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Be kind to your skin -

The skin is the body's largest organ, and it needs care and protection. Make sure to wear sunscreen and protective clothing when outside. And don't forget to use gentle skin care products.

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Mind your diet -

A healthy diet is the way to go for aging well. The ideal diet consists of lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins.

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Exercise -

Regular exercise comes with several health benefits, which lower your risk of disease and help retain your mobility longer. It also lowers stress and improves your overall mood.

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Prioritize your mental health -

Managing your mental well-being goes a long way towards helping you live and age well. It affects how you think, feel, and act towards yourself and others.

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Decrease alcohol consumption -

Heavy drinking and alcohol dependency have serious negative side effects on every organ in the body, including the brain. Limit your alcohol intake to the recommended amount to avoid health risks. That’s one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

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Lower your stress -

From premature aging to wrinkles and a higher risk of heart disease, stress has various negative consequences for your body. Make sure you learn methods that help you relieve stress. This could be exercising, meditation, or just talking to a friend.

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Get enough sleep -

Good sleep is important for both your physical and mental health. Adults over 18 should aim for seven to eight hours of sleep every night.

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Drink plenty of water -

Drinking enough water is important to keep you hydrated. It also improves your energy levels and brain function. On top of that, it's been proven to keep skin healthier and reduce signs of aging.

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Quit smoking -

Smoking has been proven to cause premature aging, and increases the risk of disease. It's not easy to quit, but it doesn't matter how old you are. Quitting at any age will improve your health.

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Find new hobbies -

Having a hobby that you like isn't only fun, it's also good for your health. Evidence shows that people who engage in hobbies and social activities are happier, experience less depression, and live longer.

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Have some coffee -

Coffee doesn't only give you energy, it also reduces your risk of stroke and diabetes. Researchers at Harvard discovered that people who drank three to five cups of coffee per day had about a 15% lower risk of premature mortality than those who didn’t drink coffee. But, as with everything, the key is moderation.

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Cut back on painkillers -

Regular use of painkillers such as ibuprofen and naproxen may increase your risk of heart attack and stroke by 10%. Take these medicines only for severe pain, and use the lowest possible dose for the shortest amount of time.

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Practice mindfulness -

Mindfulness is about living in the moment, by focusing on the present and practicing acceptance. It has been proven to have several health benefits that contribute to healthy aging. Some mindful practices are yoga, meditation, and tai chi.

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See a doctor regularly -

Going to the doctor for regular health screenings is essential for healthy aging. They can spot problems early or before they even start. Also, make sure you see a doctor anytime you experience concerning symptoms.

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Don't be scared of frozen food -

You can still eat a balanced diet when fresh fruits and vegetables are out of season. Research has shown that frozen alternatives can be just as good, if not better. This is because fresh fruit can lose nutrients after three days of refrigeration, while frozen fruits don’t suffer the same fate.

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Maintain friendships -

Feeling connected is important for your health. It can boost your immune system, and you may even develop fewer chronic illnesses when you're older. Make sure to keep up your friendships. Make time to talk on the phone, get together over the weekend, and even go on trips.

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Take care of your oral health -

Taking care of your teeth isn't only about how your smile looks. Oral care is important for preventing gum disease, which has been linked to heart disease, stroke, and bacterial pneumonia. Make sure you're brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and using a mouth rinse. It’s also important to see a dentist regularly.

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Eat whole grains -

According to a study from Harvard University, eating three or more servings of whole grains each day can cut the overall death rate by about 20%. Have some oatmeal or brown rice, or get adventurous with quinoa or barley.

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Master time -

Time management can be hard. Often, we try to do too much in too little time, and when we feel pressured we don't eat right and we skip exercise. There's also the distraction of cell phones, social media, and television. Make an effort to master time. This will help you age in a healthy manner and reduce your risk of chronic illnesses.

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Maintain your proper weight -

The younger you are, the easier it is to work on weight loss. This is because with increasing age, your metabolism and lean muscle mass will decrease, resulting in easier weight gain and harder weight loss.

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Get a furry friend -

Studies have found that pet ownership can reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, and even improve the odds of surviving a heart attack. Also, dog owners are more likely to be physically active and less vulnerable to stress.

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Balance home and work life -

When you're younger, you might be working on your career while having kids and being in a relationship. Striking a balance between your home life and your work life is critical. Getting it right can reduce a lot of stress in your life.

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Cut back on sugar -

A high-sugar diet boosts blood sugar, which in turn can lead to high levels of cholesterol and triple the risk for fatal cardiovascular disease. It's recommended for women to not consume more than six teaspoons (25 grams) of added sugar a day, and men no more than nine teaspoons (36 grams).

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Do a lot of reading -

Yale researchers have explained that reading keeps the brain active and stimulates an emotional connection to others. As little as half an hour a day of reading a book can already have a big impact.

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Eat smaller portions -

If you want to live a long and healthy life, eat smaller portions. The people of Okinawa, Japan, a longevity hot spot, stop eating when they feel 80% full. Studies have also found that cutting back calories reduces blood pressure, cholesterol, and insulin resistance.

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Go on vacations -

Not taking time off work might be more serious than you imagine. One study of men at high risk for coronary artery disease found that those who failed to take annual vacations were 32% more likely to die of a heart attack.

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Drink green tea -

Green tea has been proven to help with healthy longevity. This is because it contains powerful antioxidants known as catechins, which may help combat diabetes and heart disease.

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Stay physically active -

Studies have linked a sedentary life to an increased risk of chronic illness and early death. Stay active by going on walks, hikes, and even participating in group activities.

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Know your medical history -

It's important that you know your own medical history, your risk factors, and your medications. Have a system to track your information. This will help you and your health care provider to quickly understand any future problems. 

Sources: (Verywell Health) (Healthline)

See also: Health mistakes you didn't know you're making

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