The 10 Rules of Aging Well
September 27, 2007 by Christina Jones
Filed under Beauty, Wellness
I have done everything in the world but blog this week, eh? It sure feels like it! I spotted this today at Mark’s Daily Apple – a wonderful list of the 10 rules of aging well – check out Mark’s wonderful commentary, and think about how many of these you have under control. It is nice to see a list about aging well that doesn’t include $200 potions, eh?
- Eliminate self destructive behaviors
- Eat properly
- Exercise
- Manage Stress
- Think Young
- Get rest
- Practice Good Hygiene
- Prudent supplementation
- Proactive living
- Balance
Lets see, I have some self destructive behaviors I could definitely tackle (will probably take a while) – I am trying to eat right and exercise (but this is an ongoing battle for me) – I usually manage stress very well (but I have my moments) – I definitely have it going on in the thinking young department – I try to get enough rest, but thats always a bit of a struggle since apparently I am a workaholic (who knew??) – I practice psychotic hygiene (and have learned that it doesn’t always prevent infection, sadly) – I definitely live proactively- and my balance could be a little better (back to the workaholic problem).
What are your biggest barriers to aging well?
The people in my mother’s family live a mighty long time. My grandfather is 95 now, and while his knees and teeth aren’t at all what they used to be, he is an amazingly healthy man. His mother lived in to her 100’s. He has two sisters (that is Aunt Sophie on her first Harley ride this summer) that are about as vibrant of women as you can imagine. I think of all of them as I go through this list of Mark’s, and I know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that each and every one of these things is a part of their lives. There is something to be said for the good Renzelman genetics, but you can make the most of yours with some great habits that will carry you throughout your life. Now get started on working your way through the list – and I will too. 
I was going to write about this topic soon! My problem is that I’m lazy, so I don’t exercise enough. I try to eat well, but that’s always a struggle too, especially since I don’t know how to cook! And I get lazy and don’t take the vitamins I should take. Otherwise I feel like I’m fairly healthy. And sunscreen is important for preventing skin aging!
As we age we realize which bad habits actually don’t belong to us, as well. We start weeding out those behaviors, like being terribly passive, That were taught us by our parents to make it easier to manage us.
One of the best things you can do for yourself is eliminating ties with those who do not respect you. Most of our stressors are the people, and their expectations, that fit in this category!
This is a great concise list! One of the hardest things for me to do is #2… love to eat too much!
I think your point about managing stress is very important. I have consistent found that we look, and feel much older (in some people by a few years in their appearance) when we’re stressed. And the interesting thing is that when the stress is gone, these changes do reverse back. Such is the power of our minds – it’s reflected in our skin and body!
It’s a really good list. Even if it doesn’t make you live any longer, it will surely help you to really enjoy whatever length of life you have. Too bad the face paced world doesn’t really encourage this type of thinking.
I tell you, I have had a big battle this very week with managing stress – I am almost positive that the effects of stress just about shut down my immune system this week, and has been very eye opening. I think stress does so much damage to your body in so many ways – and affects almost every item on this list. Time to make some big changes around here. Im glad I have made a definite start on the eating right and exercise thing, that is surely my biggest battle (most of the time). Thanks so much for all of your comments!
Isn’t that the truth…I especially think exercise and thinking young give you the most results.
Hi! These are great rules to follow. I think all of us women just don’t take good take of ourselves as we should. We’re so busy with doing things for everyone! This is a good reminder. Thank you.
Allyson
10 important rules to live by for anyone. I’m going to keep this list handy and even post it on my board at work! Cheers.
Beautifully said by a beautiful publisher on, might I add, add, a beautiful blog!
well said, I agree with Liz. I am going to post this on my fridge and keep a copy at my desk…maybe one in my car…just keep reminding myself of this, especially of #1 on the list.
What a wonderful common-sense list for people of any age! I mostly have to work on 1, 2, and 4…
I think that one thing that wasn’t on the list but is so important for all of us to keep in mind also, are family genes! Great to see that your family are healthy and doing well
I’ll definitely do my best to keep these top tips in mind.
May I suggest Callanetics for you. Very effective. No heavy breathing or bouncing…can be challenging but the effects are more than worth it. You will also see results almost immediately. I promise!
Thank you for the link, Christina. Glad you enjoyed the post.
I love all your posts, Mark – you’re really writing a phenomenal blog over there – so thank YOU for all the great info!
Callanetics was founded by a woman named Callan Pinckney, trained in classical ballet, who needed to stay toned while recovering from a back injury.