“Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many.” - Unknown

Friday. Exciting news for everyone still holding out as the only green bubble person left in their group chat. Google released its next-gen Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro phones this week, featuring enhanced cameras and AI photo-editing tools. Is the better camera worth the green bubble, though? Is it? Well, here is one thing that is absolutely worth it if you want to feel healthy and young as you age: your mindset and your muscles. Let’s dive in.

Mindset and Muscles

As many say, age is just a number, but how you feel about that number could mean the difference between living the life you want to live or one bogged down by health issues.

Research has shown that you’re more likely to live longer and enjoy better health if you simply feel younger. In fact, people who embrace their age and feel good about it have been found to experience less stress, better memory, and even a lower risk of dementia. On the flip side, if you feel older, you’re more likely to be depressed and have declining health.

So, how can you tap into this fountain of youth? It all comes down to shifting your perspective on aging. Instead of dreading it, try embracing the wisdom and experience of growing older. If you think negatively about aging, you’re likely to age worse. But if you welcome it as just another chapter in your life, you’re more likely to experience positive health outcomes as the years pass.

Now, while a youthful mindset might keep you feeling spry, keeping your muscles strong as you age is equally important. Experts argue that maintaining muscle mass is vital, especially as you get older.

When it comes to your muscles, the saying “use it or lose it” could not be more accurate. As you age, muscle mass starts to decline, sometimes as early as your 30s. And this isn’t just about looking good in a tank top. Losing muscle can make you more vulnerable to severe falls, impacts how well you cope with diseases and surgeries, and could mean the difference between living independently or needing assistance later in life.

Muscle is constantly breaking down and regrowing, but as we age, muscle starts to break down faster than we can keep up with. This is due to changes in muscle cells and lower hormone levels like testosterone.

You might think that a decline in muscle mass is inevitable with age. However, that isn't totally the case. According to some experts, it’s the neurology—the interaction between your muscles and nervous system—that changes as you age, but this can be retrained.

For those looking to improve muscle health, experts suggest high-velocity resistance training, which involves lifting weights quickly. This kind of training is usually associated with athletes, but simplified exercises like power chair stands and leg lifts can do wonders for older adults too. The goal here isn’t to transform into a bodybuilder but to improve the wiring between your nervous system and muscles.

The key takeaway? Both mind and body are crucial in experiencing a rich, healthy life as you age. A positive outlook on aging can set the tone for how your mind influences your health. And at the same time, practical steps to maintain or even build muscle can drastically impact your physical well-being and independence.

So, whether you’re focusing on mental perspective or muscle maintenance, remember that growing old doesn’t mean you can’t feel and be young. Keep a positive outlook and stay active, and you’ll set yourself up for a better quality of life, no matter how many candles you have on your birthday cake.

Together with BeyondBody

Tonic Shots

1. Everything You Need To Feel Young

All those veggies PLUS the nutrients, protein and healthy fats from eggs. This salad has everything you need to feel your best and age like fine wine.

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3. A Tonic For Our Tonic Readers

Apple cider vinegar is packed with health benefits you could get from this tonic. Enjoy!

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