The number of Americans over sixty-five years old is projected to reach eighty million by the year 2040.

And, many of those people want to ensure that they’re living as long as they can and as best as they can.

But, what common mistakes can cause problems for your longevity?

Read to learn what you should avoid during the aging process.

Watch The Sun

The most common mistake that people make when they’re trying to age as well as they can is to fail to protect themselves from the sun. UV rays can damage your skin, causing you to look older. It can also cause bigger health problems, like skin cancer.

So, you always need to be wearing sunscreen, even when it’s cold and overcast outside. The sun can reach your skin, even when you think it won’t. When you’re in direct sunlight, keep a lot of your skin covered up.

And, don’t lay out and tan or use tanning beds. Instead, if you want to look tanner, get a spray tan or use bronzer.

Skipping The Gym

Staying active is an important factor when you’re working on aging gracefully. So, if you never get any exercise, it might be time to re-evaluate. You don’t necessarily have to start lifting weights every day.

Instead, you can find an exercise routine that suits your lifestyle and interests. You can start off slowly by working towards raising your step count. Walk to do some of your errands, rather than driving.

Swimming is a great form of exercise for older people since it takes some of the pressure off your joints. Or, you can join an activity that you can do with your friends, so you can socialize while you exercise.

Having a healthy diet is also important for optimal health. Look into different anti-aging foods, and see if you can incorporate them into your meals. You can also talk to a nutritionist and see what they recommend.

Not Having a Plan

There’s only so much you can do to ensure that you’re maximizing your longevity. Some of it comes down to genetics and history. So, you want to ensure that you have a plan to help you as you slow down. The lack of a plan can cause you more stress, which can accelerate aging. It can also be hard on your children, who will have to manage aging parents with no plan.

You need to do your research in advance. For example, you might want to look into the benefits of assisted living if you end up struggling with your mobility in the future.

Slow Down the Aging Process Today

Now that you know what to avoid and how to slow down the aging process, you’ll be able to continue looking and feeling your best as you age.

Do you want more advice on related topics? Take a look at some of the other sections on this website and see if there’s anything that strikes your interest.