Get more active in 2014

Last week on my blog I shared “Live to be 100,” written by my pal Dr. Mark Fromberg.  It is a great collection of straightforward tips for those shooting to celebrate birthdays in the triple digits.  The advice includes healthy nutrition, exercise and adequate sleep as pillars of a healthy lifestyle.

If you’re struggling to pick  a New Years resolution, my number one anti-aging recommendation is exercise.  Here are four ideas for those looking to be more active in 2014.

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Try Team Activities
If you’re planning to get active, why not do it with others. Regular social contact with friends and family is a key factor to avoid depression, which can lead to premature death.

Try Dancing
You’ve heard the saying “Dance like nobody is watching.”  That’s good advice.  When you keep your body moving, you improve things like your mood, balance, bones and muscles.  I always say if you don’t move it, you lose it.  So shake that booty.

Get Outdoors
Fresh air does wonders.  Hiking, light walks and biking are great places to start your journey to healthier living.  Sunshine also plays an important part in obtaining Vitamin D, which helps with the absorption of calcium and phosphate.  But if you’re going to be outdoors, make sure to slather on sunscreen.

Don’t retire.
Was that a sigh I just heard?  Just like physical activity helps preserve strength, working can help preserve mental functions.  If working doesn’t sound like fun, volunteering is another great option.

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If you have questions about anti-aging and preventative medicine I would be happy to talk with you.  Appointments can be made by visiting this page.

Inspiring you to Live Longer Better,
Dr. Grant Pagdin, MD

Flickr Photo Credit: Stewart (CC BY-SA 2.0)