age gracefully. 

The key to aging gracefully involves supporting not just your longevity, but your vitality. By using strategies that tackle all aspects of your health, you can enjoy the benefits of a strong mind and body for longer without running into serious health conditions. Here are some of the best holistic practices you can try that will help you age gracefully. 

The Mediterranean diet 

How you nourish yourself can significantly affect your short- and long-term health, which is why balanced meals are crucial for establishing both longevity and vitality. That's also what makes the Mediterranean diet one of the best in the world for living longer. Mediterranean cuisine leverages ingredients like fresh produce, fruits, nuts, seafood, and olive oil, all containing a diverse range of nutrients great for reducing inflammation and boosting your immune system. Studies thus find that starting this diet can lower your risk of developing chronic conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes—and, potentially, even slow cognitive decline to shield you against dementia and Alzheimer's for longer. The best part is you don't necessarily need to eat Mediterranean cuisine itself on the regular. As long as you prioritize the same ingredients in your meals while minimizing your intake of dairy, red meat, and food with added sugars, you can enjoy the benefits of this holistic eating practice. 

Yoga 

Healthy diets are best paired with regular exercise, and there are few physical activities out there that are better for aging gracefully than yoga. This holistic practice can do more than just teach you calming breathing techniques and improve your flexibility. When you start doing yoga, you use your own body weight to engage several muscle groups at once—a form of strength training that, over time, will bolster your cardiovascular health and keep your bones and muscles from weakening as you age. In the process, yoga's relaxing motions can also help relieve aches and pains. That includes the chronic pain brought about by age-related conditions like arthritis. Ultimately, it can help you maintain your vitality for longer in multiple ways. The best part arguably lies in the fact that yoga is a low-impact exercise, meaning you can easily begin it no matter your age or fitness level.

Recreational therapy 

Your mental health and well-being should be another aspect you should focus on when aiming to age gracefully. Researchers from Colorado State University emphasize the link between mental and physical health, highlighting that caring for the former can enhance the latter to improve overall longevity and vitality. Doing so will also put you in the best state of mind possible to enjoy your golden years to the fullest. When looking for a holistic practice that will help you do just that, consider recreational therapy. This strategy essentially involves taking up hobbies that do everything from improving cognitive function and relieving stress to helping you socialize and enhancing your physical strength. It's even easier to get started: choose practically any activity you prefer, whether it's dancing or arts and crafts, and decide whether you want to try it in a group setting or one-on-one with a relative or friend.  

Acupuncture

Though the above strategies can help you significantly progress toward the goal of aging gracefully, there's one holistic practice you should definitely have on your list--something that can get to the root of improved longevity and vitality itself by improving your immune system. That something is acupuncture. This Chinese medical practice upholds Wei Qi, a form of protective energy that permeates the body and protects it from invading pathogens. Acupuncture strengthens immunity by balancing that energy, which is why its primary benefits will see you enjoying increased white blood cell production and a more regulated immune response. As with the other practices in this piece, however, it can do even more. The secondary benefits of acupuncture include stress relief, improved sleep quality, and pain management, all of which can assist you in living longer while enjoying a more robust vitality. If you're curious about what acupuncture can offer you, consider booking an appointment with us online at All Ways Well. 


Article written by Lana Preston

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