Cher can’t turn back time, and neither can you. But…
You can choose a lifestyle that helps reduce your biological age! It takes effort, but those efforts help protect your independence, sharpness, and vitality as you age.
What Is Biological Age?
Biological age is about how well your body is functioning. It reflects your energy, memory, strength, and your body’s resilience, regardless of how many candles were on your last birthday cake.
Here’s the surprising part about biological age: you have some control over it. Here are some things you can do to help turn back time:
1. Sleep: A Low-Cost Anti-Aging Treatment
When you sleep well, your body repairs cells, balances hormones, and supports brain function. Missing sleep regularly can fast-track your biological age.
Try this:
- Keep the same bedtime—even on weekends.
- Make your bedroom cool, quiet, and dark.
- Sip calming tea or try magnesium before bed.
- Click here to find more sleep tips.
2. Move—Not Just to Maintain, But to Rewind
You’ve probably heard “use it or lose it.” But what if you could use it and improve it? Exercise can actually slow aging at the cellular level.
Aim for:
- Strength training (twice a week): builds muscle and improves metabolism.
- Daily walking: gentle exercise that’s good for your body and mind
- Stretching or yoga: improve your balance and flexibility while reducing frailty.
3. Eat Like You Want to Feel Good Tomorrow
Food is more than fuel—it’s information for your cells. A nutrient-dense diet can support mitochondrial health, reduce inflammation, and improve metabolic markers.
Eat more:
- Leafy greens and anti-oxidant-rich berries
- Salmon, sardines, nuts, and seeds
- Fermented foods (yes, even pickles count)
4. Friends Matter—More Than You Might Think
What’s worse for your health than donuts or bacon every day? Loneliness. It increases your risk of heart disease, dementia, and early death. (That’s not drama—that’s data!)
Do this:
- Join a club, seniors centre, or religious organization
- Connect with far-off friends by video chat, letter or phone
- Choose a living situation where family and friends are built-in
5. Stress Less, Live More
High cortisol levels from chronic stress will wear your body down. Calming your nervous system regularly pays off in a big way.
Simple fixes:
- Deep breathing and meditation — they’re free and they work.
- A gratitude journal – helps you focus on the good
- Spend time in nature—gardening, walking, or just sitting in the sun.
6. Keep That Brain Buzzing
The brain is like a muscle: challenge it, and it grows stronger. Neglect it, and it gets lazy, which is bad news since it controls everything.
Try:
- Playing strategy games or doing puzzles.
- Read regularly on a wide variety of topics.
- Learn something new: a game, a language, technology, a skill.
We May Be Biased, But Hear Us Out…
We think senior living communities are a bit of a cheat code when it comes to aging well. Everything that supports your biological age is built into daily life:
- A setting designed to reduce stress—not add to it
- Nutritious meals you don’t have to cook (or clean up!)
- A wide variety of daily social interactions that are easy to access
- Activities that keep your brain and body sharp
- A secure and peaceful home where you can rest well at night.
There’s no mysterious fountain of youth, but seniors who commit to healthy daily habits can slow—and in some cases, even reverse—aspects of their biological age!
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