The body may be a temple, but some of us are getting older by the minute.
That’s part of life, of course. You can’t outrun father time. But do we really need to look the part? Not at all. Anti-aging for men is about knowledge, of healthy lifestyle and preventative measures, and commitment to living well and looking good.
In this article we’ll review anti-aging tips for men.
Diet
Eat well and you’ll look young, with healthy skin, fewer ailments and a few marbles rolling upstairs and in your pants. This is parlance for a diet that’s low in sugars and processed foods, high in fruits, vegetables and foods that can go bad. If it’s grown or caught, chances are it hasn’t been treated with nasty preservatives.
The body needs a variety of vitamins, minerals and nutrients to function. The chances you’ll find them in a pre-packaged, sugar-laden collection of chocolate-covered donuts? Zero. In a balanced diet, of roughly thirty per cent protein, thirty per cent healthy fats (yes, they exist) and twenty per cent carbohydrates, with an emphasis on oily fish, nuts, lean meats and green vegetables? A lot higher.
Exercise
The benefits of exercise in men are great. Exercise prevents obesity, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, among other ailments, and reduces our chances of immobility in old age. Resistance training, particularly core exercises like deadlifts, squats and bench press, build muscles and boost metabolism. That’s great to keep the weight off, and increase bone density.
But don’t feel that you’re limited to free weights. Any exercise that gets your heart pumping can benefit your body and reduce the effects of aging, be it walking, swimming or basketball. Just do it at least three times a week, for 45 minutes at a time, and be sure to work up a sweat.
Sleep
Try to get eight hours of sleep each night. That can be difficult, given the hectic lifestyles we lead and the 24/7 nature of digital communications. But try, because adequate rest is essential to healthy looking skin and can reduce wrinkles and dark circles under the eyes.
Avoid sleeping pills. They’re addictive and come with unpleasant side effects. Try to maintain the same sleep schedule each night. Don’t eat large meals before bed. Keep your bedroom dark and cool, and if you have a night when you can’t fall asleep, force yourself through the next day and stay up until your regular bed time, and you’ll probably be out like a light.
Hair Loss
No getting around this one. Estimates suggest that 85% of men will experience noticeable hair loss by age 50, and it’s usually in our genes.
If it bothers you, and you can get away with it, shave your head. Some guys do it well – Vin Diesel, Patrick Stewart and Jason Statham make it cool to be bald.
If you can’t get away with it (ask several female friends), there are treatments. Rogaine and Propecia are reasonably effective for preserving hair, but have lingering side effects. Profollica might be safer. You might also try hair transplants, which can be expensive, but are a permanent solution and can help boost self-confidence.
Skin Care
Wanna really look old? Smoke lots, drink hard and spend plenty of time in the sun. Do that for thirty years and you’ll look like a peanut at 50.
But assuming you don’t want to look old, remember that skin gives away age like nothing else. So take care of it. Wash with a facial and body cleanser each day. Don’t use a body soap or cleanser on your face. And moisturize, with a moisturizer for the face and one for the body. Do this every day, and apply a night cream before bed, to restore the skin’s integrity while you’re resting.
In addition, remember that sun damage causes wrinkles. Try to limit sun exposure between 10AM and 4PM. Always use sunscreen, of at least SPF 15, and higher in hot climates. Apply at least 20 minutes before exposure, and re-apply every two hours, after being in water, or sweating. When possible, wear a wide-brimmed hat.
Final Thoughts on Anti-Aging For Men
You’d be surprised how far a healthy lifestyle will take you. Eat well and you’ll have better skin and you’ll shed pounds. Exercise often and you’ll stay mobile with a boisterous sex drive and you’ll probably keep dementia at a good distance. It’s a commitment, but a good one to make.
A parting thought to leave you with. While it’s well-known that red wide contains antioxidants and may prevent heart disease, excessive consumption of alcohol can age skin and invites a variety of ailments. Anti-aging doesn’t exclude booze, but keep it at one drink a day.
