|
In a post we made on our LinkedIn page last week, we shared an article from The Washington Post that listed some strategies for aging better than our parents' generation. Even though I'm not yet close to the years when aging problems begin to arise, as a doctor interested in longevity, that same text made me reflect on this topic. The idea that we can start taking simple actions at early ages fascinates me, and some of these actions are mentioned in the short text that was part of that post. Regular physical exercise and a healthy diet will probably be the two main strategies that any of us will think of most quickly in this regard. However, there are other more specific things we can pay attention to from a younger age. Within physical exercise, engaging in activities, two to three times a week, for muscle strengthening is very important, as it will help develop the strength needed to maintain the ability to perform daily life tasks in the future that may currently seem basic to us, such as opening a jar or lifting a box. Obviously, in parallel, regular aerobic exercise will also help maintain good cardiopulmonary capacity over the years. The first type of physical activity should also always be supported by appropriate nutrition, particularly in terms of protein intake. This nutrient has been somewhat marginalized over the years, however, there has been increasing attention directed towards it. Individualized professional advice will be important in this case, so that each person can obtain the necessary amount of protein daily to ensure, among other things, that the mentioned development/maintenance of muscle strength occurs; and it may even be necessary, at older ages, if possible, to slightly increase the daily intake. While here we are referring to some individual-level care, it is also essential that, over the years, we maintain a broad and healthy social network; and these examples can take that into account. Engaging in group physical activity, or regularly sharing meals with friends, will always help to exponentially enhance the benefits of these activities. In the so-called blue zones, areas of the world with the highest number of centenarians, the sense of community is extremely deep, and it is up to us to foster it whenever possible, regardless of age; knowing that later on, that same social network will have even more advantages for us. These three pieces of advice are just examples of a large number of things we can apply whenever possible in our lives, at any age. They are strategies that, even at 34 years old, I strive to implement in my life so that they become something completely organic within it and allow me to get the possible benefits at this moment and in a more distant future. At the same time, I have parents entering their golden years, and I try to make them aware that there are small things they can do every day that can make a big difference at this important stage of their lives. Have a great week! João Pedro Neto, MD
|
