LOS ANGELES (KABC)– Exercising and eating well are key factors in staying healthy, but the American Heart Association says it doesn’t stop there. Longevity experts say that following specific habits can not only improve your overall health, but also slow down the aging of your body by several years.
From birth until the beginning of our lives, our cells are in a frantic race to multiply and divide, but at some point, our body begins to break down.
“Most of your physiological functions, the things your body does, start to decline around age 30,” says integrative physiologist Tom LaRocca, Ph.D, University of Colorado Boulder.
As people age, some worry about their outward appearance changing. But doctors say it’s crucial to focus on what’s going on inside. And science shows that certain lifestyle habits are essential.
“People are definitely interested in anything that can help you age better,” he said.
A study from the American Heart Association identified eight essential lifestyle practices that people should follow to stay healthy.
First on the list is what you eat.
“Eat a generally healthy diet — so lots of fruits and vegetables,” said integrative physiologist Daniel H. Craighead.
Next, get enough exercise and stay active.
“You don’t have to be a super athlete. Get out and move every day. A 30-minute walk has huge health benefits,” he said.
To complete the AHA 8 Essentials list:
- Get enough sleep, seven to nine hours for adults.
- Do not smoke.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Control cholesterol.
- Manage blood sugar.
- Keep your blood pressure within a healthy range.
The American Heart Association says people who follow the eight have better cardiovascular health. And this, in turn, decreases a person’s biological age by up to six years. This means that their bodies age more slowly than their actual age.
“So the best thing to do is start if you’re not physically active. And if you’re physically active, never stop,” Craighead said.
On the other hand, the American Heart Association states that people with poor cardiovascular health tend to have a higher biological age. A new study comparing chronological and biological age in different organ systems is underway. The hope is to gain more knowledge about how to slow aging.
MORE: At what age are you ‘old’? Study examines our changing perceptions
According to researchers, as human life expectancy has improved over the decades, the age we consider “old” has declined later in life.
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