In their new book, Paths to Healthy Aging husband and wife, Doctors Mehrdad (Mike) Ayati and Arezou (Hope) Azarani, dispel age-related myths and provide the tools necessary to create a healthy, joyful and energetic lifestyle
SKIP THE VITAMINS AND SUPPLEMENTS If you eat a balanced diet are in good health and do not have a medical condition, you do not need vitamin and mineral supplements. Marketing campaigns entice us to take over-the-counter vitamins and supplements—currently a $68 billion global market—despite the absence of evidence as to their benefits. These unregulated substances can interact with prescription medications with serious consequences to health. Only take vitamins and supplements under the close supervision of your doctor (if your doctor decides that you need them after running blood tests). Also, avoid fad and drastic diets. Eat a healthy balanced diet and keep in mind that being a little overweight for the elderly is beneficial rather than harmful.
OPT FOR MODERATE EXERCISE Americans spend $2.6 billion per year on gym memberships. While only 8% actually show up at the gym. We are commercially influenced to exercise, not moderately (which is healthy), but excessively and obsessively, which can be both unrealistic and dangerous for aging bodies. However, healthy physical fitness can be achieved by moderate exercise, which could be performed outside of a gym and without purchasing expensive exercise equipment (walking in the park, gardening, yoga, and tai chi). Engaging in moderate exercise is not only important for staying fit and healthy but it is also crucial for maintaining and improving mental health and cognitive functions.
This article originally appeared in the Summer 2015 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.
