10 Alarming Habits That Are Making You Age Faster

Have you ever wondered why some people look much older than their actual age, while others seem to stay looking younger for longer? You may be able to find the answer in your lifestyle choices!

While lifestyle habits and dietary choices aren’t the only things that can speed up aging, they’re certainly some of the most critical factors. And although some aspects of aging are inevitable, there are a few unconscious habits can accelerate the process.

You can’t always reverse aging itself (it’s a natural part of life!), but correcting these habits can help slow any premature aging. Knowing what they are is the first step!

Read on to learn more about premature aging and what you can do to prevent it. 

1) A Constant Diet of Unhealthy Foods

It’s no secret that a healthy diet is the first step towards overall wellness. But, the dietary choices that you make throughout your life may also affect how quickly you age. Eating primarily processed foods and trying too many crash diets may speed up the rate at which your cells age. 

Research has shown that diets high in sugar and advanced glycation end products, or AGEs, also speed up your body’s aging process. 

Maintaining a Healthy Diet for Healthy Aging:

• The first thing to remember is that everyone’s dietary needs are unique. Your needs will depend on your genetics, age, medical conditions, and level of physical activity, among other things. So, you will need to understand what your body needs to create a diet plan that’s best for you. 
• Pick whole, unprocessed foods over-processed, packaged foods whenever possible. 
• Ensure that you balance your meals with protein, fiber, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. 
• Stick to an eating schedule. Eating meals at a similar time every day can help you make better decisions regarding your food choices and the quantity of food you consume. 

2) Consuming Too Much Alcohol

It’s no secret that alcohol consumption can affect your health, but did you know that it can also lead to premature aging? There’s a lot of talk about the health benefits (or lack thereof) of alcohol.

There are potential benefits of certain types of alcohol, like red wine with its antioxidant content. But alcohol consumption can also affect blood sugar and lead to other issues like unhealthy weight gain. 

There are two main things to consider when it comes to alcohol and aging: how alcohol affects your overall health and how it impacts the aging process. Research shows links between alcohol and issues like liver disease, cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

Remember that everyone’s body will react differently to alcohol, so drinking responsibly and listening to your body as you do, is essential.

Drinking Alcohol and Aging Healthily:

• The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines binge drinking as a pattern of drinking over four (for women) or five (for men) alcoholic beverages in two hours. If you think your habits fit this definition, speak to your doctor about creating a plan to reduce the amount you consume. 
• It’s alright to enjoy the occasional drink, but consider how much you drink when you’re in social settings and try to avoid reaching for alcohol when you’re alone. It can help you steer clear of forming any unhealthy habits. 

3) Overwhelming Stress or Anxiety

We all experience stress on occasion, but did you know that too much of it too often can lead to premature aging? When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol, a hormone that has harmful effects on the skin.

Stress also creates free radicals in the body, damaging cells and leading to early signs of aging. Fortunately, there are ways to combat the effects of stress and keep yourself looking young and vibrant.

How to Handle Stress and Anxiety:

• Make time for yourself every day to practice self-care. Self-care looks different for everyone and can include anything from meditation and reading to a walk outside, a laidback spa day, or light movement.
• Set boundaries at work and with friends. Don’t let other people’s expectations dictate every aspect of your life. 
• Try breathing exercises like the 4-7-8 breathing technique to calm you down when you feel overwhelmed.

4) Insufficient Sleep

Do you often find yourself feeling exhausted all the time? If so, you’re not alone. It’s usually due to a lack of sleep or a lack of restful sleep. It’s a common problem, especially among those who are aging. Getting the right amount of sleep is essential for overall wellbeing, and it’s crucial as you get older. 

Tips for Good Sleep Habits:

• Try to get an average of seven to nine hours of sleep every night. You may need more sleep than others, and that’s okay! Listen to your body’s needs. Remember, though, oversleeping can also make you feel exhausted.
• Set a regular sleeping schedule. It will help your body set a good rhythm.

5) A Smoking Habit

Did you know that smoking can dramatically affect the way you age? Smoking is a well-known risk factor for developing many diseases, such as cancer and heart disease. It can also affect how fast you age.

Smoking can cause wrinkles, age spots, and other signs of aging. It can also make you more likely to develop conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration.

Tips to Ditch Your Smoking Habit:

• Try smoking cessation products, like nicotine gum or patches.
• Consider cutting down gradually by changing some of your habits. For example, if you usually have a cigarette after every meal, try cutting it down to after two meals, then one, and so on. 
• It can be challenging to quit smoking on your own because your brain is addicted to nicotine. If you’re having a hard time, talk to your doctor. They can create a plan by recommending support groups, therapists, and medication to help you kick the habit. 

6) Too Much Time in the Sun

Do you love spending time in the sun? While it’s enjoyable, too much sun can have some pretty harmful effects on your skin. Recent studies have shown that too much time spent in the sun can speed up aging.

It’s because the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation can damage your skin, leading to wrinkles, age spots, and even skin cancer. While it is vital to get some vitamin D from the sun, it is crucial to be aware of the dangers of overexposure and take precautions to protect yourself. 

Tips to Reduce UV Ray Exposure:

• If you know you will be in the sun, remember to apply sunscreen. 
• Avoid tanning beds. They use artificial UV rays to make you tan and affect your skin as you age. 

7) A Lack of Activity or Exercise

Believe it or not, lack of activity and exercise can lead to premature aging. It’s essential to be proactive about your health and ensure that you regularly get enough physical activity.

A lack of any activity or exercise can significantly impact aging. It can also lead to obesity, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and more. As people age, they may experience decreased muscle mass and strength.

This decrease happens because the body produces less testosterone, the hormone responsible for developing and maintaining muscle mass. Although you can’t reverse this natural process, there are ways to slow it down or minimize its effects. One way to do this is through regular exercise. 

Tips to Stay Active and Fit as You Age:

• Find something that you love to keep you active. If you aren’t having fun, the exercise you chose may not be the right one for you. 
• Do something small to stay active every day, like stretching before bed or going for a midday walk. 
• Stay active as you age, even if it’s just around the house. Things like daily chores and remembering to get up and stretch or walk around every 30 minutes can benefit your overall wellbeing and keep you feeling and looking younger. 

8) Sitting Too Much

Speaking of staying active, do you sit in one spot for too long? Even if you have a desk job or need to be at your computer for hours at a stretch, sitting for prolonged periods is not a good idea.

If you want to feel young, stay healthy, and reduce the risk of accelerated aging, it’s essential to break up the amount of time you spend sitting with regular breaks throughout the day. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to do this, so you can get up and move without interrupting your work or daily routine.

Tips to Avoid Sitting Too Much:

• As we mentioned above, make sure that you get up and walk around (even if it’s just around the house) every 30 minutes, or at least every two hours. 
• Try working standing up occasionally. If you work from home, consider investing in a standing desk next time you buy office furniture. 
• Wear a smartwatch. It will remind you to stand after recognizing that you have been sitting still for too long. 

9) Not Drinking Enough Water

You need it to survive and thrive, but do you drink enough of it? It’s no secret that drinking enough water is essential for good health, but many of us don’t drink as much water as we should.

You may not immediately recognize the effects of dehydration on your body, especially as you age. But, it’s crucial to stay hydrated to stay healthy! 

Tips to Stay Hydrated:

• Keep track of how much water you are drinking every day. Use a large water bottle, fill it every morning, and finish it before you go to bed.
• Drink a full glass of water when you wake up and an hour or two before you go to sleep. 
• The National Academy of Medicine suggests drinking around 72-104 ounces of water every day. Of course, the amount you need can vary depending on numerous factors including your height, weight, activity level, the amount you sweat and the climate around you. 

10) High Glucose Levels

What’s the scoop on glucose and aging? High blood sugar levels aren’t just a problem for people with diabetes. High blood sugar levels can also cause many age-related health problems. There are links between aging and elevated levels of glucose and insulin.

Believe it or not, reducing your glucose intake may be one of the solutions! Your body makes glucose from carbohydrate foods, and the quick-digesting carbohydrates from refined and processed foods, in particular, can contribute to higher levels of glucose. So, eating more whole foods is a good way to begin balancing your glucose intake.

Tips for Good Glucose Management:

• Understand your body’s needs based on genes, health conditions, and age. Make sure you get your yearly check-ins at the doctor and discuss your dietary needs with a doctor or dietitian.
• Use tools like continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to monitor and collect your body’s data. Your body will tell you what it needs; you just have to understand what it tells you… and a CGM can help you do that!