Peloton trainer Ben Alldis emphasizes the importance of mastering three key lower-body exercises—squats, lunges, and deadlifts—for building strength, improving mobility, and supporting healthy aging. These moves target large muscle groups, boost cardiovascular health, and enhance functional movements essential for older adults. Proper technique and gradual weight increase are crucial to avoid injury.
Science suggests that there are eight lifestyle factors that can contribute to aging well: strong social connections, being physically active, following a Mediterranean diet, engaging in meaningful activities, getting enough sleep, maintaining a positive outlook, being conscientious, and taking steps to maintain brain health. These factors have been linked to better physical and mental health, increased life expectancy, and a reduced risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease and dementia.
Geriatricians emphasize that aging well involves physical well-being, emotional connection, and mental support. To age well, individuals should engage in activities that stimulate the brain, speak up about their needs, socialize with others, maintain physical health through exercise and a healthy diet, do activities they enjoy, review their medications regularly to avoid adverse interactions, and have a plan in place for future healthcare decisions. These factors contribute to a healthy and fulfilling life in older adults.
Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, a physician specializing in geriatrics and nutritional sciences, emphasizes the importance of building and maintaining healthy muscle mass for overall health and aging well. She argues that muscle health should be monitored alongside vital signs during doctor visits. Lyon suggests that most people are not getting enough protein, and recommends consuming between 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily. She also encourages women, especially during menopause, to prioritize strength training to prevent muscle loss and maintain body composition. Lyon provides practical tips for tracking protein intake and starting a strength-training program, emphasizing that muscle is the organ of longevity and developing strength leads to physical and mental resilience.
Older individuals who followed a lower-calorie Mediterranean diet and engaged in minimal exercise up to six days a week experienced a reduction in dangerous visceral belly fat, which is associated with diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. The study, part of an eight-year clinical trial, found that participants who followed the diet and exercise regimen gained muscle and lost significant body fat, with the benefits lasting for three years. The Mediterranean diet, characterized by plant-based cooking, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and olive oil, has been linked to various health benefits, including reduced risk of chronic diseases.
Geriatricians emphasize that aging well involves taking care of physical, emotional, and mental health. Signs of aging well include continuously learning new things, being honest about needs and seeking support, maintaining social connections, prioritizing physical health through exercise and a healthy diet, engaging in enjoyable activities, discussing medications with doctors, and planning for the future. It is important to start focusing on these behaviors early in life and not solely focus on chronological age. Prioritizing relationships, physical and mental health, and future plans can lead to a fulfilling and healthy life regardless of age.
Geriatricians emphasize that aging well involves taking care of physical, emotional, and mental health. Signs of aging well include continuously learning new things, being honest about needs and seeking support, maintaining social connections, prioritizing physical health through exercise and a healthy diet, engaging in enjoyable activities, discussing medications with doctors, and planning for the future. It is important to start focusing on these behaviors early in life and not solely focus on chronological age. Prioritizing relationships, physical and mental health, and future plans can lead to a fulfilling and healthy life regardless of age.
Geriatricians emphasize that aging well involves physical health, emotional connection, and mental support. Signs of aging well include continuously learning new things, being honest about your needs, having a community, prioritizing physical health through exercise and a healthy diet, engaging in activities you enjoy, discussing medications with your doctor, and planning for the future. It's important to start focusing on these behaviors early in life and prioritize relationships, physical and mental health, and future plans to feel good as you age.
Jennifer Aniston has shifted her approach to fitness, opting for functional exercise with Pvolve that combines resistance training with low-impact exercise. She advises doing at least 10 to 20 minutes of exercise to get started and enjoy the endorphins and energy boost. Aniston's healthy aging habits include clean eating, drinking water, getting enough sleep, meditation, and mindfulness. She also shared her recipe for a "really hearty salad" that includes butter lettuce, mushrooms, sprouts, tomato, avocado, Kalamata olives, cheese, sliced almonds, sunflower seeds, and a chopped or poached egg on top.
