Aging Well in 2022

Here’s a recap of popular aging-related content from last year so you can incorporate one (or all!) of these suggestions into your wellness routine this year.

Ignoring health issues won’t make them go away

Accepting the realities of aging can be difficult — nobody wants to admit their body is less capable than it once was. Tuning in to aches and pains, giving them medical attention, and adjusting your habits accordingly, will only help you continue to live an active life, even if that life looks different. You might need to trade the uphill hike for a shorter (and flatter) route, and that’s OK! The truth is, there’s beautiful vistas and opportunities for exercise at all ability levels.

Gut health matters

As we age, the protective layer of our gut starts to thin. Research suggests that people in developed countries have thinner layers due to the consumption of processed food (loads of fat, sugar, and salt). Diets rich in fiber help protect this gut layer. When this gut layer is jeopardized, chronic inflammation can follow and that contributes to age-related complications, like heart disease.

Variety is (still) the spice of life

Research studying aging anomalies (people who have a high-degree of resilience to age-related disease) offers a few suggestions for the rest of us. The sweet spot for exercise? 30-minutes a day. The recommended diet? Mediterranean. Key health indicators? Maintaining eyesight and hearing help people stay alert and connected to their daily lives. And of course, socializing with friends and family is super important, even if it’s as simple as making one phone call a day to check in.

matthew komorowskiJanuary 11, 2022