For most of us, getting older isn’t exactly something to look forward to. But the familiar adage “age ain’t nothing but a number” is true — and by making healthy lifestyle decisions, there’s no reason you can’t look and feel great as you move into your 50s, 60s and beyond. 

Getting better with age means taking control of your health and focusing on both your body and mind. It also means keeping stress levels low and learning to experience joy and peace with each day. Our golden years might just be our best chance to explore all the world has to offer, which is all the more reason to live them to the fullest. Here are a few tips to help you do just that:

Focus on your diet. As we get older, we tend to be set in our ways. But making a few smart diet changes can go a long way toward improving your mood and overall health. Getting plenty of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals is an excellent first step, so be sure to eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole foods. And believe it or not, some foods like processed meats and white bread can speed up wrinkle development, so you’ll want to avoid them to keep your skin looking great. 

Embrace the gray. Many of us absolutely dread gray hairs and will go to great lengths to keep them at bay. But embracing gray hair won’t just be a relief on your wallet, because it can also give you peace of mind. If you still want to color your hair and are less than half gray, consider getting highlights instead of a complete dye, as this can give you a brighter complexion while helping you ease into the idea of having gray hair.

Consider meditation. Simple breathing exercises and meditation can go a long way toward giving you peace and a sense of well-being. If you don’t have time for a full meditation session, take three deep, deliberate breaths while focusing on the air coming in and out of your lungs. You can do this wherever you are, and it should help you stay present and focused. It can also help almost instantly reduce stress. Trying longer meditation sessions can be a challenge, but many people report that the potential health benefits are well worth it.  

Drink lots of water. Staying hydrated is one of the simplest and easiest ways to help maintain beautiful skin as we get older. The typical recommendation is to drink eight, eight-ounce glasses of water each day for most adults, although your needs may vary. There are lots of other benefits to staying hydrated, including:

• Improved digestion
• Less toxins in your body
• Better joint lubrication
• Increased oxygen in your blood
• Healthier kidneys

Find a new hobby. Keeping your brain busy is just as important as regular exercise. Our golden years can be the perfect time to try a new hobby, and learning something different is an excellent way to keep your mind sharp. With all the resources available through the internet, it’s easier than ever to learn a new skill — so whether it’s mastering an unfamiliar language, painting or gardening — go for it! 

Avoid excessive sun. Some time out in the sun is good for us, but staying outside without sunscreen for hours can cause big problem for your skin — especially as you get older. If you do spend a lot of time outside, make sure you’re using at least SPF 40 sunscreen and applying it to all exposed areas, including your face. This will help you avoid wrinkles and dark spots on your skin.    

While getting older can be a difficult reality for some of us, there’s no reason we can’t be happy, healthy and graceful as we age. Following the tips above is a great place to start — but remember that no matter what stage of life you’re in, self-control, consistency and staying positive are the keys to maintaining healthy habits. Staying on top of your health doesn’t have to be difficult, especially when you have all the resources in our blog available right at your fingertips. Be sure to check it out for lots more ideas on how to keep your whole family healthy!