8 Daily Habits That Might Be Aging You Faster

We know that a poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle are recipes for unhealthy aging. But even if you think you're doing everything right, some seemingly harmless habits could be speeding up the clock.

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Here, two aging experts explain eight daily habits that might be subtly aging you—and what to do about them.

1. Relying on Walking as Your Only Exercise

Getting your daily steps in is great for your heart and circulation, but if it's your only form of exercise, you could be neglecting your muscles.

Dr. Cheryl Lythgoe, a nurse consultant, explains that incorporating resistance training is crucial to combat age-related muscle loss, also known as sarcopenia. This helps with balance, coordination, and bone density.

You don’t need to lift heavy weights. "You could try hill walking, gardening or carrying heavy groceries," says Dr. Lythgoe. Putting your body under gentle physical stress helps you stay active in your later years.

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2. Doing the Same Brain Puzzle Every Day

Daily crosswords or Sudoku can be great for brain stimulation, but if they become a mindless habit rather than a challenge, your brain can stagnate.

"Once the brain becomes efficient at [your daily activity] then it gets ‘lazy’ again and doesn’t form new neural connections," Dr. Lythgoe explains.

To maintain cognitive ability, you need to constantly challenge your brain with new tasks, like trying a harder puzzle or learning a new skill.

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3. Wearing the Wrong Shoes

Fancy footwear is fine now and then, but as we age, supportive shoes become more important for stability and health.

"Larger and looser [footwear] doesn’t provide the support our feet need, and increases our risk of foot issues and falls," says Dr. Lythgoe.

Ill-fitting shoes can cause foot problems, ulcers, back issues, and increase the risk of fractures. She advises choosing supportive, low-heeled shoes with a wide toe box and a slip-resistant sole.

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4. Using Earphones Too Often and Too Loudly

Listening to music or podcasts on the go is common, but prolonged use of earphones can lead to issues like listening fatigue and hearing loss.

Dr. Amit Arora, a consultant geriatrician, notes that modern earphones can reach sound levels comparable to a rock concert.

"Even prolonged exposure at a slightly lower volume can contribute to tinnitus or sensorineural hearing loss," he says. He advises using earphones at a lower volume and taking frequent breaks.

5. Asking for Help with Stiff Jars

Struggling to open a new jar might seem trivial, but grip strength is a key indicator of overall body strength as we age.

"Various studies demonstrate that good grip strength can lower our risk of cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline and frailty," says Dr. Lythgoe. You can improve your grip strength by carrying groceries or doing purposeful weightlifting exercises.

6. Always Keeping the Curtains Closed

While a dark room can feel cozy, keeping the curtains drawn all the time can negatively impact your health. Moderate sun exposure—even through a window—helps improve cell and cardiovascular health.

Research shows regular sunlight can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes, and boost mental health.

7. Only Wearing Sunscreen When It's Sunny

The risks of sun damage, from premature aging to skin cancer, are well-known. It's crucial to protect your skin even on cloudy days.

"Unshielded ultraviolet (UV) rays degrade the collagen and elastin fibres in the skin, which can lead to uneven pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkling," explains Dr. Arora. He recommends using an SPF 30 or higher daily and wearing sunglasses with UV protection to shield your eyes from cataracts.

8. Forgetting to Brush Your Tongue

Most of us brush our teeth daily, but many neglect their tongues. This can lead to a buildup of bacteria, causing bad breath, gum disease, and even potential gut problems.

"Recent research has suggested that an unhealthy tongue can lead to changes in the gut microbiome," Dr. Arora says. He advises regularly brushing your tongue with your toothbrush or using a water flosser to keep your whole mouth healthy.

Source: telegraph

The opinions shared in the GymNation blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.