Stereotypes have greatly altered the way many people see the aging process. Aging is seen as leading to a decline in faculties, while also leading to feelings of sadness and despair. The truth, however, is much different for many people. This article will give advice on aging in a way that allows you to maintain a high quality of life.

Do not leave the house without sunscreen to avoid looking older faster. The UV radiation from the sun can severely damage your skin and it is a major contributor to how your face looks. Also know that too much sun exposure can lead to certain cancers so wear sunscreen every day.

Keeping your weight under control is one key to aging well. There are a number of ailments related to obesity which exacerbate age-related illnesses. In order to keep your weight under control, you should exercise moderately and eat a balanced diet. Tracking your food intake with an online food diary makes this easier.

Learning new things can help you keep your brain active. Older individuals are often wise and you should always try to learn. Whether you take a course on computers or do one of those tricky newspaper puzzles, your mind will constantly be at work and gaining knowledge.

Try to quit smoking or reduce the number of cigarettes that you smoke each day. Smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable death. However, it is never too late to stop smoking, and as soon as you quit, your risk of having a heart attack decreases. By quitting you could also save yourself a lot of money.

Have your hormone levels checked regularly as you age. You will want to have your doctor run standardized tests to be sure that your levels are where they should be. Taking hormone replacement or supplements may be the fix to the way that you have been feeling if you have been feeling bad.

You want to remain fit when you get older not only in your body, but also in your mind. One way to do that is to exercise your brain through puzzles and such. These mentally stimulating games will keep your brain focused and active, which could strengthen brain cells and possibly create new ones.

Take a computer course or have someone teach you the basics of the internet. It can take you places that you may never see in your life. It is like a vacation or a journey that you can take from the comfort of your own home. There are so many things that you will learn while on the internet.

Maintain your muscle mass by getting exercise on a regular basis. Use a pedometer and make sure that you are taking at least 5,000 to 10,000 steps each day. If you maintain your muscle mass, you are sure to avoid some of the terrible falls that you would otherwise incur.

One solid piece of advice for to maintain good health as you are aging is to eat a balanced diet. A diet which is well-balanced includes meals rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Make sure you limit your intake of trans fat, saturated fats and cholesterol. By eating a well-balanced diet, your body is supplied the essential nutrients it needs to maintain optimum health.

Make sure you're keeping hydrated. Your body relies heavily on water and if you're not getting enough of it, your skin is the first part of your body to suffer. This can lead to dry, lifeless skin and premature wrinkles. Not only that, but it can lead to internal problems as well. So make sure you're drinking enough water each day!

The appearance of your skin is a key element to looking and feeling younger, so take care of your skin by using moisturizers. This will keep the skin hydrated and soft. Sometimes it will help to work with a professional dermatologist to determine the right type of lotion and moisturizer that is best for you.

A critical factor to prevent aging and increase lifespan is to not smoke. Smoking destroys the body and speeds up the aging process. Smoking is the easiest way to look older and shorten your lifespan at the same time. It causes disease, ages the skin, and is overall one of the main preventable killers known to man.

As you age, start increasing your intake of raw fruits, seeds, grains, nuts and vegetables. Eat a well balanced diet and be sure to include raw broccoli, cauliflower, soybeans (edamame) and cabbage in your diet. Limit your red meat consumption and try to eat more fish. Raw foods will help your digestion and nutrient absorption.

As your eyes age, you need to take care of them. At the age of 40, have a complete eye exam that will screen for glaucoma, fully measure the vision in each eye, and have your retinas tested for retinal damage. If the findings indicate, be sure to have an annual checkup to make sure that glaucoma or macular eye disease has not begun to show symptoms.

Engage in activities that will improve and strengthen your memory, like looking at old family photographs. As you get older, events of the past may slowly slip away from your memory. However, if you keep your memory fresh by revisiting past events and walking down memory lane, it will keep that part of your brain alive.

People have a fear of aging often not because of the realities, but based on the stereotypes of their culture. The advice that was given in this article will help you understand aging in a new way. You can age gracefully, without losing your joy in life.