Essential Anti-Ageing Tips

Don't Worry, Be Happy—and Live Longer!

It’s undisputed that being happy helps one stay healthy and look and feel younger. After all, what our body manifests and how we project ourselves is often a reflection of our inner state. How many times have you looked at a person and thought to yourself, “He looks half/twice his age!” 

“You must behave the way you want to feel and vice versa,” advises Dr Ann Tan. “If you think young, you will do youthful things. If you say you are old, dress ‘old’ and slow down, then you will invariably be old.” 

For Dr Ivor Lim, people feeling younger than they are is not just a matter of perception. “In my practice,” he offers, “I’ve always observed that a person’s view of their age always tails their chronological age by at least 10 years—possibly because the brain does not itself perform any physical activity. This is possibly the driving force behind people seeking cosmetic improvements: they simply feel younger than they look!” 

Tan adds, “Learn to have a positive attitude to life and be happy. It’ll keep you younger for longer.” 

Now isn’t that something to smile about?

Essential Anti-Ageing Tips

1. A good diet

“Ensure that you have five servings of vegetables or fruits a day. Eating a variety of healthy foods will give the body the raw materials to repair damage. At the same time, avoid eating unhealthy food to give the body less ‘clean-up’ work to do,” says Mahtani.

2. Stay Positive

“A positive attitude increases one’s will to live and to take more responsibility for one’s health.”

3. Exercise

“This is a great anti-ageing tool,” explains Mahtani. “It increases energy, improves your sex life, improves sleep, reduces your risk of dementia and cognitive decline. It also helps to improve your immune system. Anyone over 40 should do moderate-intensity activities for at least 30 minutes five times a week.”

4. A Good Night’s Sleep

“This can add years to your life and helps fight illnesses.”

5. See Your Doctor

“Regular check-ups can help you stay in good health for as long as possible.”

 

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Photo courtesy of Thinkstock. This article first appeared in NATURA magazine issue No.2. Find NATURA at Eu Yan Sang retail outlets, newsstands and major bookstores in Singapore.