Forever young: alumna’s healthy aging tips

The Concordian offers four tips for healthy aging:

1. Be wary of marketing: “Vitamins and over-the-counter supplements have millions of dollars of advertising behind them. Data suggests most people get everything they need from a balanced diet.”

Azarani notes the same can be said of exercise. “Fitness is highly commercialized. We’re encouraged to join gyms, buy equipment and workout strenuously. Moderate exercise is usually enough.”

2. Too much medication is a problem: “As we age, we deal with multiple chronic illnesses,” says Azarani. “As a result, lots of medications are prescribed.”

Citing the U.S. as an example, nearly 40 per cent of seniors take over five medications. Drug interactions and side effects can be fatal, explains Azarani.

3. Think about nutrition: “With age, we lose our appetites and taste buds. The amount of muscle we have decreases,” says Azarani. “The best practice is to eat a range of foods that we enjoy and that are healthy.”

The book itself emphasizes the importance of consuming fats, carbohydrates and protein — warning against diets that eliminate one of these groups.

4. Choose a physician wisely: “You should find someone you trust, who cares about your specific needs,” says Azarani. She notes that in the U.S. it can be difficult to find a primary care physician.

• Paths to Healthy Aging can be purchased online.