Age is just a number. Or is it? Every year we celebrate our birthdays and see the numbers getting higher and higher. This is known as our chronological age since it is determined by the number of years a person has lived for.

Biological age, however, is based on a number of lifestyle factors and choices that have an aging effect on the body, regardless of the number of years we have lived for. It is therefore a representation of our health, how we look and feel and whether there are any lifestyle decisions we are making which may reduce our life expectancy.

While determining our biological age may not be 100 per cent accurate, it still provides us with a good indication on what healthier choices we could make so as to improve our standard of living and ultimately live a longer life.

MSV Life explains some of the factors that affect biological age. Smoking, for example, is extremely detrimental to health. The more a person smokes, the greater the probability that he or she is older (in biological terms), not to mention the higher risk of developing lung or heart disease in the near future.

What begins as a social habit among friends may soon turn into an addiction, and there is a long list of health complications which may result.

By quitting smoking, people will start to regain a sense of taste and smell, meaning they can enjoy food more, and hopefully this will leave them more eager to try out healthier options rather than opt for a cigarette to satisfy their cravings.

Sleep deprivation is another age-inducer. A person’s body is not a machine and needs a certain amount of sleep each day.

The less sleep a body gets, the more rapidly it begins to age, since it does not get enough rest to naturally repair and rejuvenate itself. It is ideal to sleep around eight hours per night; however, if one’s lifestyle makes this impossible, one should try to take a few naps in the afternoon so as to feel rested and full of energy.

Chronic stress disrupts nearly every system in a body. It can raise blood pressure, suppress the immune system, increase the risk of heart attack and stroke and speed up the aging process

Then there is stress and anxiety – the trendiest of all symptoms. Let’s admit it, we all feel a certain amount of stress at one point or another. However, long-term exposure to stress can lead to serious health problems. Chronic stress disrupts nearly every system in a body. It can raise blood pressure, suppress the immune system, increase the risk of heart attack and stroke and speed up the aging process.

Exercise and meditation are good ways to relieve some stress. People should not be afraid to speak to professionals who could guide them towards a less stressful lifestyle.

Looking into one’s diet is a good way to start. The type of food one eats certainly has a significant affect not only on the shape of one’s body but also on its health. A thin person is not necessarily healthy if he or she has an unhealthy diet.

Eating too many carbohydrates, such as bread and pasta, or too much sugar can damage the skin’s collagen, which keeps skin springy and reduces wrinkles. A regular intake of fruits and vegetables, on the other hand, are good for the skin.

As delicious as doughnuts and hot dogs may be, too much may lead to complications, such as heart disease and diabetes.

Exercise is the other ally of a healthy lifestyle.

It is common to see a progressive deterioration of the body’s functions as we age. However, research has shown that this deterioration can be slowed by enhancing our body’s ability to function by exercising.

The heart can be strengthened with aerobic endurance training. Resistance training can improve muscular strength, and balance training can improve coordination and stability.

Exercise helps people boost immunity and prevent chronic disease which will enable them to add independent years to their life.

What they say is true: age doesn’t matter if one feels young at heart. So rather than worrying about how old one is getting, people should focus on living a better lifestyle, and on their next birthday congratulate themselves and look forward to another year full of healthier choices to make.

This article was submitted by MSV Life. For more tips on how to stay healthy, visit MSV Life’s Facebook page. To contact MSV Life call freephone 8007 2220 or e-mail info@msvlife.com.

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