If you want to look and feel younger, you're
certainly not alone. You can take some simple
steps to look younger. However, the best
antidote for age is to maintain a healthy
lifestyle, eat right, and keep your brain active.
Method One of Four:
Looking Younger
Take a moment to smile. Simply
looking like you are enjoying life can
make you look younger. Frowning can make
you look older, while not smiling makes you
look the age you are. To seem younger, put
a smile on your face. [1]
Volumize your hair. Your hair can thin
out over time, whether you're a man or
a woman. One way to look younger is to
use a volumizing product to make your hair
look thicker. [2]
One way to add volume is to use a
mousse while your hair is still damp.
Then blow out your hair while using a
round brush to lift sections. If you
point your blow dryer directly at your
roots, you can get even more volume.
[3]
Pick a matching color for your hair.
Dying your hair obviously covers gray
hair, which can make you look younger;
however, if you pick a color that is close to
your skin tone, it can help hide your thinning
hair, as your scalp peeking through isn't so
obvious. [4]
Touch up your dye job regularly to
prevent roots from showing.
Keep your skin moisturized.
Moisturized skin looks younger and
healthier overall; dry skin can make you
look older. One way to help moisturize your
skin is to cut down your shower time and
stick to warm water instead of hot water. [5]
Also, look for soaps or cleansers that
have moisturizers in them to help keep
your skin hydrated. When you get out
of the shower, apply a lotion or cream
to help seal water next to your skin,
providing moisture. [6]
Apply moisturizer whenever your face
looks dry. Use a non-oily moisturizer
so that it won’t clog your pores and
cause pimples.
A humidifier in your home can also
help your skin, as can drinking enough
water. [7]
Keep the skin on your face skin
smooth. Use simple care techniques to
prevent pimples and help keep your skin
young. [8] For instance, always remove your
makeup and wash your face before bed.
Not washing your face can lead to your
pores clogging. [9]
Advertisement
Method Two of Four:
Retaining your Youth with a Healthy Lifestyle
Keep your body fit by exercising.
Exercise gives you energy and keeps
you active. In addition, it can help you
maintain a youthful figure. [10] It also tones
your muscles and improves your balance
and coordination, and it releases endorphins
to lift your mood.
For the best results, do both aerobic
exercise to trim down and strength
training to acquire shapely muscles.
Try to jog, walk, swim, or do other
physical (aerobic) activities for 150 to
75 minutes per week; focus on the low
end of that if you exercise more
vigorously and on the high end if you
exercise less vigorously. Aim for two
strength-training sessions, such as
weight lifting, a week. [11]
It may seem like a lot, but 150
minutes a week is really only 30
minutes five days a week. You can
break up those 30 minutes into 10-
minute intervals, which makes it even
easier to stay active.
Drink only in moderation . Drinking too
much can give you serious health
problems that will make you look and feel
old. Excessive drinking can cause cancers
of the digestive tract, heart problems,
strokes, high blood pressure, and liver
disease. [12]
If you do drink, you shouldn't drink
more than one drink per day as a
woman or a man over 65. Men under
65 can drink up two drinks per day. [13]
Preserve your health by not smoking .
Smoking will age your skin, reduce
your stamina, and give you serious health
problems. Smoking can cause a number of
diseases and make you look older. [14]
Smoking can contribute or cause lung
diseases, heart attacks, strokes,
diabetes, eye disorders like cataracts,
respiratory infections, gum diseases,
and various cancers (from cancer of
the esophagus to cancer of the mouth,
lungs, bladder, throat, or kidneys). [15]
Even if you’ve smoked for many years,
quitting will still improve your health,
let your body heal, and make you look
and feel younger.
Protect your skin with sunscreen.
Tanning, whether from natural sunlight
or from a tanning bed, exposes you to
ultraviolet radiation which damages your
skin. [16]
Avoid wrinkles, sun damage, and skin
cancer by using sunscreen when you
are exposed to strong sunlight.
Spray tans have chemicals that
shouldn’t be inhaled[17] and tanning
pills have chemicals that can turn
cause hives, liver damage, and vision
problems. [18] If you get a spray tan,
make sure you hold your breath and
close your eyes, and make sure the
facility is well-ventilated. You can also
try using a self-tanning lotion, which is
generally considered safe. [19]
Stay hydrated. Hydration keeps your
skin hydrated and helps you stay
healthy. It helps flush toxins from your
body, helping you look and feel younger. [20]
Adults should consume about 16 cups
(4 quarts) of fluids thought the day —
this includes water from foods, water,
and other beverages, like milk, juice,
and even coffee. [21]
Advertisement
Method Three of Four:
Eating Well to Look and Feel Good
Keep your body resilient by eating
enough protein. Your body needs
protein to heal and regenerate damaged or
old tissues. [22] Two to three servings of
protein rich foods per day should be plenty
for the average adult.
1 ounce of meat counts as equivalent
to one ounce of protein, but so does a
single egg, 1/4 cup of cooked beans,
and 1 tablespoon of peanut butter. [23]
From age 19 to 30, women should eat
5 1/2 ounce-equivalents of protein per
day, while women over age 30 should
eat 5 ounce- equivalents of protein per
day. Men age 19 to 30 should
consume 6 1/2 ounce-equivalents of
protein per day; from 31 to 50, men
should eat 6 ounce-equivalents, and
over 50, you should eat 5 1/2 ounce-
equivalents of protein per day. [24]
Give yourself the energy to lead an
active lifestyle. Carbohydrates provide
energy for you to get out and move. You
should be getting about half of your calories
from carbohydrates. [25]
Try to choose unprocessed, whole
grains over processed carbohydrates.
For instance, eat whole-grain pasta,
whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, fruits,
and vegetables over foods such as
white bread, soda, fruit juice, or
desserts. Whole grains have more fiber
and keep you fuller for longer, as it
takes your body longer to process. [26]
Keep your youth by eating lots of
fresh fruit and vegetables. A healthy
diet with fruits and vegetables will provide
you with the nutrients you need for an
active, on-the-go lifestyle. [27] Try to eat
the rainbow, meaning you should vary the
color of your fruits and vegetables, as they
all have different nutrients. For instance,
greens are high in vitamin K, which can
help reduce bruising, while red vegetables,
such as tomatoes, are high in lycopene,
which can help protect your skin from the
sun. [28]
On a 2,000 calorie diet, you should eat
2 cups of fruit and 2 1/2 cups of
vegetables a day. [29]
Fruits and vegetables are low in
calories and fat, but high in fiber and
vitamins. This healthy eating pattern
will reduce your risk for getting cancer,
heart problems, high blood pressure,
strokes, and diabetes.
Slow down on fat. As you get older,
your metabolism slows down and you
want to be careful not to gain too much
weight. You should keep your daily intake of
fat under 65 grams. [30]
Try to pick healthy fats over unhealthy
fats. Unhealthy fats include saturated
fats (mainly in fatty beef, chicken with
the skin still on, and full-fat dairy) [31]
and trans fats (mainly in hydrogenated
oils and processed foods). [32]
Healthier fats include
monounsaturated fats (in olive oil,
sesame oil, peanut oil, peanut butter,
and avocado, to name a few), [33]
polyunsaturated fats (in many plant-
based oils), and omega-3 fatty acids
(mainly in fish). [34]
Eating too much fat increases your
chances of high cholesterol, heart
problems, and strokes. You can reduce
your fat consumption by eating lean
meats, poultry, fish, and choosing low-
fat dairy products. [35]
Maintain a low-salt diet. Reducing salt
will help you avoid high blood pressure
and reduce your chances of heart, liver and
kidney conditions. While you need some salt
to stay healthy, too much is not good. [36]
Adults should consume no more than
about a teaspoon of salt per day,
which is about 2,300 milligrams of salt
per day. If you have a health condition,
such as high blood pressure, you need
to keep your intake under 1,500
milligrams per day. [37]
Read labels, as many products have
more salt than you would think. Often,
processed foods, such as canned
vegetables, lunch meats, frozen foods,
and pickles, are high in salt.
Advertisement
Method Four of Four:
Keeping Your Brain Sharp and Active
Stay mentally resilient by getting
enough sleep. Sleep deprivation will
make you feel foggy, out of it, and irritable.
[38] Therefore, getting enough sleep will
help you feel younger. Also, not getting
enough sleep can leave you looking
dragged-down, so getting your rest will also
help you look younger.
You should try to get seven to nine
hours of sleep every night. [39]
Dedicate time to relax and recharge.
Use a relaxation technique to help you
take a mental break from the world around
you and reduce the physical toll that stress
takes on the body. [40] For instance, you
could try deep breathing , yoga , meditation,
art or music therapy, or tai chi.
One way to relax through breathing is
to try the 4-7-8 method. That is,
breathe in for four counts. Hold your
breath for seven counts, and then
blow out for eight counts. Focus on
your breathing as you repeat it over
and over until you relax. Make sure to
breathe in through your nose and out
through your mouth. [41]
Take up new hobbies . New hobbies
will challenge your mind, keeping you
engaged in the world. In addition, you may
meet people through your hobbies. [42]
Keeping yourself interested in the
world will keep you happier, and as
was noted, happier people look
younger.
You can try anything from cooking to
woodworking to volunteering at your
local soup kitchen. You could even try
a sport. [43] Try your local parks and
rec department for opportunities
available in your area.
Stay connected to loved ones. Friends
and family will provide you with
support, distraction, advice, and help when
you need it. [44] Staying involved with
friends and family will be a source of
emotional fulfillment and keep you happier
and engaged.
Try using social media to stay in touch
with friends and family who are far
away.
If you are not close with your family or
don't have family but would like to talk
to someone, try calling a Warm Line,
which is a peer-run non-crisis hotline.
[45] You don't need to be in crisis to
call — anyone who wants to talk is
welcome to call this toll-free service.
[46]
You can meed people by going to
religious services, meetups, classes,
and community events.
Drink your coffee. Some studies have
shown that drinking coffee can reduce
your risk of developing dementia. So goand Feel Better
If you want to look and feel younger, you're
certainly not alone. You can take some simple
steps to look younger. However, the best
antidote for age is to maintain a healthy
lifestyle, eat right, and keep your brain active.
Method One of Four:
Looking Younger
Take a moment to smile. Simply
looking like you are enjoying life can
make you look younger. Frowning can make
you look older, while not smiling makes you
look the age you are. To seem younger, put
a smile on your face. [1]
Volumize your hair. Your hair can thin
out over time, whether you're a man or
a woman. One way to look younger is to
use a volumizing product to make your hair
look thicker. [2]
One way to add volume is to use a
mousse while your hair is still damp.
Then blow out your hair while using a
round brush to lift sections. If you
point your blow dryer directly at your
roots, you can get even more volume.
[3]
Pick a matching color for your hair.
Dying your hair obviously covers gray
hair, which can make you look younger;
however, if you pick a color that is close to
your skin tone, it can help hide your thinning
hair, as your scalp peeking through isn't so
obvious. [4]
Touch up your dye job regularly to
prevent roots from showing.
Keep your skin moisturized.
Moisturized skin looks younger and
healthier overall; dry skin can make you
look older. One way to help moisturize your
skin is to cut down your shower time and
stick to warm water instead of hot water. [5]
Also, look for soaps or cleansers that
have moisturizers in them to help keep
your skin hydrated. When you get out
of the shower, apply a lotion or cream
to help seal water next to your skin,
providing moisture. [6]
Apply moisturizer whenever your face
looks dry. Use a non-oily moisturizer
so that it won’t clog your pores and
cause pimples.
A humidifier in your home can also
help your skin, as can drinking enough
water. [7]
Keep the skin on your face skin
smooth. Use simple care techniques to
prevent pimples and help keep your skin
young. [8] For instance, always remove your
makeup and wash your face before bed.
Not washing your face can lead to your
pores clogging. [9]
Advertisement
Method Two of Four:
Retaining your Youth with a Healthy Lifestyle
Keep your body fit by exercising.
Exercise gives you energy and keeps
you active. In addition, it can help you
maintain a youthful figure. [10] It also tones
your muscles and improves your balance
and coordination, and it releases endorphins
to lift your mood.
For the best results, do both aerobic
exercise to trim down and strength
training to acquire shapely muscles.
Try to jog, walk, swim, or do other
physical (aerobic) activities for 150 to
75 minutes per week; focus on the low
end of that if you exercise more
vigorously and on the high end if you
exercise less vigorously. Aim for two
strength-training sessions, such as
weight lifting, a week. [11]
It may seem like a lot, but 150
minutes a week is really only 30
minutes five days a week. You can
break up those 30 minutes into 10-
minute intervals, which makes it even
easier to stay active.
Drink only in moderation . Drinking too
much can give you serious health
problems that will make you look and feel
old. Excessive drinking can cause cancers
of the digestive tract, heart problems,
strokes, high blood pressure, and liver
disease. [12]
If you do drink, you shouldn't drink
more than one drink per day as a
woman or a man over 65. Men under
65 can drink up two drinks per day. [13]
Preserve your health by not smoking .
Smoking will age your skin, reduce
your stamina, and give you serious health
problems. Smoking can cause a number of
diseases and make you look older. [14]
Smoking can contribute or cause lung
diseases, heart attacks, strokes,
diabetes, eye disorders like cataracts,
respiratory infections, gum diseases,
and various cancers (from cancer of
the esophagus to cancer of the mouth,
lungs, bladder, throat, or kidneys). [15]
Even if you’ve smoked for many years,
quitting will still improve your health,
let your body heal, and make you look
and feel younger.
Protect your skin with sunscreen.
Tanning, whether from natural sunlight
or from a tanning bed, exposes you to
ultraviolet radiation which damages your
skin. [16]
Avoid wrinkles, sun damage, and skin
cancer by using sunscreen when you
are exposed to strong sunlight.
Spray tans have chemicals that
shouldn’t be inhaled[17] and tanning
pills have chemicals that can turn
cause hives, liver damage, and vision
problems. [18] If you get a spray tan,
make sure you hold your breath and
close your eyes, and make sure the
facility is well-ventilated. You can also
try using a self-tanning lotion, which is
generally considered safe. [19]
Stay hydrated. Hydration keeps your
skin hydrated and helps you stay
healthy. It helps flush toxins from your
body, helping you look and feel younger. [20]
Adults should consume about 16 cups
(4 quarts) of fluids thought the day —
this includes water from foods, water,
and other beverages, like milk, juice,
and even coffee. [21]
Advertisement
Method Three of Four:
Eating Well to Look and Feel Good
Keep your body resilient by eating
enough protein. Your body needs
protein to heal and regenerate damaged or
old tissues. [22] Two to three servings of
protein rich foods per day should be plenty
for the average adult.
1 ounce of meat counts as equivalent
to one ounce of protein, but so does a
single egg, 1/4 cup of cooked beans,
and 1 tablespoon of peanut butter. [23]
From age 19 to 30, women should eat
5 1/2 ounce-equivalents of protein per
day, while women over age 30 should
eat 5 ounce- equivalents of protein per
day. Men age 19 to 30 should
consume 6 1/2 ounce-equivalents of
protein per day; from 31 to 50, men
should eat 6 ounce-equivalents, and
over 50, you should eat 5 1/2 ounce-
equivalents of protein per day. [24]
Give yourself the energy to lead an
active lifestyle. Carbohydrates provide
energy for you to get out and move. You
should be getting about half of your calories
from carbohydrates. [25]
Try to choose unprocessed, whole
grains over processed carbohydrates.
For instance, eat whole-grain pasta,
whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, fruits,
and vegetables over foods such as
white bread, soda, fruit juice, or
desserts. Whole grains have more fiber
and keep you fuller for longer, as it
takes your body longer to process. [26]
Keep your youth by eating lots of
fresh fruit and vegetables. A healthy
diet with fruits and vegetables will provide
you with the nutrients you need for an
active, on-the-go lifestyle. [27] Try to eat
the rainbow, meaning you should vary the
color of your fruits and vegetables, as they
all have different nutrients. For instance,
greens are high in vitamin K, which can
help reduce bruising, while red vegetables,
such as tomatoes, are high in lycopene,
which can help protect your skin from the
sun. [28]
On a 2,000 calorie diet, you should eat
2 cups of fruit and 2 1/2 cups of
vegetables a day. [29]
Fruits and vegetables are low in
calories and fat, but high in fiber and
vitamins. This healthy eating pattern
will reduce your risk for getting cancer,
heart problems, high blood pressure,
strokes, and diabetes.
Slow down on fat. As you get older,
your metabolism slows down and you
want to be careful not to gain too much
weight. You should keep your daily intake of
fat under 65 grams. [30]
Try to pick healthy fats over unhealthy
fats. Unhealthy fats include saturated
fats (mainly in fatty beef, chicken with
the skin still on, and full-fat dairy) [31]
and trans fats (mainly in hydrogenated
oils and processed foods). [32]
Healthier fats include
monounsaturated fats (in olive oil,
sesame oil, peanut oil, peanut butter,
and avocado, to name a few), [33]
polyunsaturated fats (in many plant-
based oils), and omega-3 fatty acids
(mainly in fish). [34]
Eating too much fat increases your
chances of high cholesterol, heart
problems, and strokes. You can reduce
your fat consumption by eating lean
meats, poultry, fish, and choosing low-
fat dairy products. [35]
Maintain a low-salt diet. Reducing salt
will help you avoid high blood pressure
and reduce your chances of heart, liver and
kidney conditions. While you need some salt
to stay healthy, too much is not good. [36]
Adults should consume no more than
about a teaspoon of salt per day,
which is about 2,300 milligrams of salt
per day. If you have a health condition,
such as high blood pressure, you need
to keep your intake under 1,500
milligrams per day. [37]
Read labels, as many products have
more salt than you would think. Often,
processed foods, such as canned
vegetables, lunch meats, frozen foods,
and pickles, are high in salt.
Advertisement
Method Four of Four:
Keeping Your Brain Sharp and Active
Stay mentally resilient by getting
enough sleep. Sleep deprivation will
make you feel foggy, out of it, and irritable.
[38] Therefore, getting enough sleep will
help you feel younger. Also, not getting
enough sleep can leave you looking
dragged-down, so getting your rest will also
help you look younger.
You should try to get seven to nine
hours of sleep every night. [39]
Dedicate time to relax and recharge.
Use a relaxation technique to help you
take a mental break from the world around
you and reduce the physical toll that stress
takes on the body. [40] For instance, you
could try deep breathing , yoga , meditation,
art or music therapy, or tai chi.
One way to relax through breathing is
to try the 4-7-8 method. That is,
breathe in for four counts. Hold your
breath for seven counts, and then
blow out for eight counts. Focus on
your breathing as you repeat it over
and over until you relax. Make sure to
breathe in through your nose and out
through your mouth. [41]
Take up new hobbies . New hobbies
will challenge your mind, keeping you
engaged in the world. In addition, you may
meet people through your hobbies. [42]
Keeping yourself interested in the
world will keep you happier, and as
was noted, happier people look
younger.
You can try anything from cooking to
woodworking to volunteering at your
local soup kitchen. You could even try
a sport. [43] Try your local parks and
rec department for opportunities
available in your area.
Stay connected to loved ones. Friends
and family will provide you with
support, distraction, advice, and help when
you need it. [44] Staying involved with
friends and family will be a source of
emotional fulfillment and keep you happier
and engaged.
Try using social media to stay in touch
with friends and family who are far
away.
If you are not close with your family or
don't have family but would like to talk
to someone, try calling a Warm Line,
which is a peer-run non-crisis hotline.
[45] You don't need to be in crisis to
call — anyone who wants to talk is
welcome to call this toll-free service.
[46]
You can meed people by going to
religious services, meetups, classes,
and community events.
Drink your coffee. Some studies have
shown that drinking coffee can reduce
your risk of developingand Feel Better
If you want to look and feel younger, you're
certainly not alone. You can take some simple
steps to look younger. However, the best
antidote for age is to maintain a healthy
lifestyle, eat right, and keep your brain active.
Method One of Four:
Looking Younger
Take a moment to smile. Simply
looking like you are enjoying life can
make you look younger. Frowning can make
you look older, while not smiling makes you
look the age you are. To seem younger, put
a smile on your face. [1]
Volumize your hair. Your hair can thin
out over time, whether you're a man or
a woman. One way to look younger is to
use a volumizing product to make your hair
look thicker. [2]
One way to add volume is to use a
mousse while your hair is still damp.
Then blow out your hair while using a
round brush to lift sections. If you
point your blow dryer directly at your
roots, you can get even more volume.
[3]
Pick a matching color for your hair.
Dying your hair obviously covers gray
hair, which can make you look younger;
however, if you pick a color that is close to
your skin tone, it can help hide your thinning
hair, as your scalp peeking through isn't so
obvious. [4]
Touch up your dye job regularly to
prevent roots from showing.
Keep your skin moisturized.
Moisturized skin looks younger and
healthier overall; dry skin can make you
look older. One way to help moisturize your
skin is to cut down your shower time and
stick to warm water instead of hot water. [5]
Also, look for soaps or cleansers that
have moisturizers in them to help keep
your skin hydrated. When you get out
of the shower, apply a lotion or cream
to help seal water next to your skin,
providing moisture. [6]
Apply moisturizer whenever your face
looks dry. Use a non-oily moisturizer
so that it won’t clog your pores and
cause pimples.
A humidifier in your home can also
help your skin, as can drinking enough
water. [7]
Keep the skin on your face skin
smooth. Use simple care techniques to
prevent pimples and help keep your skin
young. [8] For instance, always remove your
makeup and wash your face before bed.
Not washing your face can lead to your
pores clogging. [9]
Advertisement
Method Two of Four:
Retaining your Youth with a Healthy Lifestyle
Keep your body fit by exercising.
Exercise gives you energy and keeps
you active. In addition, it can help you
maintain a youthful figure. [10] It also tones
your muscles and improves your balance
and coordination, and it releases endorphins
to lift your mood.
For the best results, do both aerobic
exercise to trim down and strength
training to acquire shapely muscles.
Try to jog, walk, swim, or do other
physical (aerobic) activities for 150 to
75 minutes per week; focus on the low
end of that if you exercise more
vigorously and on the high end if you
exercise less vigorously. Aim for two
strength-training sessions, such as
weight lifting, a week. [11]
It may seem like a lot, but 150
minutes a week is really only 30
minutes five days a week. You can
break up those 30 minutes into 10-
minute intervals, which makes it even
easier to stay active.
Drink only in moderation . Drinking too
much can give you serious health
problems that will make you look and feel
old. Excessive drinking can cause cancers
of the digestive tract, heart problems,
strokes, high blood pressure, and liver
disease. [12]
If you do drink, you shouldn't drink
more than one drink per day as a
woman or a man over 65. Men under
65 can drink up two drinks per day. [13]
Preserve your health by not smoking .
Smoking will age your skin, reduce
your stamina, and give you serious health
problems. Smoking can cause a number of
diseases and make you look older. [14]
Smoking can contribute or cause lung
diseases, heart attacks, strokes,
diabetes, eye disorders like cataracts,
respiratory infections, gum diseases,
and various cancers (from cancer of
the esophagus to cancer of the mouth,
lungs, bladder, throat, or kidneys). [15]
Even if you’ve smoked for many years,
quitting will still improve your health,
let your body heal, and make you look
and feel younger.
Protect your skin with sunscreen.
Tanning, whether from natural sunlight
or from a tanning bed, exposes you to
ultraviolet radiation which damages your
skin. [16]
Avoid wrinkles, sun damage, and skin
cancer by using sunscreen when you
are exposed to strong sunlight.
Spray tans have chemicals that
shouldn’t be inhaled[17] and tanning
pills have chemicals that can turn
cause hives, liver damage, and vision
problems. [18] If you get a spray tan,
make sure you hold your breath and
close your eyes, and make sure the
facility is well-ventilated. You can also
try using a self-tanning lotion, which is
generally considered safe. [19]
Stay hydrated. Hydration keeps your
skin hydrated and helps you stay
healthy. It helps flush toxins from your
body, helping you look and feel younger. [20]
Adults should consume about 16 cups
(4 quarts) of fluids thought the day —
this includes water from foods, water,
and other beverages, like milk, juice,
and even coffee. [21]
Advertisement
Method Three of Four:
Eating Well to Look and Feel Good
Keep your body resilient by eating
enough protein. Your body needs
protein to heal and regenerate damaged or
old tissues. [22] Two to three servings of
protein rich foods per day should be plenty
for the average adult.
1 ounce of meat counts as equivalent
to one ounce of protein, but so does a
single egg, 1/4 cup of cooked beans,
and 1 tablespoon of peanut butter. [23]
From age 19 to 30, women should eat
5 1/2 ounce-equivalents of protein per
day, while women over age 30 should
eat 5 ounce- equivalents of protein per
day. Men age 19 to 30 should
consume 6 1/2 ounce-equivalents of
protein per day; from 31 to 50, men
should eat 6 ounce-equivalents, and
over 50, you should eat 5 1/2 ounce-
equivalents of protein per day. [24]
Give yourself the energy to lead an
active lifestyle. Carbohydrates provide
energy for you to get out and move. You
should be getting about half of your calories
from carbohydrates. [25]
Try to choose unprocessed, whole
grains over processed carbohydrates.
For instance, eat whole-grain pasta,
whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, fruits,
and vegetables over foods such as
white bread, soda, fruit juice, or
desserts. Whole grains have more fiber
and keep you fuller for longer, as it
takes your body longer to process. [26]
Keep your youth by eating lots of
fresh fruit and vegetables. A healthy
diet with fruits and vegetables will provide
you with the nutrients you need for an
active, on-the-go lifestyle. [27] Try to eat
the rainbow, meaning you should vary the
color of your fruits and vegetables, as they
all have different nutrients. For instance,
greens are high in vitamin K, which can
help reduce bruising, while red vegetables,
such as tomatoes, are high in lycopene,
which can help protect your skin from the
sun. [28]
On a 2,000 calorie diet, you should eat
2 cups of fruit and 2 1/2 cups of
vegetables a day. [29]
Fruits and vegetables are low in
calories and fat, but high in fiber and
vitamins. This healthy eating pattern
will reduce your risk for getting cancer,
heart problems, high blood pressure,
strokes, and diabetes.
Slow down on fat. As you get older,
your metabolism slows down and you
want to be careful not to gain too much
weight. You should keep your daily intake of
fat under 65 grams. [30]
Try to pick healthy fats over unhealthy
fats. Unhealthy fats include saturated
fats (mainly in fatty beef, chicken with
the skin still on, and full-fat dairy) [31]
and trans fats (mainly in hydrogenated
oils and processed foods). [32]
Healthier fats include
monounsaturated fats (in olive oil,
sesame oil, peanut oil, peanut butter,
and avocado, to name a few), [33]
polyunsaturated fats (in many plant-
based oils), and omega-3 fatty acids
(mainly in fish). [34]
Eating too much fat increases your
chances of high cholesterol, heart
problems, and strokes. You can reduce
your fat consumption by eating lean
meats, poultry, fish, and choosing low-
fat dairy products. [35]
Maintain a low-salt diet. Reducing salt
will help you avoid high blood pressure
and reduce your chances of heart, liver and
kidney conditions. While you need some salt
to stay healthy, too much is not good. [36]
Adults should consume no more than
about a teaspoon of salt per day,
which is about 2,300 milligrams of salt
per day. If you have a health condition,
such as high blood pressure, you need
to keep your intake under 1,500
milligrams per day. [37]
Read labels, as many products have
more salt than you would think. Often,
processed foods, such as canned
vegetables, lunch meats, frozen foods,
and pickles, are high in salt.
Advertisement
Method Four of Four:
Keeping Your Brain Sharp and Active
Stay mentally resilient by getting
enough sleep. Sleep deprivation will
make you feel foggy, out of it, and irritable.
[38] Therefore, getting enough sleep will
help you feel younger. Also, not getting
enough sleep can leave you looking
dragged-down, so getting your rest will also
help you look younger.
You should try to get seven to nine
hours of sleep every night. [39]
Dedicate time to relax and recharge.
Use a relaxation technique to help you
take a mental break from the world around
you and reduce the physical toll that stress
takes on the body. [40] For instance, you
could try deep breathing , yoga , meditation,
art or music therapy, or tai chi.
One way to relax through breathing is
to try the 4-7-8 method. That is,
breathe in for four counts. Hold your
breath for seven counts, and then
blow out for eight counts. Focus on
your breathing as you repeat it over
and over until you relax. Make sure to
breathe in through your nose and out
through your mouth. [41]
Take up new hobbies . New hobbies
will challenge your mind, keeping you
engaged in the world. In addition, you may
meet people through your hobbies. [42]
Keeping yourself interested in the
world will keep you happier, and as
was noted, happier people look
younger.
You can try anything from cooking to
woodworking to volunteering at your
local soup kitchen. You could even try
a sport. [43] Try your local parks and
rec department for opportunities
available in your area.
Stay connected to loved ones. Friends
and family will provide you with
support, distraction, advice, and help when
you need it. [44] Staying involved with
friends and family will be a source of
emotional fulfillment and keep you happier
and engaged.
Try using social media to stay in touch
with friends and family who are far
away.
If you are not close with your family or
don't have family but would like to talk
to someone, try calling a Warm Line,
which is a peer-run non-crisis hotline.
[45] You don't need to be in crisis to
call — anyone who wants to talk is
welcome to call this toll-free service.
[46]
You can meed people by going to
religious services, meetups, classes,
and community events.
Drink your coffee. Some studies have
shown that drinking coffee can reduce
your risk of developing dementia. So go
aheadand Feel Better
If you want to look and feel younger, you're
certainly not alone. You can take some simple
steps to look younger. However, the best
antidote for age is to maintain a healthy
lifestyle, eat right, and keep your brain active.
Method One of Four:
Looking Younger
Take a moment to smile. Simply
looking like you are enjoying life can
make you look younger. Frowning can make
you look older, while not smiling makes you
look the age you are. To seem younger, put
a smile on your face. [1]
Volumize your hair. Your hair can thin
out over time, whether you're a man or
a woman. One way to look younger is to
use a volumizing product to make your hair
look thicker. [2]
One way to add volume is to use a
mousse while your hair is still damp.
Then blow out your hair while using a
round brush to lift sections. If you
point your blow dryer directly at your
roots, you can get even more volume.
[3]
Pick a matching color for your hair.
Dying your hair obviously covers gray
hair, which can make you look younger;
however, if you pick a color that is close to
your skin tone, it can help hide your thinning
hair, as your scalp peeking through isn't so
obvious. [4]
Touch up your dye job regularly to
prevent roots from showing.
Keep your skin moisturized.
Moisturized skin looks younger and
healthier overall; dry skin can make you
look older. One way to help moisturize your
skin is to cut down your shower time and
stick to warm water instead of hot water. [5]
Also, look for soaps or cleansers that
have moisturizers in them to help keep
your skin hydrated. When you get out
of the shower, apply a lotion or cream
to help seal water next to your skin,
providing moisture. [6]
Apply moisturizer whenever your face
looks dry. Use a non-oily moisturizer
so that it won’t clog your pores and
cause pimples.
A humidifier in your home can also
help your skin, as can drinking enough
water. [7]
Keep the skin on your face skin
smooth. Use simple care techniques to
prevent pimples and help keep your skin
young. [8] For instance, always remove your
makeup and wash your face before bed.
Not washing your face can lead to your
pores clogging. [9]
Advertisement
Method Two of Four:
Retaining your Youth with a Healthy Lifestyle
Keep your body fit by exercising.
Exercise gives you energy and keeps
you active. In addition, it can help you
maintain a youthful figure. [10] It also tones
your muscles and improves your balance
and coordination, and it releases endorphins
to lift your mood.
For the best results, do both aerobic
exercise to trim down and strength
training to acquire shapely muscles.
Try to jog, walk, swim, or do other
physical (aerobic) activities for 150 to
75 minutes per week; focus on the low
end of that if you exercise more
vigorously and on the high end if you
exercise less vigorously. Aim for two
strength-training sessions, such as
weight lifting, a week. [11]
It may seem like a lot, but 150
minutes a week is really only 30
minutes five days a week. You can
break up those 30 minutes into 10-
minute intervals, which makes it even
easier to stay active.
Drink only in moderation . Drinking too
much can give you serious health
problems that will make you look and feel
old. Excessive drinking can cause cancers
of the digestive tract, heart problems,
strokes, high blood pressure, and liver
disease. [12]
If you do drink, you shouldn't drink
more than one drink per day as a
woman or a man over 65. Men under
65 can drink up two drinks per day. [13]
Preserve your health by not smoking .
Smoking will age your skin, reduce
your stamina, and give you serious health
problems. Smoking can cause a number of
diseases and make you look older. [14]
Smoking can contribute or cause lung
diseases, heart attacks, strokes,
diabetes, eye disorders like cataracts,
respiratory infections, gum diseases,
and various cancers (from cancer of
the esophagus to cancer of the mouth,
lungs, bladder, throat, or kidneys). [15]
Even if you’ve smoked for many years,
quitting will still improve your health,
let your body heal, and make you look
and feel younger.
Protect your skin with sunscreen.
Tanning, whether from natural sunlight
or from a tanning bed, exposes you to
ultraviolet radiation which damages your
skin. [16]
Avoid wrinkles, sun damage, and skin
cancer by using sunscreen when you
are exposed to strong sunlight.
Spray tans have chemicals that
shouldn’t be inhaled[17] and tanning
pills have chemicals that can turn
cause hives, liver damage, and vision
problems. [18] If you get a spray tan,
make sure you hold your breath and
close your eyes, and make sure the
facility is well-ventilated. You can also
try using a self-tanning lotion, which is
generally considered safe. [19]
Stay hydrated. Hydration keeps your
skin hydrated and helps you stay
healthy. It helps flush toxins from your
body, helping you look and feel younger. [20]
Adults should consume about 16 cups
(4 quarts) of fluids thought the day —
this includes water from foods, water,
and other beverages, like milk, juice,
and even coffee. [21]
Advertisement
Method Three of Four:
Eating Well to Look and Feel Good
Keep your body resilient by eating
enough protein. Your body needs
protein to heal and regenerate damaged or
old tissues. [22] Two to three servings of
protein rich foods per day should be plenty
for the average adult.
1 ounce of meat counts as equivalent
to one ounce of protein, but so does a
single egg, 1/4 cup of cooked beans,
and 1 tablespoon of peanut butter. [23]
From age 19 to 30, women should eat
5 1/2 ounce-equivalents of protein per
day, while women over age 30 should
eat 5 ounce- equivalents of protein per
day. Men age 19 to 30 should
consume 6 1/2 ounce-equivalents of
protein per day; from 31 to 50, men
should eat 6 ounce-equivalents, and
over 50, you should eat 5 1/2 ounce-
equivalents of protein per day. [24]
Give yourself the energy to lead an
active lifestyle. Carbohydrates provide
energy for you to get out and move. You
should be getting about half of your calories
from carbohydrates. [25]
Try to choose unprocessed, whole
grains over processed carbohydrates.
For instance, eat whole-grain pasta,
whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, fruits,
and vegetables over foods such as
white bread, soda, fruit juice, or
desserts. Whole grains have more fiber
and keep you fuller for longer, as it
takes your body longer to process. [26]
Keep your youth by eating lots of
fresh fruit and vegetables. A healthy
diet with fruits and vegetables will provide
you with the nutrients you need for an
active, on-the-go lifestyle. [27] Try to eat
the rainbow, meaning you should vary the
color of your fruits and vegetables, as they
all have different nutrients. For instance,
greens are high in vitamin K, which can
help reduce bruising, while red vegetables,
such as tomatoes, are high in lycopene,
which can help protect your skin from the
sun. [28]
On a 2,000 calorie diet, you should eat
2 cups of fruit and 2 1/2 cups of
vegetables a day. [29]
Fruits and vegetables are low in
calories and fat, but high in fiber and
vitamins. This healthy eating pattern
will reduce your risk for getting cancer,
heart problems, high blood pressure,
strokes, and diabetes.
Slow down on fat. As you get older,
your metabolism slows down and you
want to be careful not to gain too much
weight. You should keep your daily intake of
fat under 65 grams. [30]
Try to pick healthy fats over unhealthy
fats. Unhealthy fats include saturated
fats (mainly in fatty beef, chicken with
the skin still on, and full-fat dairy) [31]
and trans fats (mainly in hydrogenated
oils and processed foods). [32]
Healthier fats include
monounsaturated fats (in olive oil,
sesame oil, peanut oil, peanut butter,
and avocado, to name a few), [33]
polyunsaturated fats (in many plant-
based oils), and omega-3 fatty acids
(mainly in fish). [34]
Eating too much fat increases your
chances of high cholesterol, heart
problems, and strokes. You can reduce
your fat consumption by eating lean
meats, poultry, fish, and choosing low-
fat dairy products. [35]
Maintain a low-salt diet. Reducing salt
will help you avoid high blood pressure
and reduce your chances of heart, liver and
kidney conditions. While you need some salt
to stay healthy, too much is not good. [36]
Adults should consume no more than
about a teaspoon of salt per day,
which is about 2,300 milligrams of salt
per day. If you have a health condition,
such as high blood pressure, you need
to keep your intake under 1,500
milligrams per day. [37]
Read labels, as many products have
more salt than you would think. Often,
processed foods, such as canned
vegetables, lunch meats, frozen foods,
and pickles, are high in salt.
Advertisement
Method Four of Four:
Keeping Your Brain Sharp and Active
Stay mentally resilient by getting
enough sleep. Sleep deprivation will
make you feel foggy, out of it, and irritable.
[38] Therefore, getting enough sleep will
help you feel younger. Also, not getting
enough sleep can leave you looking
dragged-down, so getting your rest will also
help you look younger.
You should try to get seven to nine
hours of sleep every night. [39]
Dedicate time to relax and recharge.
Use a relaxation technique to help you
take a mental break from the world around
you and reduce the physical toll that stress
takes on the body. [40] For instance, you
could try deep breathing , yoga , meditation,
art or music therapy, or tai chi.
One way to relax through breathing is
to try the 4-7-8 method. That is,
breathe in for four counts. Hold your
breath for seven counts, and then
blow out for eight counts. Focus on
your breathing as you repeat it over
and over until you relax. Make sure to
breathe in through your nose and out
through your mouth. [41]
Take up new hobbies . New hobbies
will challenge your mind, keeping you
engaged in the world. In addition, you may
meet people through your hobbies. [42]
Keeping yourself interested in the
world will keep you happier, and as
was noted, happier people look
younger.
You can try anything from cooking to
woodworking to volunteering at your
local soup kitchen. You could even try
a sport. [43] Try your local parks and
rec department for opportunities
available in your area.
Stay connected to loved ones. Friends
and family will provide you with
support, distraction, advice, and help when
you need it. [44] Staying involved with
friends and family will be a source of
emotional fulfillment and keep you happier
and engaged.
Try using social media to stay in touch
with friends and family who are far
away.
If you are not close with your family or
don't have family but would like to talk
to someone, try calling a Warm Line,
which is a peer-run non-crisis hotline.
[45] You don't need to be in crisis to
call — anyone who wants to talk is
welcome to call this toll-free service.
[46]
You can meed people by going to
religious services, meetups, classes,
and community events.
Drink your coffee. Some studies have
shown that drinking coffee can reduce
your risk of developing dementia. So go
ahead and have a cup or three a day. [47]
