6 Healthy Choices for a Better Future Your 80-Year-Old Self Will Thank You For

Sixty years from now, you’ll be glad you made these simple choices for health and longevity

We don’t spend a lot of time thinking about our golden years when we’re living it up in our 20s and 30s, but what if your 80-year-old self suddenly came by for a visit?

The first thing you’d probably think is, “Okay, this is weird,” but imagine if the second thing that came to your mind was, “Wow, I look great!”

The choices you make today will affect the person you’ll be when you’re older. Read on for the seven things your 80-year-old self wants you to focus on now so you can look and feel like a million bucks far into the future.

Healthy Choices You Need To Make Now

1. Curb Your Sugar Habit

While some natural sugar is OK, the sooner you’re able to kick your dependence on using it regularly, the better off you’ll be. Excessive sugar consumption can increase one’s risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and hypertension -- chronic issues that can be difficult at any age, but especially for those who are elderly.

2. Eat Your Fruits and Vegetables

If you haven’t already incorporated fruits and vegetables into your daily diet, now is the time! The vitamins and minerals in these natural foods can do wonders for everything from your immune system to your digestive system and your brain. One thing to keep in mind when it comes to fruit: Certain varieties like berries and citrus can be very acidic, and over time, acid erosion can wear down tooth enamel. Instead of avoiding these healthy options, brush with a toothpaste that helps protect against acid erosion, like Pronamel. Pronamel strengthens and rehardens enamel (when used twice a day), helping to protect against the effects of acid erosion so your pearly whites can stay that way — all the way into your 80s!

3. Fall in Love With Physical Activity

It doesn’t matter if you join a gym, take up a yoga practice, or just decide to go on one long walk a day; the more you can learn to love daily physical activity, the easier it is for your body to protect itself against health issues like cancer, osteoporosis, increased inflammation, and muscle deterioration. Oh, and it may also make you happier!

4. Lather on the SPF

Protect your skin for the long haul by using sunscreen daily. A lot of moisturizers now come with SPF mixed right in, so you don’t even have to worry about adding an extra step to your routine.

5. Deepen Your Support Circle

As we age, friendship and support from the people we love becomes more and more important. Spend time showing your loved ones how much they mean to you now, so you’ll have tight bonds as the years go on.

6. Manage Your Stress

Stress is one of those things that doesn’t really dissipate with age, so the sooner you can figure out how to manage it, the easier your golden years will be! Whatever work you have to put in now to learn how to keep your stress in check will definitely pay off down the road.