THE WARNING SIGNS THAT YOUR BODY IS AGING TOO FAST AND HOW TO FIGHT BACK.

 Courtesy Futurrisk Health Tip

For those of you in your 40s, 50s, and even your early 60s, here are some signs to watch out for. They’re telling you that your body may be aging faster than it should.

1. Slow walking. There are fast walkers and there are s-l-o-w walkers. But it turns out that this isn’t just a matter of preference. An astounding study showed that slow walkers at age 45 are more likely to show accelerated signs of aging, especially in the lungs, teeth, and immune system. They’re also more likely to show decreased cognitive function sooner than fast walkers. But new research has found brisk walking is key to slower aging because of the effects on our telomeres.

Start a walking program. Begin with just five minutes a day and build up to thirty minutes. Try to work up to a pace of 100 steps a minute.

2. Sun spots. Sun spots are most common once you’ve reached 50 years old. They’re brown spots that appear most often on the face, hands, and arms. Most sun spots are harmless, but you should see your doctor if they are black instead of brown, or if they change shape or bleed.

Avoid being in the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun is strongest. And always wear sunscreen. But be aware that some sunscreens pose a danger. Check out the Environmental Working Group’s list for safer sunscreens.  Eating an abundance of nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables, especially those high in polyphenols, like grapes,  can help boost your skin’s sun protection.

3. Easy bruising. As you age, your skin gets thinner and loses fat. This is especially true after 60, and especially if you’re a woman. Your blood vessels are also more fragile. And certain medications make it worse.

Vitamin C and two other natural supplements- RUTIN- Most people have never even heard of rutin but it’s a powerhouse when it comes to maintaining the strength of your capillaries and overcoming easy bruising. Rutin is found in apple peel, citrus fruit, black tea, and even buckwheat bran. HESPERIDIN- Like rutin, hesperidin is a bioflavonoid found in the peels of citrus fruits. Along with rutin and Vitamin C, taking hesperidin can dramatically reduce bruising and strengthen your capillaries. To get the most benefits from all three of these skin savers, you may want to try 400 to 500 mg of vitamin C and a combination of hesperidin and rutin, equating to a total of 400 mg, to your routine. By taking Vitamin C, rutin, and hesperidin you will make your blood vessels stronger and stop the bruising that leaves you with unsightly marks. Your skin will look younger and healthier and you’ll feel more confident. Just remember if you are on medications for blood conditions, it’s a good idea to discuss any supplements with your doctor that may have an effect. In one study, patients suffering from pigmented purpura — those deep purple bruises that get progressively worse — that took 50 mg of rutin two times per day along with 500 mg of Vitamin C twice a day were completely healed of their bruising within just four weeks. can strengthen your blood vessels, stop the bruising and help skin look younger and healthier.

4. Decreasing hand strength. Your grip strength may start to drop when you reach your 50s. You might find it harder to open a jar or keep your grip on the steering wheel. So much of what we do these days is automated. The push of a key on the keyboard or the tap of a Smartphone can accomplish a task that used to take effort. One study found that hand strength among millennials is nearly twenty percent weaker than it is in people thirty years their senior. This may not seem like a big concern. But studies have shown that grip strength is statistically connected to your lifespan, as well as to your risk of dementia, heart attack and stroke. You need to exercise your hands, just like you exercise the rest of your body. Studies have shown that grip strength is statistically connected to your: Lifespan, Risk for heart attack and stroke,  Dementia risk,  Mobility, Loss of overall muscle mass (sarcopenia), Chance of survival if you get cancer, etc.

Grip strength has even been revealed as a more reliable gauge of your biological age (how old your body seems based on certain biological and physical markers) than the number of candles on your last birthday cake. Here are eight simple things you can do to keep your hands strong, whatever your age.

• Playing with clay. Smash it, squeeze it, roll it, pinch it — It will all lead to better grip strength.
• Wringing out a wet cloth. Moisten a cloth or towel and wring it out with your hand. You can even do some cleaning while you’re at it.
• Making a fist. Squeeze your hand tightly into a fist, hold it for a few seconds and then release. Doing repetitions of this exercise whenever you have a few minutes to spare will increase your grip strength over time.
• Doing some gardening. Pulling weeds is a great way to strengthen your grip.
• Practicing opening tight jars. Not only will this strengthen your grip, but it will prevent you from future frustration at not being able to open that jar of salsa you really want to snack on.
• Trying rock climbing. If you start visiting your local climbing wall, your grip strength is sure to improve in no time.
• Playing tug of war. Grab a rope or a TheraBand and encourage a friend or family member to strengthen their grip with you by playing one of your favorite childhood games.
• Kneading some dough.