Everyone would like to live longer and stay healthy while doing it. Every person who lives into her nineties and beyond will give you a different story as to how she stayed alive so long. So how do you stay healthy and vibrant as your body ages? Much of it can be attributed to nutrition, exercise, and staying social.

Don’t be a pest

Pessimistic people with negative attitudes are much more likely to be depressed and stressed. Optimism has positive effects on mental and physical well-being Both of these conditions are known to shorten lifespans. Those with these characteristics are much more liable to alienate friends and family. Who wants to be around someone who thinks negatively? Most people have stresses of their own without always hearing about someone else’s.

As a person ages, her body will change. The outside skin will develop more lines and less elasticity. Much of this is unpreventable. There are cosmetic procedures to help lift your face and get rid of body fat. Many cosmetic companies feed on the whole anti-aging theme developing products supposed to smooth the lines and wrinkles and give you a facelift. These goods and procedures may help you look a bit younger, but they will not help you live longer.

Outside appearances are only part of the equation, it will not help you live longer.

Anyone who wants to promote longevity needs to eliminate stress in her life first and foremost. Stress can cause high blood pressure, depression, fatigue, and more. Anything you can do to alleviate stress will go a long way in helping you to stay healthy and feeling alive. Walking, or any exercise works for relieving stress, especially if you can walk outside in the fresh air and sunshine. Meditation is another stress reliever. You can walk and meditate at the same time. This practice will help you to de-stress from your day. If you are in a high-stress job, you may want to consider taking on less responsibility as you age. Anything to relieve the stress will help to keep you happy and less anxious.

Nutrition is something else to think about as your age. Your metabolism will slow as you age so you can no longer eat anything you want as it will affect your weight and health. A diet high in fruit and vegetables is known to keep you healthy. These foods are low in calories and high in nutrition. Whole grains are another beneficial ingredient to include. Red meat should be consumed sparingly due to its high-fat content. Lean poultry and fish are an acceptable replacement for your protein supply. If you know you are not getting all the vitamins and minerals needed in your diet, do not be afraid to take supplements; the stores are full of different brands and kinds. Be aware of what you need and try not to overdo it on any particular vitamin. Too much can be as bad as too little when it comes to certain vitamins.

Water is another essential ingredient for well-being. Our bodies are 70% water, and we lose some of that throughout the day just by breathing or sweating. Without a constant replenishment of water, we will become dehydrated. Fatigue and dizziness could follow. Chronic dehydration can lead to kidney problems. Your body must have water to function optimally, so drink as much as you can throughout the day. This practice can also help keep your skin more hydrated and smooth.

Nobody can guarantee that you will live a long, healthy life if you practice any of these tips. However, if you put effort into reducing stress, eating nutritionally, and surrounding yourself with positive influences, you will improve your chances of staying healthy for whatever time you have left.