What does Ageing Gracefully mean?
Dr Willie Storm’s private practice in Cape Town offers his professional advice to maintain a youthful look.
Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered where your youthful glow has gone? Or started to see the signs of ageing? In this modern-day and age, we are constantly reminded about our age and our appearance. We also have to deal with the idea of being told what we have to look like or magazines portraying their version of what people should look like and what makes a person beautiful.
Here are a few cost-effective tips and tricks to keep you looking your best and Ageing Gracefully:
1. Love your Skin and Drink a lot of Water
Hydration is crucial, and drinking enough water isn’t only good for your brain function and energy levels, but it has also been proven to keep your skin healthy and reduce signs of ageing. Your skin is your largest organ, and if you care for it properly, it can protect you from the elements, provide sensation and regulate your core body temperature.
The amount of water you should drink depends on a few factors, for example:
- Your thirst
- Your activity level
- Your urination and bowel movement
- How much you sweat
- Your gender
Remember to take care of your skin by protecting it from the sun, invest in skincare products that suit your skin type, and adopt a daily skincare routine.
2. Exercise and physical activity are good for the body
Living a sedentary life has been linked to an increased risk of chronic illness and early death. Regularly exercising can lower your risk of diseases, such as heart disease and cancer. It can also lower stress and help improve your sleep, mood, skin, and bone health.
- Doing at least 2-5 hours a week of moderate exercise, 1.25 to 2.5 hours per week of vigorous aerobic exercise, or a combination of the two.
- Moderate or greater intensity muscle-strengthening activities that involve all major muscle groups, at least two or more days a week.
You can use resistance bands and weights to perform muscle and bone-strengthening exercises. Older adults can add balance training to their exercise routine.
3. Be mindful of what you eat
When it comes to ageing gracefully, eating healthy is the way to go. The recommended foods to eat are fresh, frozen or canned fruit and vegetables. Lean proteins, like fish, greek yoghurt or beans and a minimum of 85g of whole-grain cereals, bread or pasta every day. Three servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy products and healthy fats, such as olive oil and avocado. Use oils instead of solid fats for cooking and stay clear from processed food, refined sugars and unhealthy fats. Also, keep your sodium use to a minimum to help you keep your blood pressure down. Say NO to smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Smoking and alcohol can both cause premature ageing and increase the risk of disease. Speak to a doctor for the best way to help you quit smoking, as it can be pretty tricky. Limit your alcohol intake to the recommended amount.
4. Managing your mental health helps with Ageing Gracefully
Keeping your stress down and being happy helps you live and age well. The effects of stress can put you at a higher risk of heart disease or premature ageing and wrinkles, in which case you might want to get botox and filler treatment to keep up the look of never ageing.
A few tips to keep your mental health in check:
- Spending some time with friends and family improves your physical well-being, and owning a pet has been proven to lower stress levels and blood pressure.
- Embracing your age helps maintain a positive attitude. People who accept it tend to live longer and may recover better from a disability.
- Engaging in activities that you enjoy, such as walking in nature, volunteering, meditation, and yoga, will help fuel your happiness.
Finding a new hobby can help keep you engaged throughout life and help you maintain a sense of purpose. People engaging in hobbies, leisure and social activities are happier and experience less depression; evidence has also shown they tend to live longer.
5. Have a good night's rest for Ageing Gracefully
Adults over the age of 18 should try and get seven to eight hours of sleep every night, and getting good sleep is essential for your physical and mental health and your skin's health.
Getting enough sleep has proven to:
- Lower risk of heart disease and stroke
- Reduce stress and depression
- Lower risk of obesity
- Reduce inflammation
- Improve focus and concentration
6. Proper dental care for Ageing Gracefully
Mouth care is just as important. Not practicing proper dental care can age your smile and put you at risk for gum disease and bacterial pneumonia.
It’s also recommended to see a dentist regularly.
Dentists can detect infection, cancer, nutritional deficiencies, and diabetes. It is recommended that you brush twice a day, floss once, and use a mouth rinse.
7. See the doctor as often as possible
Seeing a doctor regularly is beneficial to finding problems early or before they have started. How often you go to the doctor depends on your age, family history, lifestyle, and existing conditions.
If you are unsure, ask your doctor how often you should come in for checkups and screenings as you age. Don’t hesitate to speak to someone about your concerns, as ageing can bring along some challenges.
Ageing gracefully is less about keeping your face as plump as a peach, as that can be an easy fix with a little bit of botox, and more about being healthy and happy. Surround yourself with people and things that improve your well being and bring you joy.
As an established doctor on the West Coast who frequently attends aesthetic congresses and workshops on the latest botox and fillers techniques, you can be assured that Dr. Storm will be able to help you look and feel your best.
If you are looking for a qualified and caring general practitioner, contact Dr. Storm today.
Dr. Willie Storm has been practicing medicine for 25 years in South Africa and has a well-equipped procedure room for minor procedures, as well as PC-based lung functions and stress-ECG tests.
Contact Details
Telephone: 021 557 8341
Fax: 021 557 2998
Email: accounts@wjstorm.com
13 Pentz Drive
Table View, Cape Town, 7441