Since mankind first set foot on planet earth, the search for the elusive fountain of youth has been a constant one. In ancient times, both men and women sought ways to preserve their youth, looks, health, and virility by seeking the sage advice of elders, mixing a variety of different herbal concoctions, turning to the occult, and of course, watching their diet. Even though much has changed in regards to technology since those ancient times, not much has changed in regards to mankind’s intangible search for ways to stay young forever, or at least as long as possible.
In reality, however, there is no quick fix or “one pill fixes all” when it comes to anti aging. Sure, there are a variety of surgical procedures, supplements, and injections that can temporarily restore a youthful expression but the truth is, absolutely everyone ages and everyone will die — though it’s painfully clear that some people seem to age better and perhaps more gracefully than others. Why is this? Well aside from genetics, diet, physical exercise, emotional balance, and stress management play a big part in avoiding the lack of energy, lack of focus, poor sleep, decreased muscle, and decreased strength that go hand in hand with aging.
You read right that right. While they’re may not be a fountain of youth per say, there are ways you can maintain your stamina, health, and strength as you age. After all, age is just a number and a state of mind! So thinking young, acting young, and feeling young can actually convince your body that you are young! Your mind is far more powerful than you could ever imagine, and maintaining a positive outlook can dramatically help with keeping a youthful outlook and physique.
However, there seems to be a huge double standard when it comes to aging. Men are often regarded as increasingly handsome as they age, whereas women are thought of as unattractive. Though both sexes experience the decreased strength, wrinkles, and other signs of aging, society often puts an unfair amount of pressure on women to look as young as possible. Just look at all the ways in which advertising, Hollywood, and many other aspects of society place an unfair amount of pressure on women to remain as young as possible. Take for example, the famous actor George Clooney, who is well into his 50’s but is still regarded as relevant and handsome. In contrast, at the young age of 27, actress Olivia Wilde was considered “too old” to play Leonardo DiCaprio’s wife!
Fortunately, this double standard is slowly beginning to change, as more and more people are helping to shape the way society views aging and the decreased strength that comes along with it in a much different and more positive life. In fact, if anything, aging is now being viewed as something to be celebrated rather than something to be feared or frowned down upon. More and more are choosing to embrace this new acceptance of aging, which can turn has led to more people doing everything in their power to reverse, slow, and prevent premature signs of aging such as decreased strength, lower sex drive, and body aches.
There may not be such thing as a fountain of youth, but there are a “fountain” of other ways that you can slow and forestall the signs of aging, such as decrease strength, loss of muscle, and reduced energy. For example, maintaining physical activity is the best way to slow the signs of aging. It can help men maintain healthy testosterone levels and it can help women navigate the change of menopause in healthy way. Exercise and physical activity doesn’t always have to be strenuous, tough, or physically straining. Many forms of gentle exercise such as tai chi and yoga are not in extremely effective in preventing decreased strength, but they’re also an excellent way to improve mental clarity and emotional stability.
It’s also important to remember that age is a state of mind. Feeling young at heart will allow you to stay young!