Ageing is a natural process. It is inescapable. Often associated with fine lines and wrinkles, ageing occurs due to continued damage at a molecular and cellular level. This in turn results in a gradual decrease in physical and mental capacity while also increasing the risk of disease and ultimately death, explains the World Health Organization (WHO).
So the next time you think of ageing well, do not limit it to improving your skin quality and appearance; instead, also focus on enhancing overall health and vitality. If you wish to do that, here are some unhealthy habits to steer clear of.
Also Read: Wrinkles And Other Signs Of Ageing: How To Delay Them
Smoking
Did you know cigarette smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer? Are you aware that it can also make you prone to other chronic diseases like heart attack and stroke? The goal of this article is not to scare you but to make you aware of how successful smoking can be in reducing your lifespan. In addition, it can also accelerate ageing by causing wrinkles, dull skin, and a lack of elasticity due to reduced blood flow and damage to collagen and elastin fibres.
Quitting smoking is one of the most important steps you can take to improve your health, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Not only does it improve your skin's appearance, but it also reduces the risk of developing serious health conditions like cancer and heart disease.
Poor Diet
Eating a healthy diet ensures overall health and wellness. This includes whole, nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. On the contrary, a diet high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can speed up ageing by giving rise to inflammation, oxidative stress, and weight gain.
Excessive Sun Exposure
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), overexposure to the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can lead to premature ageing, leading to signs such as wrinkles, age spots, and sagging skin. It can also cause skin damage that can increase a person's risk of skin cancer, the health body notes.
Dr Nivedita Dadu, Dermatologist and Founder and Chairman of Dadu Medical Centre, advises people to protect their skin by wearing sunscreen daily, seeking shade during peak sunlight hours, and wearing protective clothing like hats and sunglasses.
A Sedentary Lifestyle
Leading a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to various issues, including obesity, which is a leading risk factor for Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) and type 2 diabetes, according to the WHO. It can also lead to muscle loss and a decline in physical and cognitive function as you age.
Therefore, incorporating regular exercise into your routine is extremely important to support overall health. If exercising is a task, you can also indulge in simple activities, like walking, running, cycling, or even going for a hike.
Also Read: Sedentary Life: Know Easy Lifestyle Modifications To Live Healthy
Chronic Stress
Chronic stress shortens protective caps on your cells' chromosomes and triggers inflammation throughout your body, making you age faster, according to a study published in the journal Biomedicines. This in turn leads to various health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. What can help reduce your risk is practising stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing exercises, and engaging in hobbies or activities you enjoy.
Conclusion
Eventually, everyone will age. However, it is up to you how you want to age. Taking the right measures and living a wholesome lifestyle can help slow down the ageing process and also improve the quality of the life you lead. In addition to all the things mentioned above, you must also opt for regular health screenings and get the necessary vaccinations that can protect you from developing various diseases. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, and if you can prevent it, why not invest in things that can help you do that?