We at James Hubbard's My Family Doctor aim to improve your health through knowledge. I am not really an expert at reversing age, but I can tell you some medically proven methods to slow it down. All have one or more medical studies proving their worth to "AGE SLOWER."
Alcohol - I've never been able to bring myself to recommend starting to drink alcohol for medical purposes if you're a teetotaler. Alcoholism is always a risk. But numerous medical reviews have shown that drinking regular, moderate alcohol decreases your risk of heart disease. Who am I to fight the facts? However, recently, a large study put a big dent in the party when it proved a definite increased risk of many types of cancer with even the smallest regular intake. So what to do? If you have a strong family history of cancer, don't drink. If you do drink, whether for heart health or other reasons, limit it to no more than two drinks per day for men and one for women, applying the usual precautions with driving or taking medications.
Genes - You can't change your parents, but most everyone can know their family health history and take appropriate risk precautions, such as the aforementioned warning of avoiding alcohol if you have a family history of cancer. Most genetic screening tests are still too early to help but they are coming soon.
Eat healthy - Studies in mice show the skinnier ones live longer. But don't starve yourself. As you age, it's more important than ever to get your daily fruits, vegetables, fiber, protein, minerals and vitamins.
Social- Groups such as church gatherings or clubs are great for staying involved mentally and physically with a ready supply of backup support. Studies have shown having a spouse can increase your average lifespan (no, it doesn't just seem longer).
Lifestyle - Unless you want to fight aging by dying younger, don't use tobacco or illegal drugs of any kind at any time. If you do, your number-one priority should be to stop them now. Drive safely and defensively. Wear seat belts always.
Optimistic attitude - Optimistic people live longer, have less stress and are happier. Even these days you should concentrate on the positives and not dwell on the negatives, especially those you can't do anything about. Try watching comedies, telling jokes and keeping company with like-minded, positive-thinkers. There are even laughter clubs these days you can join.
Work - Find something you like and keep it up, whether it is a hobby or work. Studies show early retirement, without other ways to stay busy, leads to more heart disease and strokes.
Exercise - It's the closest thing we have to a fountain of youth. The optimum is 30 to 60 minutes for five days a week, but any is better than none. Always check with your personal physician.
Recreation - Take time to relax and enjoy life. Why do all of these things to live longer and age slower if you can't enjoy it? Reading is good relaxation. I recommend a subscription to James Hubbard's My Family Doctor.
James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H., is the publisher of James Hubbard's My Family Doctor, an upbeat, in-depth magazine written by health-care providers for the general public. He's been a family doctor for over 25 years. He also blogs at MyFamilyDoctorMag.com.